In which moulding method is a split steel mould primarily used?

The method that primarily utilizes a split steel mould is compression moulding. In this process, solid or semi-solid materials are placed in a heated mould, which is then closed, applying pressure. The use of split steel moulds allows for easy removal of the hardened product after the material has been formed. The design enables precise control over the shape and dimensions of the final product.

In compression moulding, the split nature of the mould helps ensure that parts with complex geometries can be produced effectively. This method is commonly used for manufacturing items made from thermosetting plastics, rubber, and composites, where high heat and pressure are required to shape the material.

Other methods, such as injection moulding and blow moulding, typically involve different mould designs or processes. For instance, injection moulding uses a single-cavity or multi-cavity mould that injects molten plastic into a mould cavity. Blow moulding involves inflating a heated preform within a mould, while foaming does not primarily rely on a rigid mould structure. Each of these processes has its own unique requirements and complexities, making the role of split steel moulds specifically prominent in compression moulding.