Liquid Silicone Rubber For Molding Technique

By:TBL
Date:2022/07/26

Papers of Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding

What Is Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding ?
Why Choose Liquid Silicone Rubber For Project ?
How Does Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding Work ?
Benefits of Using Silicone Rubber Molding

What Is Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding ?

Liquid silicone rubber molding is a thermosetting process in which two-component compounds are mixed and then heat cured in a mold using a platinum catalyst to produce the final LSR part. Liquid silicone rubber is a durable material that is easy to work with and is often cheaper than resin. It can be used to make durable parts in large volumes, which is commonly used in the production of automotive parts, including brake linings and gaskets.The LSR design guidelines will help you understand capabilities and limitations.

Why Choose Liquid Silicone Rubber For Project ?

Liquid silicone rubber has excellent thermal, electrical and chemical resistance, although it can be attacked by certain solvents such as gasoline or mineral spirits, which is why it can be used in automotive applications at high temperature but not in the fuel lines. And it has a low compression set - low permanent set when force is applied and removed - making it ideal for elastomers. This allows for faster and more cost effective tooling compared to traditional steel dies.

How Does Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding Work ?

Due to the flexibility of LSR, parts are manually removed from the mold, so there are no ejector pins built into the mold design. Like standard aluminum tools, LSR forming tools are manufactured using CNC machining to create high temperature tools that can withstand the LSR forming process. After milling, the tool is hand polished to customer requirements, with six standard surface finish options available. Finished molds are loaded into an advanced LSR specific injection molding machine that is fine tuned to precisely control shot size to produce the most consistent LSR parts. Because LSR is a thermosetting polymer, its molded state is permanent - once it solidifies, it cannot be re-melted like a thermoplastic. Once the execution is complete, the part will be packaged and shipped shortly thereafter.

Benefits of Using Silicone Rubber Molding

1. Superior thermal stability

LSR can withstand temperatures up to 180°C without melting or creeping. They have become a popular choice for heavy duty and automotive applications such as seals and gaskets.

2. Low temperature flexibility

Thermoplastic elastomers lose their flexibility at extreme temperatures. At low temperatures they become harder and more brittle until they eventually crack. However, Liquid silicone rubber for molding remains flexible at temperatures as low as -50°C. They are an excellent choice for any product that needs to operate in a low temperature environment.

3. Anti-Aging

Aging resistance is an important factor in determining the right material for your injection molding process. The cured LSR material has excellent UV, weather and aging resistance. They are ideal for applications requiring prolonged exposure to the weather.

4. Chemical resistance

Thermoplastic elastomers can resist chemicals in a wide range of applications. But they only offer chemical resistance in the mid-temperature range. Even when exposed to extreme temperatures, LSR has low water absorption and excellent resistance to common chemicals.

5. Low compression set

A low compression set means that the material can resist permanent deformation under constant stress. The overall LSR compression is very low, typically on the order of 15% to 20%. They remain elastic even when compressed for long periods and subjected to different temperature ranges.

6. Good shelf life reliability

The shelf life of liquid silicone rubber is one of the key factors contributing to ease of use in a manufacturing environment. Most LSR products have a shelf life of at least one year.

7. Resistance

Electronics manufacturers should be aware that the materials they use are resistant to corona discharges. LSR provides high resistance to electrical stress without affecting the conductivity of the final product. For this reason, these materials are commonly used in high voltage applications and electrical components.