Silicone Supplies and Adhesives
Silicones have many uses and can be applied in a wide variety of situations. They are an integral part of electronics to protect circuits from shock, heat and debris and enable connectivity and energy efficiency.
The process of making silicone begins with isolating pure silica from sand. Manufacturers then add methyl chloride and react it with the silica to form dimethyldichlorosilane.
Molding Materials
Injection molding is the ideal method for producing medium- to high-volume production runs in plastic and liquid silicone rubber. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness and speed make it a Silicone Supplies popular choice for making parts for everyday use as well as specialty applications.
Vacuum forming, an elegantly simplified version of thermoforming, heats a sheet of plastic to a pliable forming temperature, drapes it over a mold and applies a vacuum to suction the material into the mold’s shape. This process can quickly create complex, non-structural components for a variety of industries. Benefits include the ease of changing mold designs and lower operational costs compared to other methods. Limitations include a greater difficulty in maintaining uniform material thickness and limited ability to produce extremely detailed products.
Plastics are a cornerstone of the manufacturing industry and are prized for their durability, light weight and versatility. Modern lightweight thermoplastics can withstand the harshest environments and rival metal parts for performance and strength.
The injection molding process is a good fit for a wide variety of materials, including high-strength engineered plastic blends and hybrids. Some examples of injection molded plastics include:
Sealing Materials
The type of sealant or adhesive you choose for an application determines the quality, lifespan and performance capabilities of that application. Choosing the right material can help prevent problems like cracking and failure that can affect the integrity of the application.
Silicone is a plastic-like material that can be molded to virtually any shape and softened or hardened into a wide variety of forms. It is also resistant to a wide range of temperatures, non-reactive with most chemicals and has high gas permeability.
Solid silicones, typically cured using organic peroxide or platinum catalysts, are used for high-performance parts including gaskets, hoses and wire insulation. They are ideal for applications requiring resistance to extreme weather and vibration conditions.
Foam materials, often referred to as silicone sponges or elastomeric foams, have lower compressional forces than solid silicone and are best for environments where the application does not require a true environmental seal. They provide a resilient cushioning and vibration absorption and can be found in healthcare, automotive and plumbing applications.
Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), commonly known as Buna, is a cost-effective elastomer that has excellent mechanical properties and performs well under severe conditions. It is able to withstand exposure to petroleum, water and various oils as well as being resistant to ozone, oxygen and many common industrial chemicals. It is not as strong as silicone, however, and tends to tear more easily.
Fast Cure Silicone
One-part industrial and construction grade neutral cure silicone sealant and adhesive that can bond a variety of building materials and meet today’s Green Building Standards. It has excellent, unprimed adhesion to metals, plastics and glass. It has good resistance to weathering, ozone and UV and does not require surface preparation. It is low odor and non-corrosive. It is similar to acetoxy silicones but it releases alcohol rather than acid during curing. Master Bond offers a selection of fast cure silicones that use this type of curing system.
Unlike acetoxy silicones, which can be cured by applying heat or blowing air on them, these fast-cure RTVs do not need any oxygen for the vulcanization process to start. They are cured by adding the catalyst directly to the vinyl functional silicone polymer, resulting in an addition curing system that does not depend on the presence of air. This also makes them resistant to inhibition from a variety of contaminants, including latex, sulfur clays, sulfures in wood surfaces and new polyester or epoxy.
These fast-cure silicones are usually odorless and take up to three times longer to set than an acetoxy product, but they offer many benefits that make them well worth the extra time. They are stable in a broad temperature range and resist weathering, ozone and moisture. They are also unlikely to degrade or oxidize, which helps them last much longer than traditional ozone-cure silicones.
Silicone Adhesives
Whether you’re working in construction, DIY home repairs or Silicone Supplies making your own kitchenware, silicone adhesives are an essential part of most projects. There are many benefits to using this type of glue, including its ability to withstand heat and extreme weather conditions. It also comes in a variety of colors and textures, which means it can be used for a wide range of applications.
One of the best things about silicone adhesives is that they’re resistant to bacteria. This makes them ideal for medical devices and components, such as defibrillators, heart pumps, catheters and CPAP masks. They’re also commonly used in construction, as they can bind materials such as concrete and glass. Some silicone adhesives are even certified to NSF standards, making them suitable for use in food-production facilities.
Most silicone adhesives are self-priming, meaning that they don’t require a complex pretreatment process before applying them. However, it’s still a good idea to clean the substrates and remove any grease or oil before application. It’s also important to let the adhesive dry completely before putting any pressure on it. Once the silicone is fully cured, it can withstand a wide variety of temperatures and humidity levels. To get the most out of your silicone adhesive, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you’re unsure what kind of silicone adhesive or sealant is right for your project, contact a Xometry materials expert.