Liquid silicone is an extremely versatile material that can be molded into many different shapes and products for use in various industries. It is highly valued for its durability, heat tolerance, translucency, non-conductive electricity and fast curing properties.
Manufacturers in a variety of fields, including automotive, food and consumer goods, use liquid silicone rubber (LSR) to create injection molded parts. These parts can be made for a wide variety of purposes, from the small, plastic pieces that help connect components in automobiles to large industrial hoses and seals.
LSR is a two-part platinum-cured elastomer that is injected into a mold cavity to manufacture a part. This allows the manufacturing process to be faster than traditional thermoplastic injection molding, with less raw material handling and shorter delivery times. LSR also offers low compression set, high tensile strength, and excellent thermal stability. It is translucent, allowing it to be pigmented any color required, and it can meet low outgassing requirements down to TML 1 percent and CVCM 0.1 percent.
The creation of LSR requires the polymerization of vinyl and methyl siloxane groups to form polydimethylsiloxane chains, which are what give the material its flexibility and strength. This can be done in a number of ways, and the specific method used defines how the finished product will respond to certain environmental conditions. The way LSR reacts to heat, for example, will affect how it is processed.
Once the base and catalyst components are formulated, they can be mixed together. This is known as a liquid injection molding process, and it uses a device called a metering unit or pump. This is responsible for slowly releasing the silicone and platinum catalyst in accurate quantities while controlling the pressure and injection rate. This ensures that the shear thinning nature of the LSR, which reduces its viscosity when it is pumped into a mould, is kept in check.
Like other elastomers, liquid silicone is a polymer that consists of silicon, carbon and hydrogen at the molecular level. It is distinguished from most other elastomers, however, because of its strong siloxane bond. These bonds are more stable than carbon-based bonds and have a lower binding energy, which contributes to the material’s ability to resist high temperatures.
While it is common for plastics to be used in injection molded parts, these materials cannot withstand high temperatures without deforming or losing their shape. For this reason, more and more manufacturers are turning to the heat-resistant properties of liquid silicone.
The ability of liquid silicone to withstand high temperature changes makes it an excellent choice for sports apparel and equipment. From shoes and wetsuits to sports bands and wrist guards, the flexibility and durability of this material helps athletes endure the intense strain placed on their bodies. It is also a popular choice for underwear, as it has the strength to withstand rough wear and tear.
ArtSil liquid silicone for molds is a high-performance formulation that can be used to produce intricate and detailed resin art molds with ease. Its 1:1 mix ratio and silky smooth consistency makes it easy to work with, and its quick cure time means that manufacturers can get their products on the market more quickly.