Liquid Silicone Rubber Overview
Liquid Silicone Rubber, also known as LSR, is a synthetic elastomer made from silicone, a polymer consisting of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. LSR is often used in manufacturing applications that require parts have characteristics including high thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation, and resistance to weathering, UV light, and chemicals.
LSR is produced by combining two-part liquid components, a base compound and a catalyst, in a mixing device. This creates a reactive mixture that can be injected into a mold to form a desired shape. Once the LSR is molded, it is cured in the press to create a solid, rubber-like part.
LSR is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products, to create parts such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other components that require high performance and durability.
Applications of LSR
LSR is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products, to create parts such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other components that require high performance and durability. Some examples of parts that can be molded from LSR include:
- Seals and gaskets
- O-rings
- Electrical connectors
- Baby products
- Automotive parts
- Medical devices
These are just a few examples of the many parts that can be molded from LSR. The versatility of LSR allows it to be used in a wide range of applications, making it a popular choice in many industries.
Injection Molding LSR Parts
LSR parts are typically made using an injection molding process, which involves injecting LSR material into a mold under high pressure. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Design: The design for the LSR part is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which allows for precise specifications and customization of the part.
- Mold creation: A mold is created based on the CAD design. The mold is typically made of steel or aluminum and contains a cavity into which the LSR material will be injected.
- LSR material preparation: Liquid silicone rubber is typically supplied as a two-part liquid that is mixed together just prior to injection. The two parts, a base compound and a curing agent, are mixed together in a mixing unit.
- Injection molding: The LSR is injected into the mold at high pressure using an injection molding machine. The material fills the mold cavity and takes the shape of the mold.
- Curing: The material is cured by heating the mold to a high temperature, which causes a chemical reaction between the base compound and curing agent that transforms the liquid LSR into a solid rubber-like material.
- Demolding: The cured LSR part is removed from the mold, typically using ejector pins that push the part out of the mold.
- Post-processing: The parts may undergo additional post-processing steps, such as trimming excess mold flashing or adding secondary features, before being packaged and shipped.
Overall, the injection molding process to manufacture LSR parts involves precise mixing, high-pressure injection, and careful curing to create a final product that meets or exceeds customer expectations.
Cryogenic Deflashing LSR Parts
Cryogenic deflashing is a process that involves removing excess mold flashing from a molded part by subjecting it to media blasting and tumbling mechanisms in a gaseous nitrogen atmosphere.
In general, LSR can be cryogenically deflashed, but the specific details of the process will depend on the specific durometer and part being deflashed. Some factors to consider include the size and shape of the part, the desired level of flash removal, and the specific properties of the LSR.
Cryogenic deflashing can be an effective way to remove flash from LSR parts. It is important to work with an experienced supplier such as Nitrofreeze Cryogenic Solutions who has processed millions of LSR parts. If you are interested in sending in samples for a no-cost deflashing evaluation, please feel free to contact us at (508) 459-7447X105 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com.