EVA Knowledge
ABOUT COMPRESSION MOLDING
Compression molding is a process Dingfeng utilizes for the manufacturing of three-dimensional
molded foam and foam composite parts. It is an ideal process for making parts that have intricate
features, require very defined part geometry, have varying wall thicknesses or need to be held to
critical dimensional tolerances.
THE COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS
The foam or foam composite is heated in an industrial convection oven and then placed in a machined,
matched tool which is mounted in a molding press. The mold is then closed using hydraulic pressure.
This pressure forces the heated and now pliable material into contact with all of the mold surfaces while
the pressure is maintained. Once the material has cooled, the mold is opened and the finished part is
removed from the tool.
On most parts, we are also 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
us to avoid the expense of a secondary cutting operation.
MATERIALS THAT CAN BE MOLDED
We have the ability to compression mold the closed-cell polyolefin family of foams, which includes cross-linked
polyethylenes and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foams, as well as open-cell polyurethane foams. We can also mold an
extensive range of foam composites. Using our various lamination processes to combine materials, we can then
compression mold open and closed-cell foam composites. These custom composites can incorporate different types
of foams or dual densities of foams, knit and woven fabrics, polyolefin films, pressure-sensitive adhesives, medical-grade
coatings, and many other materials. We are also willing to experiment with the lamination and molding of unique materials
that our customers provide.
MARKETS THAT UTILIZE COMPRESSION MOLDING
Dingfeng utilizes our compression molding processes to manufacture parts for medical, industrial and personal protection markets.
For the medical market, we make pads for orthopedic supports and braces, orthotics, patient positioning parts, and medical device packaging.
For industrial markets we mold thermal insulation parts for refrigeration applications, three-dimensional gaskets and seals and case inserts, to name just a few.
We also produce a wide variety of molded parts for the broad personal protection market. We manufacture helmet liner pads, parts for military tactical gear,
backpacks, occupational safety padding components and many other padding parts for protective recreational products.
We look forward to an opportunity to work with you on the development of your compression molded foam project.
