injection molding

Commonly, rubber compounds based on FKM elastomers are subjected to two stages of cure in order to optimize physical and mechanical properties. Compression set and tensile strength are the main properties usually improved by the post-cure stage. The initial stage is called curing, and is performed under pressure in a mold during the injection molding process. A secondary stage called post-cure is performed in an oven under air or nitrogen atmosphere in order to complete crosslinking reactions. This removes volatile by-products and additives to obtain enhanced, stable physical and mechanical properties