Liquid Silicone Rubber are used in the injection molding procedures used by manufacturers across a wide range of sectors. Due to their strength, light weight, and ease of shaping into the required shape, They are a common choice.
Thermoplastic elastomers, for example, are unable to endure high temperatures and will warp and lose their form when subjected to them. That is why liquid silicone rubber is becoming more and more popular among producers.
The benefits and drawbacks of liquid silicone rubber will be discussed in this post by LGDSilicone.
What is a Liquid Silicone Rubber
Liquid silicone rubber(Also Name is LSR) is a two-component, high-purity silicone that has been platinum cured. It is perfect for producing technical items where high quality, strength, and resistance are required. LSRs are viscous materials that can be pumped and are typically produced via liquid injection molding (LIM).
It is most frequently used to produce injection molded components for commodities utilized in sectors like consumer goods, automotive, food, appliances, and textiles.
Top 8 Benefits Of Using Liquid Silicone Rubber
Here are just a few of silicone rubber's primary benefits:
Thermal stability
In very hot and freezing conditions, silicone rubber will maintain its form, toughness, and flexibility.
LSRs are capable of withstanding heat up to 180 °C without melting or crawling. They are now a well-liked alternative for industrial and automotive uses including seals and gaskets.
Environmental resistance
The ideal material for your injection molding process must take into account aging resistance. With regard to adverse environmental elements like UV rays, open flames, extremely high temperatures, and corrosive chemicals, silicone rubber demonstrates a high level of resilience.
When prolonged exposure to the elements is a problem, they are the best choice for use.
Highly versatile
Silicone rubber is flexible enough to be molded and moulded to fit even the most exacting requirements. It is possible to modify the formulation to emphasize or minimize qualities like electrical conductivity, flexibility, and toughness.
Easy sterilization
Liquid silicone rubber is a helpful medical-grade material because it can tolerate high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and radiation exposure necessary with FDA-required sterilizing processes.
Color friendly
Prior to the curing process, silicone rubber is simple to color, resulting in a long-lasting, vibrant tint.
Electrical properties
Since liquid silicone rubber (LSR) offers strong resistance to electrical stress without affecting the conductivity of the finished product, it is a superior electrical insulator. Due to this, these materials are frequently utilized in electrical components and high-voltage applications.
Durable and reliable
One of the main elements influencing the convenience of use in a production setting is the shelf life of liquid silicone rubber. It is a particularly trustworthy material for use in critical applications because of its form and flexibility in harsh circumstances.
Low compression set
When materials have a low compression set, they can withstand continual strain without permanently deforming. LSRs normally have a compression set between 15% and 20%, which is relatively low. Even after being compressed for a long time and exposed to a range of temperatures, they can maintain their elasticity.
2 Types of Liquid Silicone Rubber
There are two types of Liquid Silicone Rubber materials. Some include:
Medical Grades Silicone
Medical-grade silicones are acceptable for use in medical applications since they have completed biocompatibility testing.
Due to its wide range of applications, it is challenging to distinguish from and classify,Several goods, including tubes, dental retainers, implants, respiratory masks, and gel sheets for scar healing, include medical-grade silicone.
Food Grade Silicone
FDA Totally safe to use with baby food, approved food grade silicone is a non-toxic variety of silicone that doesn't include any chemical leftovers. It is safe for storage of food as well as for use in appliances including the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher.
Liquid Silicone Rubber Processing
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding is a technique used to mass-produce flexible, long-lasting products. A number of parts are required for the procedure, including an injector, a metering device, a supply drum, a mixer, a nozzle, and a mold clamp.
- Metering unit for the A and B components of the liquid silicone rubber
- Metering unit for pigment/additives
- Mixing station
- Metering cylinder
- Heated injection mold with injection-molded part
Applications of LSR
Liquid silicone rubber offers a wide range of applications throughout industry:
- Automotive
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Construction
- Soft-touch buttons/surfaces
- Consumer goods and food industry
- Health care and medical technology
- Skin contact devices
- Syringe stoppers and septum
Liquid Silicone Rubber Properties
LSR's distinct chemical structure is what gives it its distinct material features. A sequence of siloxane linkages, which are more powerful and stable than carbon bonds, make up its backbone. This enables silicone rubber liquid to be:
Chemically Inert
Hypoallergenic
LSR is naturally non-toxic and hypoallergenic, so it won't irritate or aggravate allergies in those with sensitive skin. LSR offers a secure and pleasant solution for respiratory goods like oxygen and CPAP masks, as well as items like earphones, hearing aids, or wearable monitoring devices worn for extended periods of time.
Biocompatible
The molecular makeup of LSR also aids in biocompatibility. It does not taste or have an odor. It is extensively used in infant goods and other items connected to food and drink since it also conforms with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Physical Properties
LSR is chosen above other elastomeric polymers because of its superior physical and thermal stability qualities. Depending on the grade, LSR may withstand temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius and as low as -40 degrees Celsius without losing any of its physical characteristics.
How strong is liquid silicone rubber?
Due to its high elongation (between 400 and 700% at ambient temperature) and tensile strength across a broad temperature range, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is frequently used for seals, valves, and diaphragms.
Is liquid silicone rubber flexible?
Liquid silicone rubber is an excellent option for tiny molded components due to its performance characteristics and quick cure cycles. Unlike the majority of thermoplastic elastomers (TPRs and TPEs), LSR maintains its flexibility and elastic qualities down to -58°F and up to 392°F.
What is the abbreviation for liquid silicone rubber?
We typically inject liquid silicone rubber (LSR), a two-part catalysis-cured thermoset elastomer, into mold cavities to create finished silicone components. This substance has qualities that TPE cannot match. LSR is therefore particularly adaptable in the elastomer business; it is extensively used in a variety of industries, from consumer goods to medical equipment.
Is liquid silicone waterproof?
One of the most popular sealants for creating a safe, waterproof joint seal is silicone. The flexible, rubbery plastic is a great choice for watertight seals in plumbing pipes, aquariums, ships, and other metal fabrication applications because of its strong heat resistance and low toxicity.
Is liquid rubber the same as silicone?
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is always used to refer to silicone. For applications involving joining/bonding surfaces, sealing, and injection molding, LSR is the raw material employed.
Contact LGDSilicone to Discuss Your Project Today
at lgdsilicone,we have one of the most cutting-edge production facilities in the nation and a long history of assisting our clients in finding creative solutions to problems that increase their costs and decrease their productivity.
Although it may not be the best option in every situation, liquid silicone rubber probably has uses you haven't thought of. We advise visiting our Technical Information page or getting in touch with us personally if you're looking for particular details about material and application choices.