Get custom-made molded silicone parts, gaskets, sheets, and rolls from NEWTOP Custom Silicone, using top-performing liquid silicone rubber (LSR) materials and processes. Our experience with liquid injection molding (LIM) means we select only the best LSRs for your components – which benefit from faster cure cycles and outstanding UV and ozone resistance. Plus, liquid silicone can mold intricate parts with ease. Enjoy water-sealing properties that will protect your product like never before. Experience the difference today with NEWTOP Custom Silicone.
What is Liquid Injection Molding?
Silicone injection molding is not only a cost-effective but also a reliable manufacturing process that produces high-quality parts from a variety of silicone materials. It offers several advantages such as faster cycle times, greater design freedom, and improved part quality. Equally important is its role in environmental sustainability since there is little waste generated during its process.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding is a thermosetting process involving two mixed substances. This results in a two-component material, which is heat-treated using a mold conductor and mold to form a finished product. LSR molding components are obtained from Parts A and B, which are typically mixed in equal proportions, and the pigment is added during the blending process before treatment.
The process begins with melting and injecting the silicone material into a pre-formed mold. A mechanical injection unit moves material through a heated barrel into a mold cavity. Elevated temperatures and molding pressures of the liquid silicone shot molding process enhance the cure. As the material cools and hardens, it adopts the shape of the mold, providing accurate reproductions every time. Once the molded object is completed, excess material can be removed. Through additional refinement steps such as machining and polishing, final touches can be added.
Silicone Injection Molding Tooling Costs
Silicone injection molding is a specialized manufacturing process used to create high-precision parts out of silicone. The tooling required to produce silicone injection molded parts do come at a significant upfront cost. However, this cost is often offset by the high volume and consistent quality of parts that can be produced. Tooling for silicone injection molding is typically made from aluminum or steel and involves creating two halves of a “cavity” that is filled with liquid silicone and cooled. The more complex the part geometry, the more expensive the tooling. However, once the initial tooling cost is incurred, millions of parts can be produced at a very low cost per unit. For companies needing a high volume of silicone parts with tight tolerances, the investment in silicone injection molding tooling is worthwhile.
Injection molding is a fabrication process that produces parts from thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. Feed material is added to a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into the mold cavity using a reciprocating screw or ram injector. Once the injection molded part is finished, it is cured to the configuration of the mold cavity. LSR is an increasingly popular choice for various projects due to its superiority in liquid injection molding (LIM) manufacturing processes. The LIM process begins with a two-part liquid silicon compound (parts A & B – catalyst and base), which is automatically delivered from a container/drums to a static mixer in a 1:1 ratio. The static mixer homogeneously blends the materials, triggering the cure system. Next, the LSR flows into the injection unit, feeding the mold cavity via a runner and gate system. It is then subjected to high temperature and extreme pressure for a predetermined cycle time to ensure optimal vulcanization. Upon completion, the parts are ejected, and the cycle begins again.LIM delivers excellent results and can fabricate precise, near-flashless molded silicone parts and silicone over-molded assemblies at high volumes while maintaining tight tolerances.
Benefits of Liquid Injection Molding (LIM)
Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) is a manufacturing process that involves injecting liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or similar materials into a mold to create various parts and products. This advanced technology offers numerous benefits, from precise accuracy to efficient production.
• High Precision and Accuracy
LIM allows for the production of complex and intricate parts with tight tolerances, ensuring a high level of accuracy and detail in the final product.
• Efficient Production
The LIM process is highly automated, reducing labor costs and increasing production efficiency. This automation also leads to consistent quality across all parts produced.
• Material Versatility
LIM can be used with a variety of materials, including silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, and other synthetic rubbers, allowing for a wide range of applications and end products.
• Durability and Longevity
Parts produced through LIM are known for their durability and resistance to extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and chemical corrosion. This makes them suitable for use in various industries, including automotive, medical, and consumer goods.
• Reduced Waste
LIM produces minimal waste, as the material is injected directly into the mold, and any excess can be easily recycled. This not only reduces material waste but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
• Shorter Cycle Times
The LIM process typically has shorter cycle times compared to other molding methods, allowing for faster production rates and reduced lead times.
• Lower Tooling Costs
Since LIM uses relatively low injection pressures, tooling costs are often lower compared to traditional injection molding, making it a more cost-effective option for producing parts.
If you’re looking for high-quality, complex parts and products, Liquid Injection Molding is an attractive manufacturing process that offers several advantages over traditional molding methods.
What is Liquid Silicone Rubber?
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a highly versatile, high-purity elastomer usually supplied in a platinum-catalyzed, two-part system. This material offers many unique properties, including excellent thermal stability, low viscosity, and the ability to cure at room temperature, which makes it
the go-to material for a wide range of uses. The incredible heat resistance, biocompatibility, and durability of LSR set it apart from other materials, making it an ideal choice for industries ranging from medical devices to automotive parts.
Characteristics of LSR
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) offers a slew of advantages that are ideal for manufacturing robust, critical components. NEWTOP Custom Silicone, a pioneering name in LSR injection molding, has used LSR as its primary material since 2007. With decades of experience and a team of experts, we provide customized value-added solutions to meet clients’ specific requirements. LSR also boasts excellent chemical properties, making it an excellent material for various industrial applications. Get in touch with us to learn more about the advantages of LSR and how the team of experts can help meet your silicone rubber component requirements.
• Chemical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a versatile material known for its excellent chemical properties, making it a popular choice for various applications across industries. Here are some key chemical properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber:
Thermal Stability: LSR exhibits exceptional thermal stability, with the ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -60°C to 230°C (-76°F to 446°F). This makes it suitable for applications that require exposure to extreme temperature conditions.
Chemical Resistance: LSR offers excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents. It is resistant to water, oil, and UV radiation, making it a durable and long-lasting material.
Elasticity and Flexibility: One of the most notable properties of LSR is its high degree of elasticity and flexibility. It maintains its shape and mechanical properties even when subjected to significant stretching or compression.
Low Viscosity: LSR has a low viscosity, which allows it to flow easily into intricate molds and cavities. This property enables the production of complex and detailed components with minimal defects.
Bio-compatibility: LSR is biocompatible, making it an ideal material for medical applications. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and does not support the growth of bacteria or fungi.
Electrical Properties: LSR has excellent electrical insulating properties, making it a suitable material for use in electrical and electronic applications. It can also be formulated to be electrically conductive if required.
Transparency: LSR is optically clear, allowing for applications where transparency is desired, such as optical lenses and light guides.
Curing Process: LSR cures through a platinum-catalyzed addition cure process. This process typically involves heating the material to a specific temperature, resulting in a rapid and efficient cross-linking reaction. The curing process does not produce any byproducts, ensuring that the final product is free from contaminants.
• Mechanical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a versatile material known for its excellent mechanical properties and wide range of applications. It is commonly used in the automotive, medical, and electronics industries due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors. Below are some key mechanical properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber:
Elongation at Break: LSR has a high elongation at break, typically ranging from 100% to 900%. This means that it can stretch significantly before breaking, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility and durability.
Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of LSR varies depending on the specific formulation, but it is generally between 3 and 12 MPa. This property indicates the material’s resistance to stretching and tearing, contributing to its overall durability.
Hardness: LSR hardness is measured on the Shore A scale, with values typically ranging from 10 to 80. Lower Shore A values indicate softer materials, while higher values represent harder materials. This property can be adjusted based on the desired application by altering the formulation or curing process.
Compression Set: LSR has a low compression set, meaning it can return to its original shape after being compressed. This property is essential for applications where the material will be subjected to repeated compressive forces, such as gaskets and seals.
Thermal Stability: LSR exhibits excellent thermal stability, with a typical operating temperature range of -60°C to 200°C (-76°F to 392°F). This makes it suitable for use in high-temperature environments and applications where temperature fluctuations are common.
Chemical Resistance: LSR is resistant to many chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it an ideal choice for applications where exposure to harsh chemicals is likely.
Electrical Properties: Liquid Silicone Rubber possesses good electrical insulating properties, making it suitable for use in electrical applications, such as insulators and connectors.
Biocompatibility: LSR is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for use in medical devices and implants that come into contact with the human body.
Liquid Injection Molding Expert-NEWTOP Custom Silicone
Come to NEWTOP Custom Silicone and discover a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that can help you solve productivity challenges costing you valuable money. Our history of providing innovative solutions is unparalleled in the industry. If you haven’t considered liquid silicone rubber, let us introduce you to its exciting potential. To learn more about different material and application alternatives, check out our Technical Information page or reach out to us directly.
Hi, there, I’m Gary.
I’m the author of this article. I have been in this field for more than one decade. If you are looking for custom-made silicone rubber products or parts, feel free to ask me any questions.