Silicone parts are most commonly made using injection molding.
Understanding Silicone Part Manufacturing
The primary method for producing silicone parts is a process known as injection molding. This technique is widely favored for its ability to efficiently create pliable and durable silicone components in large quantities.
The Injection Molding Process
Injection molding involves several key steps tailored specifically for silicone rubber:
- Material Preparation: Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is prepared, often consisting of two components that are mixed together just before entering the mold.
- Injection: The mixed liquid silicone rubber is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure.
- Curing: Due to the material's thermosetting nature, the silicone cures (hardens) within the mold, typically under heat. This curing requires intensive distributive mixing of the components beforehand to ensure a uniform reaction.
- Ejection: Once cured, the finished silicone part is ejected from the mold.
This process allows for the high-volume production of complex shapes with consistent quality, resulting in the characteristic pliable and durable properties of finished silicone parts.
