A high-end virtual reality-enhanced treadmill for fitness and physical therapy centers had to look as good as it performed, so the manufacturer contacted Exothermic Molding.
A pioneer of reaction injection molding, Exothermic chose the durable yet lightweight Proxima material to manufacture the treadmill panels because the equipment needed to look as good as it performed.
We opted for Poly-DCPD, a thermoset resin. According to Paul Steck, Exothermic President, Poly-DCPD minimizes surface anomalies like pitting and requires less finishing work.
After prototyping and deciding to go into production, Exothermic was selected to craft the treadmill's trapezoid-shaped side panels. The panels run vertically from the treadmill platform to the arm guards and are approximately four feet tall. That requires a durable yet lightweight material and a spectacular finish.
Poly-DCPD thermosets are designed to be alternatives to traditional resins, such as epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyester resins, and they are adaptable to industry-standard manufacturing processes.
"Poly DCPD is exceptionally strong, works at high temperatures, and leaves no sink marks," added Steck. "Its low viscosity allows for faster processing than conventional resin systems. This results in better mold fill and the ability to use less expensive molds," explained Steck.
Exothermic Molding uses the reaction injection molding (RIM) process to fabricate parts for various applications, including medical devices.
Exothermic's expertise involves producing shorter runs of highly designed parts with specialty finishes.