Silicone is the backbone of many industries. And so, it becomes very important for these industries to have the most effective and robust silicone parts supplied.
Some professional contract manufacturers of silicone make these highly necessary silicone parts with different processes. This may include compression molding silicone process, injection molded silicone process, and many more. Each of these processes are distinct from each other and have some specific values.
We will get to know all those processes one by one.
Unique Types of Silicone Molding Process
There are some unique types of silicone molding process present in the market, such as:
1. Blow Molding
This is very similar to glass-blowing. In this, a hot tube is correctly inserted inside the material. After this, air is blown through it to increase the size of the silicone for precisely fitting in the mold. Once the element is cooled down, the object is removed in the right way. This technique is widely used for producing a high volume of one-piece objects.
2. Compression Molding
Compression molding silicone process involves using high pressure. This is done to squeeze an already existing piece of rubber into the mold and in between two or more plates. This will mainly depend on the part or the actual configuration of the product. The already-existing piece of rubber is always more in weight than the finished part. This is because when the high pressure is applied, the air will instantly be removed from the mold.
Compression molding is usually very long and time-taking than other methods. But this process is well-suited for all those materials that may need a high grade of hardness or strength all the time.
The automotive industry is one example where parts made up of compression molding silicone process is often used because it offers top-class strength and hardness to all kinds of parts.
3. Extrusion Molding
This is widely used for producing something long and hollow. This may include a pipe, straw, or any other kind of tube-like item.
Unlike other compression molding silicone or any other way, where the material is often inserted by keeping some specific details in mind, the extrusion process directly places the whole material with the help of a die. It helps to clearly assess the actual form of the item developing.
The resulting long tube is then properly cooled down. Each of these pipes can be very easily customized for diverse usages. For example, drinking pipes or feeder-line usage in a bar or restaurant.
4. Injection Molding
Injection molded silicone and its unique variations are the most efficient silicone molding process. It is widely used for high amounts of small and medium-sized parts or items.
It can very easily cater to different components that may need high uniformity, complex workings, and tolerance in very small sizes. As this whole process is very precise as well as free from any type of human contact, it is often preferred for use in medical parts and devices.
There is a very long list of products from many industries other than the medical, where injection molding silicone process is highly demanded. These may include the electronics sector, automobile industry, etc.
The ultimate uses of this molding have grown at a fast pace with time and in nearly all kinds of industries. It is used for making different types of products, devices, and parts that people need for their business workings effectively and efficiently.
5. Cold Runner Injection Molding
This is a type of closed, thermoset injection molding process. But here, the rubber is in the form of liquid silicone and is available in two different parts. One of these parts includes a catalyst made up of platinum. Both of these parts are known to be liquids that have high viscosity.
6. Liquid Silicone Injection Molding
This is the most preferred option for medical industries. In this type of injection molded silicone procedure, the whole production method consists of a closed system that is free of any human contact. Here, the chances of contamination will certainly be reduced or fully eliminated. It is perfect for making tiny components but can be easily adjusted for a different number of sizes for items.
7. Rotational Molding
This is also known as rotomolding. In this, the mold is rotated as it is covered from the inside to design the actual product desired.
It is usually a very time-consuming process, when compared to other kinds of silicone molding processes. This type of molding process is widely suited for the development of big and hollow items.
Some of those items are a tank of water or gas. The strong centrifugal force of this robust molding process helps to ensure that all the walls of the item are completely coated and the wastage is minimal.
Conclusion
Each type of silicone molding process such as compression molding silicone, injection molded silicone, etc. is explained above in this post. Properly knowing each of them will help all the concerned parties to choose the right items made with the right silicone process effectively and efficiently.
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