RIM | REACTION INJECTION MOLDING
HIGH QUALITY, FLEXIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL.The technology offering impressive possibilities for the design and customization of
high‑quality plastic trim components.
high‑quality plastic trim components.
RIM Technology – Cost‑Effective Production of Complex PUR Components
RIM technology (Reaction Injection Molding) is a reactive plastics processing method for the cost‑efficient manufacture of complex polyurethane (PUR) components, particularly for large part geometries.
In the RIM process, polyols and isocyanates are precisely mixed, react in a controlled manner, and completely fill the mold—even for complex contours. The adjustable part density allows components to be tailored to specific mechanical, functional, and visual requirements.
Surface materials such as PVC films can be back‑foamed directly in the mold. RIM combines design freedom, material efficiency, and series capability, making it ideal for applications in the automotive and machinery industries as well as interior applications.
RIM technology (Reaction Injection Molding) is a reactive plastics processing method for the cost‑efficient manufacture of complex polyurethane (PUR) components, particularly for large part geometries.
In the RIM process, polyols and isocyanates are precisely mixed, react in a controlled manner, and completely fill the mold—even for complex contours. The adjustable part density allows components to be tailored to specific mechanical, functional, and visual requirements.
Surface materials such as PVC films can be back‑foamed directly in the mold. RIM combines design freedom, material efficiency, and series capability, making it ideal for applications in the automotive and machinery industries as well as interior applications.
RIM Foaming – High‑Quality Surfaces and Cost‑Efficient Tooling
RIM foaming is particularly suitable for high‑quality, large‑surface exterior and interior trim components. The PUR foaming process enables matte surfaces with excellent UV stability.
Coloring is applied directly in the mold using In‑Mold Coating (IMC) or, alternatively, through subsequent painting. For soft‑touch surfaces, PVC films can be back‑foamed directly during the process.
Thanks to low reaction pressures, cost‑efficient aluminum molds can be used—making the process ideal for components that require high visual quality, mechanical robustness, and economical production.
RIM foaming is particularly suitable for high‑quality, large‑surface exterior and interior trim components. The PUR foaming process enables matte surfaces with excellent UV stability.
Coloring is applied directly in the mold using In‑Mold Coating (IMC) or, alternatively, through subsequent painting. For soft‑touch surfaces, PVC films can be back‑foamed directly during the process.
Thanks to low reaction pressures, cost‑efficient aluminum molds can be used—making the process ideal for components that require high visual quality, mechanical robustness, and economical production.
- ATTRACTIVE
LIFE-TIME COSTS - LARGE
FREEDOM OF DESIGN - Competitive
TOOL COSTS - MATT AND TEXTILE
SURFACES
What Is RIM (Reaction Injection Molding)?
RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) is a cost‑efficient molding process for the production of high‑quality plastic components, particularly suitable for annual volumes of up to approximately 5,000 parts. It combines durable materials with efficient manufacturing processes, resulting in attractive life‑cycle costs.
Benefits of the RIM Process
RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) is a cost‑efficient molding process for the production of high‑quality plastic components, particularly suitable for annual volumes of up to approximately 5,000 parts. It combines durable materials with efficient manufacturing processes, resulting in attractive life‑cycle costs.
Benefits of the RIM Process
- High design freedom for complex geometries and surfaces
- Low tooling costs through the use of aluminum molds
- Direct surface structuring, such as matte or textile finishes
- Functional components with high visual and tactile quality at attractive life‑cycle costs
How does Reaction Injection Moulding work?
Versatile surfaces for interior and exterior applications
RIM enables a wide range of surface structures and designs for interiors and exteriors, whether smooth, glossy surfaces, textured, matt finishes or other customised solutions.
Class-A
Softtouch
IMC
Coating
RIM IMC for exterior applications
RIM with PVC soft touch for interior applications
PARAT is the perfect partner
locations in Europe and Asia with RIM or (R)RIM machines
modern machines for RIM or (R)RIM
years of experience of RIM
Partnership from beginning to end
PARAT Technology is the safe choice for your project - we are at your side every step of the way, from the idea to the market launch.Our modern systems and the concentrated expertise of our employees guarantee first-class results at all times.
FULL-SERVICE PARTNER
Extensive Know-How
Modern
Machines
High supply
Reliability
FAQs about RIM
In the RIM process, two polyurethane components react chemically in a closed mold and expand into the finished part. Due to the low viscosity of the material, highly complex geometries and thin‑walled structures can be produced — with low tooling and system costs.
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What is RIM technology and how does it work?
In the RIM process, two polyurethane components react chemically in a closed mold and expand into the finished part. Due to the low viscosity of the material, highly complex geometries and thin‑walled structures can be produced — with low tooling and system costs.
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What advantages does RIM offer compared to injection molding?
RIM allows for similarly complex geometries as injection molding but at significantly lower processing pressures. This enables the use of aluminum tools, which are substantially more cost‑effective.
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Which applications is RIM particularly suitable for?
Typical applications include covers, cladding and various exterior components for agricultural machinery, construction equipment, motorhomes, caravans and other commercial vehicles. It is particularly suitable where high design freedom, robust properties and economical tooling are required.
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Which surface finishes can be achieved using the RIM process?
The RIM process enables a wide range of surface finishes — from foil‑laminated soft‑touch variants to post‑painted surfaces and in‑mold‑coating (IMC) finishes.
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How large can components produced via the RIM process be?
Owing to low processing pressures and flexible mold sizing, the RIM process is highly suitable for producing large components.
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Can inserts or attachments be integrated?
Yes. Inserts made from metal, plastic or composite materials can be positioned in the mold and foam‑integrated, resulting in multifunctional and assembly‑friendly components.
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What material properties do RIM components offer?
RIM components offer high impact resistance, very good dimensional stability and excellent surface quality. PU systems can be tailored for strength, flexibility, density or temperature resistance depending on the application.