Hydraulic Cylinder PU Foam Injection Molding

Injection molding is a common manufacturing process used to produce many of the items we see and use daily. Various products require a specialized injection molding process that uses hydraulic cylinders to achieve the requirements for a more robust product. Large parts, such as a vehicle door panel, outdoor products, business equipment, and other large heavier parts containing ribs, and other support features may use the specialized process of foam molding.
Foam molding, a type of Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) is commonly used with Polyurethane (PU) material, in a low-pressure molding application where a foaming agent is added in the mold cavity where it expands to fill the cavity. The chemical reaction results in a solid outer surface for a flexible rigid part. Like other injection molding processes, hydraulics and the use of hydraulic cylinders are common in foam molding.

Several components of the equipment used in foam molding may use hydraulic cylinders; Equipment includes, low- and high-pressure machines, metering units, mix heads, and spray foam units. Hydraulic Cylinders are a common component for both types of metering units, pump, and cylinder applications. Pump applications are used for non-abrasive materials, versus the cylinder which is ideal for more abrasive types of material. Applications may include a single, double, or tandem hydraulic cylinder. Spray foam units with hydraulic parts may be preferred over a pneumatic style due to concerns with inconsistent air supply associated with the pneumatic version.