Reaction injection moulding with the Midas touch

RIM suits large and complex multi-part assemblies

At the PDM12 show, Bedford-based Midas Pattern will highlight its specialism in producing low-volume polyurethane enclosures frequently used in medical and scientific applications.

Midas offers two reaction injection moulding (RIM) tooling systems: FASTrim for prototyping in production materials and MRIM for production volumes; both are produced in-house. Both systems are quick in production, very accurate and allow for easy modification, says Midas, with FASTrim offering the opportunity to obtain rapid prototype mouldings in cast polyurethane in a matter of days. FASTrim products meet the V0 flammability rating of Underwriters Laboratory standard UL94.

Managing director Alan Rance comments to PRW: “We are finding a buoyant market, particularly for our MRIM mouldings, in scientific applications. Here large and complex multi-part assemblies require not only accuracy and precision but also an excellent standard of finish. We have been particularly pleased to observe this type of work coming back into the UK from overseas – a trend we look forward to seeing continue.”

Midas has recently completed a round of investments in its facilities, with a view to achieving accreditation against the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems. The investments include:

• Additional large moulding preparation plant;
• Centralised vacuum extraction system in CNC machine shop;
• Re-organisation of our traditional pattern and model shop;
• Dust and swarf extraction system in fettling area.

Midas finds ISO 14001 compliance “a delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact, but one that we are tackling head on. An added benefit of compliance is continuous quality improvement throughout the manufacturing process, and this is good for all our customers”.

Midas’s sales and marketing team has opened its doors to the design community to showcase both RIM in general and the company’s take on the technology in particular. A series of open days have proven an excellent forum to exchange ideas, providing opportunities to build on existing relationships and create new partnerships.

In any product development process, design for manufacture is critical, notes Midas, which is keen to be involved as early as possible. The company believes in sharing knowledge to ensure that all new ideas are feasible, cost-effective and robust in the long term.

Midas Pattern will be on Stand 19 at the PDM12 show.

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