Rapid Heat Cycle Molding (RHCM) received a performance boost at the recent IPF Show in Japan with the announcement of the availability of a "dual controller" option for the processing technology for producing high gloss surface finishes.

This option allows the processor to heat the surface of a part from both cavity sides at different temperatures, or alternatively apply two temperatures to different sections of a part from the same cavity side. According to Ono Sangyo (Tochigi). Managing Director Hiroaki Miyauchi, 90% of applications can be served with a single controller but the dual controller option allows fine-tuning for more challenging parts and widens the scope of applicability.

Matsui Mfg. Co. (Osaka) makes the controller for the RHCM unit, available through licensing from Ono Sangyo. Ono Sangyo now also offers an electric boiler for generating the steam used in its RHCM process. According to Miyauchi, this option will solve regulatory issues regarding the use of conventional boilers in many countries, making RHCM technology easier to implement at processors. The electric boiler is manufactured by Nihon Dennetsu (Nagano, Japan).

Ono Sangyo continues to work with Trexel (Wilmington, MA) to combine RCHM technology with the MuCell foaming process in applications where class A finishes are required, particularly in the auto sector.-[email protected]