The closed-molding process of thermoset materials known as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), was utilized and perfected by Osborne scientists and engineers in the 1970s, before the industry even had a name for it. With 45+ years of experience in RTM manufacturing, trust Osborne to provide turnkey guidance of your next project: from concept to prototype to final product, and from patterns and molds to final inspection.
Overview
We tailor our RTM-Glas™ materials to match a wide range of design criteria, including specifications for:
- Hardness
- Color
- Flame Resistance
- Corrosion Resistance
- Impact Resistance
- Abrasion Resistance
Osborne-made RTM tooling is far more economical when compared to compression tooling. Superior quality and efficiency quickly repay the added invest in Osborne-made RTM molds when compared to simple open molds. Osborne can match production capacity to your largest projects.
- Mold part sizes from 1 sq-ft to over 100 sq-ft
- Multiple RTM production lines
- Numerous RTM presses of all sizes
- In-molding coating
- Directed-fiber preforming machines
- Secondary finishing operations
Definition
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is commonly referred to as liquid molding. With this process, a resin is mixed with a catalyst (hardener) and injected into a mold that contains dry fibers, such as fiberglass. A static mixer regulates the ratio of polyester resin to catalyst. Usually a ratio of 100:1 of resin to catalyst is used. The mixture is then injected at a low pressure of approximately 5 psi into the mold. The reaction time is usually minutes.
Equipment
We operate and maintain a full range of RTM molding equipment, providing our customers with the assurance and confidence that their project will be completed on time and on budget.
The tooling used with RTM molding offers special advantages, as well, including:
- An efficient, natural transition from prototype to high-volume production.
- A low-cost path to commercial parts compared to high-cost tooling for compression molding.
- Quick repayment of the added investment in RTM compared to simple open molds via superior quality and efficiency.
Our RTM equipment includes:
- 17 RTM production lines
- 13 RTM production machines
- Five gel-coat application machines for in-mold coating
- Numerous RTM presses and mold handling devices
- Two directed-fiber preform machines
Osborne also offers:
- Completely equipped secondary trimming and finishing department.
- Two (2) 5-axis CNC routers with twin beds, with a maximum capacity (x,y,z) of 12-ft x 6-ft x 48-ft.
- Structural bonding and assembly services.
- Completely equipped quality assurance laboratory.