Temperature cycling makes better mouldings

Samples show quality gains achievable using RCT

(Published October 2007)

The Rapid Temperature Cycling (RTC) process uses a combination of steam heating and water cooling to rapidly adjust – or cycle – the mould surface temperature during the production cycle.

“It is well known that if a mould cavity surface temperature is near to the plastic melt temperature the visible quality of the moulding surface can be much improved,” said Terry Pearson, chairman of Gas Injection Worldwide and former chairman of Cinpres Gas Injection.

A key element in the process is the use of hard metal mould spraying know-how developed by Oxford Moulding Technology (OMT), which allows cooling channels to be located close to the mould surface.

Pearson says the company is targeting applications such as LCD TV cabinets, where manufacturers can eliminate flow lines and streaks, achieve high gloss resin rich surfaces, and reduce moulded-in-stress.