Advanced Tooling Solutions and System Integration
Crush Core Tooling
Reuther Mold & Manufacturing has been active in the crush core industry for over 50 years. In the same way that general injection molding involves mass-producing identical practical plastic products, crush core molding is another manufacturing solution that offers identical components with good tolerances. In the mid-’70s, Reuther Mold & Manufacturing realized that we would be perfectly suited to produce superior crush core mold, so we began designing and manufacturing match metal dies, specifically with the aircraft industry in mind.
With a unique combination of low flammability for passenger safety, low weight, and high strength, crush core products will continue to be part of the future in passenger aircraft interiors. Reuther Mold & Manufacturing will also be there to support you and your customers every step of the way.
SMC & BMC Tooling
Reuther Mold & Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing tooling for Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC) and Bulk Molding Compounds (BMC) materials since the 1980s. Since then, our company has produced tooling for the production of air conditioning housing units, laundry tubs, shower floors, sinks, roofing shingles, and many other products.
SMC vs. BMC Tooling?
These terms are related and often grouped together because they are both fiber-reinforced materials that are known to often use varying lengths of glass strand fibers. The distinction between SMC & BMC largely relates to the differing lengths of these glass strand fibers.
SMC Characteristics
SMC requires longer fiber lengths and has a higher percentage of reinforcement fibers than BMC. Along with these longer strands, SMC is also composed of mineral fillers and thermosetting resin. These materials are then shaped into a malleable sheet. SMC is an ideal option for projects that require superior strength and complex shaping.
BMC Characteristics
BMC involves shorter fiber lengths, making it less densely composed of glass fibers. BMC, as its name implies, lends itself to bulk production. Commonly mixed with Z-blade mixers, BMC is made up of mineral fillers and thermosetting resin in addition to glass fibers, much like SMC. BMC is an ideal option for projects that involve close dimension control, flame resistance, and outstanding flow characteristics.
Despite the differences between the two forms of tooling, both are suitable options for compression molding. In both cases, Reuther Mold & Manufacturing provides SMC & BMC tooling options that come with the Reuther Mold & Manufacturing commitment to excellence.
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
In the 1990s, Reuther Mold & Manufacturing saw a need and began providing Resin Transfer Molding tooling. Our capabilities made us a perfect fit for manufacturing RTM and the associated tooling. It was especially fortuitous that Reuther Mold & Manufacturing branched into RTM tooling because our new abilities allowed us to continue to serve an industry we were already well acquainted with – the aerospace industry. Our crush core molds have been used in beautifully designed Boeing aircraft interiors, and now our RTM tooling services carry on Reuther Mold & Manufacturing’s legacy in partnering with elite aircraft and aerospace technology.
What is RTM Tooling?
RTM tooling is a closed mold system for manufacturing high-performance and high-precision composite components, producing volumes ranging from around a thousand parts to tens of thousands of parts per mold.
Rubber Molds
Reuther Mold & Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing molds for the rubber industry since its inception in 1950. We have produced injection, injection transfer, transfer, and compression molds used with any black rubber compound. We have also produced molds for silicone and TPE/TPR compounds.
For over 50 years, Reuther Mold & Manufacturing has been involved in the design and production of tooling to support the manufacturing of personal protective equipment for both military and civilian applications: gas masks, nose cups, and nose cups with plastic molded-in inserts, head straps, and exhalation flaps.
Fixtures & Support Tooling
Reuther Mold & Manufacturing’s full line of customer services includes preform molds, debulk molds, machining fixtures, assembly fixtures, inspection fixtures, and vacuum lay-up tools. We can design and manufacture a complete tooling string from your CAD model to assure continuity throughout your manufacturing processes.
Repair & Auxiliary Services
You Break It… We Fix It.
You Wear It Out… We Repair It.
With over 70 years of experience, Reuther Mold & Manufacturing has rebuilt and repaired molds for our customers even when only minimum design information is available. Our understanding of mold designs and repairs sets our company apart from the competition. Reuther Mold & Manufacturing can work 24/7 to get you back up and running again. With just one phone call to Reuther Mold & Manufacturing, we can set up the shipping, repair the damage, and get the mold back on your loading dock. Expert maintenance and repair services are available even if we did not design or build the original mold.
Whether you only need bushings and dowels replaced or full strip polish and re-chrome, we are here for you.
System Integration
In addition to our various other capabilities, we pride ourselves on being system integrators. Prioritizing system integration means that Reuther Mold & Manufacturing works to create one functioning unit out of subcomponents in order to create a seamless operation process. As a result, our company partners with suppliers to produce “out of press” and “out of autoclave” molding stations.