FAQ

What was the trigger for developing RHCM technology?
It all began with a personal proposal from one of OSK engineers. He wanted to eliminate weldlines from injection molded articles entirely.
Does RHCM have any restrictions in selection of raw materials?
RHCM technology can be applied to general purpose plastics, most of engineering plastics and their alloys/compounds. It can also be applied to materials with fillers.
What are the characteristics of RHCM?
The cavity surface is heated before injecting resin. On completion of filling, the mold temperature is cooled to solidify the article before taking out from the mold. RHCM technology can be applied to any injection molding machines.
Are special molds required to run RHCM?
Yes, some specific design is required to the mold.
Does the industry have similar technology?
Ideas of increasing an decreasing mold temperatures to eliminate weld lines had existed since the 1970s. The significance of the patented RHCM technology is that it is a proven and reliable mass production technology. OSK has cross licensed its foundamental patents with GE Plastics (Sabic Innovative Plastics) who gave another name to the technology, “Heat & Cool™”. Today, OSK is the only legitimate organization, in the world, who is able to assure compliance of intellectual properties to molders and customers for the patented technology under the name of either RHCM™ or Heat & Cool™.

Are there any problems with the patents?
OSK (Ono Sangyo) is the original inventor having patent rights, in 13 countries, of Rapid Heat Cycle Molding (RHCM)™, the injection molding technology with rapid heat cycle of mold surface temperature assisted by steam, boiled water and other effective means. RHCM has been cross-licensed in 200X with GE (General Electric) who gave another name to the technology, “Heat & Cool™”. Today, OSK is the only legitimate organization, in the world, who is able to assure compliance of intellectual properties to molders and customers for the patented technology under the name of either RHCM™ or Heat & Cool™. We examine the patents of other companies very carefully. However, please take your own responsibility to study the patent situation before making your own decision.
We want some items to be produced by using the RHCM technology. How can we do this?
You have three options. Option-1: You can have OSK manufacture your RHCM parts and products. Option-2: You can purchase OSK's heating & cooling temperature controller with RHCM patent license and run your RHCM parts and products by yourself. Option-3: You can have one of OSK's licensees near you to manufacture your RHCM parts and products.
We want to know more details about RHCM technology.
Please do not hesitate to conact us.
Is the cycle time longer?
It depends on the cycle time currently in use. The RHCM cycle is almost equivalent to conventional injection molding, with some exceptions.
What is the limitation of product/machine size?
No restrictions are placed on product size, in principle. Frames for 50-inch TVs can be produced now.
What types of fillers can be used with this technology?
RHCM technology has been proven to be efficient through actual mass production of products filled with talc, chopped glass fibers, long glass fibers, chopped carbon fibers and long carbon fibers.