Compression Moulding / Sinteering

There are two Sintering technologies for the production of semi-finished shapes and moulded parts.

Compression moulding is the process of hot to produce semi finished parts. It takes the powdered particles of the material and produces a product under heat and pressure. The powdered particles do not melt, but join together forming a dense, solid structure. This process is relatively expensive and time consuming, often used when creating products for high temperature applications.

Matrix compression or direct forming is the production of embossed compression parts; this process is profitable from around a thousand pieces. The production of direct formed parts is an inexpensive process as no post treatment is necessary.

With these processes non-meltable polymers can also be converted. Through compression moulding and sintering it is possible to produce semi finished shapes and moulded parts with relatively low stress and warpage.

The process of sintering/compression moulding is carried out in the following steps:

• Mixing of the single components (powder)
• Filling of the mould with the plastic-powder (defined amount)
• Removal of the excess powder from the mould
• Closing of the mould and application of pressure
• Heating of the mould during compression moulding
• Holding of pressure and temperature
• Cooling and removal of the mould
• If necessary post processing

The advantages of Sintered parts:

• Semi-finished part geometries close to finished part dimensions
• Extreme economy due to material savings
• Low tendency to warp due to almost isotropic characteristics
• Extremely low stress levels
• Consequently also easier to machine