Reaction Injection Moulding RIM

Reaction Injection Moulding

RIM Moulding is used for rapid prototyping and low volume production, as the process offers a fast turnaround and robust end use products.

Tooling alternative | Fast turnaround | Repeatable

What is Reaction Injection Moulding?

Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM) is a manufacturing process used to create lightweight, durable plastic parts by injecting two reactive liquid components into a mould, where they chemically react and cure into a solid shape.

The process involves mixing two low-viscosity liquids—typically a polyol and an isocyanate—which are then injected at low pressure into a closed mould. Inside the mould, the materials chemically react and expand, quickly forming the final part. Once cured, the mould opens, and the part is removed, ready for finishing.

RIM is commonly used for:

  • Automotive body panels.
  • Housings & enclosures.

Key Benefits of Reaction Injection Moulding

 

Lightweight, strong parts.
Complex geometries.
Ideal for low to medium production runs.
Smooth surface finish.
Ideal for large, complex parts.
Design flexibility.

Contact us today to get a quote or discuss your part design. Our team of engineers and technicians are ready to help you get the most out of Reaction Injection Moulding.

NDA needed? No problem, download here and email to info@ame-3d.co.uk.


Specifications

Typical reaction injection moulding lead times are 8-10 days; express work available from 3-4 days.

Quantity Silicone Mould - Up to 50 | Hard Tooling - Up to 1000
Tolerances 0.3mm / 0.3% > 100mm
Wall Thickness Min. 3mm
(Depending on the overall size. The larger the part, the thicker the wall must be)
Letters & Logo

Min. 0.5mm

Gap between raised & recessed letters

Min. 0.5mm

Parts at the end of their lifecycle can be ground into bulk filler for the composite or construction industry. 


Materials

If the material you require isn't listed, please contact our sales team.

AME 3829

Reaction Injection Moulding

ABS-like.

Available in black or beige.

AME 3838

Injection Moulding
Ideal for rapid prototyping and low volume production runs.

Finishes

  • Cosmetic surface finishing
Reaction Injection Moulding RIM

Reaction Injection Moulding FAQs

Unlike traditional injection moulding, which melts plastic pellets before injecting them into a mould, RIM uses liquid reactants that undergo a chemical reaction to form a solid part. This allows for greater design flexibility, lower tooling costs, and the ability to create large, lightweight parts.

RIM is widely used in industries such as:

  • Automotive (bumpers, fenders, interior panels)
  • Medical equipment (housings for devices)
  • Aerospace (lightweight components)
  • Industrial and construction (tool enclosures, protective casings)

We have created a design guide with specifications for our 3D printing, vacuum casting and reaction injection moulding technologies. 

You can download this here.

 

Alternatively, if you require assistance with CAD design, we have our own design department. Send an email to design@ame-3d.co.uk.

Reaction Injection Moulding Quote

Where to find us

info@ame-3d.co.uk

+44 (0)1909 550 999

Momentum House, Church Lane, Sheffield, S25 2RG

Monday - Friday | 9AM - 5PM