How Does Silicone Injection Molding Work?
In a nutshell, this process produces pliable, durable parts in high volume. Here at Si-Tech, we utilize a unique injection molding process that combines technology and quality to result in custom rubber keypads and other silicone products. Thus, you get complex key shapes, housings and other features in an economical, affordable and fast way.Get more news about
Silicone Injection Tooling,you can vist our website!
Silicone injection molding, or liquid injection molding (LIM), is an industrial fabrication process designed to mold materials into several components and products. Rather than use a pressurized impingement mixing, liquid injection molding uses a mechanical-mixing process using mainly liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and other, similar elastomeric materials.
Most manufacturers of rubber parts use this method, and we are no different. We like it because it guarantees excellent end-of-product performance and long-lasting durability.
In a nutshell, this process produces pliable, durable parts in high volume. Here at Si-Tech, we utilize a unique injection molding process that combines technology and quality to result in custom rubber keypads and other silicone products. Thus, you get complex key shapes, housings and other features in an economical, affordable and fast way.
Step By Step
There are many materials used in the process of LIM, mainly silicones and acrylics.
They are applied with a spring-loaded pin nozzle that prevents clogging of the machine hardware.
One plunger holds the base forming plastic, which gets stronger with additives and fibers; the other plunger holds the catalyst.
Each goes into a static mixer.
This triggers the mixing reaction.
The liquid mixture is injected into the appropriate mold, heated at temperatures ranging from 355F to 390 F.
What starts as a fluid gets heated in the mold and starts to cure, or harden.
Once done, the molding machine pops out the nearly finished part.
The materials get heated to their melting point.
They cool off in the mold.
Fairly straightforward, right? For added efficiency, many manufacturers use computer-aided design (CAD) tools so they can evaluate results for a more cost efficient and effective process. On top of that, thermal imaging technology can weed out expensive production mistakes, from design irregularities and molding defects, in order to defray costs.
How Does Silicone Injection Molding Work?
