Silicone Rubber Parts
Silicone rubber parts are durable, flexible and can be customized to fit specific applications. They are also resistant to a variety of temperatures and environments.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is a two-part platinum-catalyzed elastomer that fabricators inject into a mold to manufacture a part. It is less viscous than HTV and RTV silicone rubbers and offers short molding cycle times.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers in vehicles help keep parts, wires and electronics inside their housings by absorbing vibration. They also protect the device against damage from shock, bumps and intense movement. Silicone rubbers are versatile enough to be used as the base compound for many kinds of shock absorption devices, depending on their temperature resistance, tensile strength and elasticity. These characteristics are a result of their molecular structure, which varies according to the organic groups and additives added during compounding.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) transforms into a wide variety of products through a number of widely used processes, such as compression molding, transfer molding and injection molding. High-consistency LSR, which contains the shortest molecular chains of all three silicone types, allows for injection molding of complex shapes that are difficult to produce with other kinds of rubbers, such as high-precision medical and automotive sensors.
Medical-grade silicones withstand harsh environments and have the ability to sterilize, making them ideal for tubing, catheters, wound care pads and Silicone rubber parts orthopedic pads that must be flexible, clear and lubricious in order to work effectively. This kind of silicone is also biocompatible, allowing it to be safely implanted in the body without rejection or inflammation.
When working with silicone rubber, it is essential to find a vendor who understands the unique properties of this dynamic material and has the equipment to make the most of its flexibility and versatility. Choosing a company that doesn’t fully understand the realities of working with silicone or doesn’t have the right manufacturing equipment will only lead to costly mistakes that can cost your business time and money.
Electrically Conductive
Silicone rubber parts with electrically conductive properties are often designed for use in electronics. These materials include carbon black additives, silver or gold particles, or a combination of these components to achieve conductivity in addition to the typical thermal and physical properties of silicone. These products offer a high degree of flexibility and resistivity, while still maintaining their ability to shield electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI).
The most common application for this product is the manufacture of insulating pads or seals used in electrical circuitry. The material can also be incorporated into other types of components, such as vibration-resistant housings or showerheads. These insulated parts can be made by compression or injection molding. Both processes involve putting the liquid silicone rubber into a heated mold and applying pressure until it has fully cured.
During processing, the material must be carefully combined and mixed. It is also important to have a good understanding of the physics and mechanics of silicone, in order to ensure that the finished product will be able to withstand its intended environment. It is also important to select a vendor that fully understands the unique characteristics of this dynamic material, and has up-to-date equipment and manufacturing capabilities. This will result in the best possible quality, durability, and performance for the finished part.
Gaskets
Depending on the type of silicone rubber used for a particular application, it can resist a wide range of temperatures without degrading or becoming brittle. This property makes it ideal for creating gaskets that can seal and protect against the presence of liquids or gases in areas where a tight fit is necessary.
Silicone rubber is also chemically inert and biocompatible, making it an ideal material for medical applications that involve contact with the human body. For example, silicone is often used in tubing, catheters and wound care products that require stability and durability under demanding conditions. It is also commonly used in surgical instruments and respirator masks because of its resistance to humidity and harsh chemicals.
Solid metal gaskets are another common way to create an effective sealing solution. They typically consist of a flange head that is covered with an outer ring that can be sealed to the surface of other components. However, they can be less aesthetically pleasing than other gasket materials, and are prone to corrosion.
Liquid injection molding is a highly efficient manufacturing technique for producing accurate silicone rubber parts with intricate design and superior surface finishes. This method is ideal for developing challenging elements that feature a mix of different materials. Moreover, it can help you meet tight tolerances and high standards of cleanliness for critical components that require a precise fit.
Seals
The elasticity and flexibility of silicone rubber are useful for creating seals. It can bend and stretch to fit a variety of shapes without tearing or losing its shape. The material can also resist abrasion, chemicals and temperature changes. It has excellent sealing properties that make it a great choice for irrigation and filtration components, seals and gaskets, lighted buttons and overmolded parts.
Silicone rubber can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal material for insulating components like wire harnesses and connectors. It can also resist ozone, UV radiation and other aging factors that can affect organic rubbers.
Liquid silicone rubber is a special type of elastomer. It is used in a wide range of applications, from medical devices to automotive parts Silicone rubber parts and consumer electronics. It has several different grades, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, medical grade LSR is sterilizable and biocompatible, making it a good choice for products that come into contact with the human body. Food grade LSR is made to meet strict requirements for use with food and beverages. It has a lower hardness than other types of silicone rubber and is often used for production of baby products, baking molds, and kitchen utensils.
Depending on the application, silicone rubber can be molded using compression, transfer or rubber injection molding methods. A successful molding process requires the correct heat and pressure to transform the liquid silicone into a solid, cured elastomer. It is important to avoid changing wall thicknesses during this process to prevent stress concentration and inconsistent curing. Choosing the right draft angles and minimizing undercuts is also crucial for easy ejection of molded silicone rubber parts from the mold cavities.