Here are 5 key points to consider when thinking about which prototype or moulding solution to use with your product development. Due to the low volume nature of RIM, it provides an opportunity to use for a handful of development parts or a long-term production process.
- Number of Parts Required (1 off 500 off or 2000 off)?
- Size of Parts (handheld through to 2.5 M)
- Value of End Product (+£10K)
- Tooling and Part Budget
- Risk
1. Number of Parts Required
Midas MRIM is suited to low volume, high value parts where quality of finish is essential but with volumes of less than 2000 units per year make Injection Moulding un-viable.
Aty Midas our polyurathene moulding process can produce up to 40 parts per week/2000 parts per annum, fully finished to meet with your choice of finish and assembly requirements.
2. Size of Parts
RIM moulding and inparticular Midas MRIM, is suited to projects that are typically above A4 in size and as large as 2.5 metres. Deep draw parts are possible with the process and 1m3 parts are quite typical for the process.
This range in scale really offers to the opportunity to fully clad your product and keep all parts in the same materiel and finish; an aspect that really can simplify your BOM, reduce supplier numbers and avoid costly mis-matches!
3. Value of End Product
RIM moulding is about 'Value Added' complexity, scale and quality. If you are designing a high-value item such as a medical device, laboratory diagnostics machine or simply high-end electronics, then RIM could be ideal.
Using a UL certified flame retardant material complete with a range of finishes ensures your parts will satisfy all quality folder requirements including FDA approval whilst supporting brand enhancement and corporate tie-in. With the option for multi-colour panels and EMI Coating addition aesthetic and technical value can be added.
4. Budget
Midas MRIM tooling offers a stripped back, low-cost tooling process that helps enable companies to get to market for a fraction of the cost of other metal tooling processes, without compromise on quality. Midas polyurathene mouldings can provide a route to market with minimal cash investment and as such, lower financial risk.
5. Risk
Due to low tooling investment, combined with the ease of modifications and speed with which you can design components, Midas MRIM truly offers a low-risk manufacturing process. Ideal for new innovations, start-up companies and those with limited cash. Flexible ordering ensures you only buy what you need, when you need it and with the option to modify, makes this process essential for your development phases.
If you are new to RIM moulding and would like to understand a little more about the MRIM tooling or the type of polyurathene materials we use, just get in touch.
We also have a great introduction to 'What is RIM Moulding' for those wanting to understand a little more about the fundamentals of the process.