Getting Started With RIM - New Project

Our engineering team provides comprehensive support from initial concept through production when embarking on a new RIM project with Exothermic. We engage in collaborative design development, leveraging our extensive experience to optimize your part for performance and manufacturability.

This engineering-led approach ensures your project benefits from our deep understanding of RIM technology and material science.

Part and Tool Design

Our engineering team works closely with your designers to optimize part geometry and tool design for the RIM process. We draw upon decades of experience captured in our detailed design guides to ensure successful outcomes.

This collaborative approach addresses critical factors such as material flow, wall thickness transitions, and gate locations. We engage in regular design reviews throughout development, offering insights that enhance part performance while ensuring manufacturability.

Reverse Engineering Capabilities

Exothermic excels at reverse engineering complex components, transforming existing parts into optimized RIM designs. Our success with the Navy Harrier platform demonstrates our ability to handle demanding aerospace applications.

We can use advanced scanning technology and engineering analysis to capture complex geometries and enhance them for RIM production. This expertise allows us to improve original designs while maintaining critical interfaces and performance requirements.

Material Capabilities

Our material science expertise encompasses various RIM systems tailored to specific application requirements. We offer standard polyurethane systems 726 and 728 for general applications, CM200 composites for enhanced structural performance, and DCPD formulations for specialized requirements. Each material selection is backed by detailed property data and processing expertise, ensuring optimal performance in your application.

Advanced Finishing Capabilities

Exothermic's finishing department provides comprehensive surface treatment solutions that meet rigorous industry standards. Our automotive-grade paint systems deliver exceptional durability and appearance. We offer sophisticated decoration options, including precision screen printing and image transfer decals. Each finishing process is developed specifically for your application, ensuring consistent quality and durability.

Prototyping

Our prototyping services accelerate your development process through rapid iteration and validation. We can produce prototype parts using production-intent materials and processes, allowing you to conduct meaningful testing early in development. This approach helps identify and address potential issues before tool production begins, reducing development time and cost.

Manufacturing Process Development

Each new project receives a custom-engineered manufacturing process tailored to your specific requirements. Our process development encompasses material handling, processing parameters, cure optimization, and part extraction methods. We create comprehensive documentation, including process control plans and detailed work instructions, ensuring consistent production quality.

Testing

Our in-house testing capabilities enable thorough validation of part performance. We conduct material property testing, environmental exposure evaluation, and mechanical testing as required by your specifications. This testing capability allows us to verify performance requirements and optimize processes during development, ensuring your parts meet all functional requirements.

Metrology Capabilities

Advanced measurement systems, including high-precision 3D laser scanning, form the foundation of our quality validation process. These systems enable detailed comparison between produced parts and CAD data, ensuring dimensional accuracy and consistency. Our metrology lab supports development activities and ongoing production verification, maintaining tight control over critical dimensions.

Product Qualification

We support comprehensive product qualification requirements, including First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and IQ-OQ-PQ validation protocols. Our quality team coordinates closely with yours to implement appropriate documentation and validation procedures. This systematic approach ensures all quality requirements are met before production release.

Production Support

Our commitment continues through production with comprehensive technical support. Our engineering team provides ongoing process optimization, quality monitoring, and technical consultation. We conduct regular production reviews and maintain open communication channels to address any concerns quickly. This dedication to long-term partnership ensures consistent quality and continuous improvement throughout production.

Secondary Operations

Exothermic's comprehensive in-house secondary operations capabilities enhance the design flexibility of your RIM projects. Our engineering team evaluates each application to determine the most cost-effective approach to features such as through holes, countersinks, and window openings. Often, incorporating these features as post-molding operations reduces tool complexity and cost while improving overall part quality. We design and manufacture custom fixtures for these operations, ensuring precise, repeatable results. This integrated approach to secondary operations streamlines production and maintains tight control over critical features.

3D Printing Capabilities

Our advanced 3D printing technology supports every phase of your project development. With two in-house FFF printers capable of producing carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced components, we can rapidly prototype fixtures, validate designs, and even produce end-use parts where appropriate. Our partnership for DCPD resin printing expands these capabilities further, offering additional material options for prototypes and production components. This technology enables rapid design iteration and validation, accelerating your product development cycle while reducing costs.

Value Added Assembly

Our comprehensive value-added assembly capabilities can be integrated into your project from the earliest design stages. Considering assembly requirements during initial development, we can optimize part design and production flow for maximum efficiency. Our facility handles complete enclosure assembly and complex subassembly integration, including electronic components. This early integration of assembly considerations often reveals part consolidation and process optimization opportunities. We eliminate intermediate shipping costs, reduce inventory requirements, and maintain direct quality control throughout production by performing assembly operations in-house.

This approach consistently delivers reduced labor costs, accelerated production timelines, and enhanced product quality.

Contact our engineering team to discuss your new project requirements. We'll provide a detailed assessment and development plan tailored to your needs.