Lauren is a specialist in satisfying customer requests, and we have built our manufacturing process on the intent that every customer's need is unique. Therefore, we can work with you to perfectly match specifications, and still keep you on schedule and within budget.

Matching specifications exactly

Polymer products may also be shaped into their final form through a molding process. In this process, the final shape of the end product, such as a ball, is determined by the shape and contour of a mold cavity. Molding is used when the final product needs to be conjoined and transitional between planes, as opposed to the continuous, non-transitional profile of an extruded product. There are three basic types of molding processes used to shape polymer products: compression, transfer and injection. Other forms of molding, such as bladder molding, are variations of the three basic types.

Compression Molding

Compression molding takes place as two plates of mold are forced together. A slightly oversized rubber preform (raw compound) is shaped to approximately fit into the mold cavity. When the plates are squeezed together, the preform is compressed and forced to conform to the mold cavity. A molding press is used to provide the necessary force to close the mold. Excess material, or flash, that squeezes out is pushed into grooves cut into the top plate and later trimmed off. Once the curing or vulcanizing process is complete, the mold is opened and the molded product can be removed).

Transfer Molding

Transfer molding can be considered a form of compression molding in that pressure forces the rubber to conform to the mold cavity. The main difference is that in transfer molding, the rubber preform is heated and forced by a plunger through a funnel-shaped opening, or sprue, into the mold cavity. For more information on Lauren Manufacturing's Molding Capabilities, click here to download a brochure.

Injection Molding

Injection molding is a different, more complex process than both compression and transfer molding. The most significant difference is that the mold is not forced together, rather the mold halves begin the process clamped together. Once the mold is clamped, preheated rubber is forced into the sprue of a hot mold.