Can silicone be compression molded? If you haven’t heard of this process before, you’re not alone. This article will walk you through the process, its advantages, and its common applications. You’ll learn more about the advantages of silicone compression molding and how it differs from overmolding. Listed below are the key benefits of both techniques. You’ll also learn about how to avoid common mistakes in silicone compression molding.
Compression molding
The process of making silicone products is called compression molding. It involves a labor-intensive process in which the silicone rubber is pre-catalyzed before being loaded into the mold cavity. Once loaded, the material is forced into the mold cavity under high pressure and heat. After the silicone is shaped to the desired part, it is compressed between two mold plates and heated to vulcanize the material. This process can be done with a variety of materials including polyurethane, nylon, and other plastics.
When a part requires a complex shape, the process of injection molding silicone is ideal. It is a cost-effective solution for parts that require high levels of detail and durability. A process of injection molding silicone requires a minimum of six steps. The first step in the process is to mix the silicone in a water-cooled barrel to prevent it from catalysis. Then, the mold is closed using a clamping machine. The process can be carried out in vacuum or under atmospheric pressure. The injection time will depend on the product to be manufactured and its viscosity.
Advantages
The cost advantages of silicone compression molding make this process an excellent choice for small and medium sized batches. In addition to the lower cost, compression molding can handle complex geometries. A molding partner such as ProMed can guide you through the molding selection process. The company specializes in cleanroom silicone components for medical applications and is the world benchmark for implantable silicone products. ProMed is also one of the few companies that produce drug-eluting silicone products.
This process is also relatively quick and easy to set up. The basic structure of a silicone compression mold requires less than one hour of setup. In comparison, a liquid silicone injection mold may take a full day to assemble. The advantages of silicone compression molding over injection molding include that it can produce multiple cavities and is well-suited for flexible materials. It can mold multiple cavities, whereas injection molding requires multiple steps. It is a highly economical process for mass production, as tooling costs are relatively low. The molds can last for many cycles without warping, and can produce multiple parts in one cycle.
Common uses
Almost everything is made of silicone these days, from medical devices to household appliances. In most cases, silicone is compressed into a mold using a compression molding process, which uses heat to melt and inject the molten silicone into the mold. Silicone compression molding requires a proper gate and runner system to fill the mold as evenly as possible. Vents are necessary to release air from the mold. During the molding process, mold temperatures and pressure are carefully controlled to ensure that the silicone hardens quickly and conforms to the desired shape.
Silicone compression molding begins with uncured silicone rubber, which is then melted using heat. Once cured, the two components fuse and form a thermoset material that cannot be reversed. Silicones and rubbers are natural materials, but the chemical structure of silicone is modified to form the product. Some silicone products are also proprietary, meaning that their use is restricted to specific industries and products. However, if silicone is required for your product, you can ask your molder about this material’s benefits.
Overmolding
There are a few important things to consider when selecting a silicone overmolding company. While the quality and cost of the final product are essential, you must also consider their service, which is critical to the progress of the project. Overmolding silicone can help your product to retain its integrity and provide water and shock resistance. If you need a custom silicone part, it is worth checking out some of the following tips.
o The LSR overmolding process allows for high quality, tight tolerances and strict quality control. This process is especially suited for precision applications. In addition to overmolding silicone rubber parts, overmolding services are offered by companies that specialize in this process. For example, FacFox is able to produce overmolded silicone rubber parts in clean rooms. Here are some other reasons why overmolding silicone rubber products is a great solution for your company.