The RFS Thermoforming & Compression Molding Presses are widely used to compression mold closed-cell polyolefin foams, cross linked polyethylene, EVA foams, open-cell PU foams, and foam composites incorporating different types of foams laminated with woven fabrics, polyolefin films, pressure sensitive adhesives, specialty coatings and similar materials.   Our compression molding presses are utilized when contoured shapes are needed, such as sound dampening components used within the automotive industry, orthopedic supports and braces for the medical markets, industrial sectors including thermal insulation for HVAC or refrigeration applications, three dimensional gaskets & seals,  helmet liner pads, military gear, occupational safety padding and other protective products supplied within the personal protection markets.

Compression molding is a manufacturing process in which three-dimensional shapes are created using heat and pressure. Material is molded and placed in a temperature controlled cavity then shaped under pressure via a hydraulic press. On most parts, our range of equipment are able to cut the perimeter and any internal features of the part during the molding process . Cutting features in tandem with the molding process results in a finished part and allows to avoid the expense of a secondary cutting operation.

The RFS Co. Mec hydraulic up-stroke heated platen & cutting presses are designed & engineered to meet the customer’s individual production requirements and can be customized with various transport feeding & handling systems to accommodate roll good materials. We have multiple compression molding press capabilities including small to large platen presses, vacuum forming and clean room compression molding.

The minimum dimension of the working platen is 350mm x 300mm up to a maximum of 1500mm x 1000mm – custom sizes available – with cutting powers up to 330 Tons. Platen dimensions, cutting power, dwell time, heat specifications (top & bottom), material handling along with the level of the control software are critical components to maximize your manufacturing process.

RFS Model B59 Series Thermoform Press: Ideal applications for a heated platen thermoform presses include various textiles, synthetic fibers or non-woven materials used for sound dampening in the transportation industry (die cut, crease/seal), compression molding for a variety of foam materials, laminating & embossing operations, filter media in multiple layers, medical inflatables, packaging closures, life preservers and similar applications.  The electrically heated platens provided uniform heat distribution & precise temperature control across the entire platen surface.

RFS Model B92 Thermoform Press w/ Oven: The RFS model B92 is designed to thermoform rolls of polyethylene.  The material is transported through the oven, then enters the hydraulic press where cold thermoforming occurs, then the material exits the machine and is cut to size.  The complete line includes a clamping device to transport the material, a 570mm x 3000mm over, with upper and lower heating @ 200°Celsius, a hydraulic press with a 500mm x 450mm work area, 90 tons of working pressure complete with cooling plates.

RFS Model B82 Thermoform Press w/ Oven & Chiller: The RFS model B82 is designed for thermoforming individual sheets of EVA or polyethylene.  The oven is equipped with 4 drawers, 570mm W x 500mm L x 70mm H, each drawer can reach a maximum temperature of 200°Celsius and equipped with a timer to pre-set the heating time.  The hydraulic press has a useful work area of 650mm x 400mm, 90 tons of working pressure, with 130mm daylight opening and cooling plates.  AN off-line chiller, cooled by water, is also available depending on the application & processes associated.

RFS Rubber Mold Vulcanizing Presses: The RFS Vulcanizing Press is designed for small, medium and large rubber molds.  The electrically heated platens provided uniform heat distribution & precise temperature control across the entire platen surface.  The processing cycle is fully automatic & programmable and the degassing system allows for the expulsion of gases produced by the materials.  With the PLC & Touchscreen control, it is possible to program 9 degasifications.  When pressing rubber, a degasification system is needed to remove the air inside the rubber.  With the possibility to program from 1 to 9 degasifications with different pressures, you can, as an example, set the first closing @ 50 bar, then reopen, second closing at 70 bar, then reopen, and continue this process based on the application and on the final closing will be made with the necessary programmed pressure and time to vulcanize.