Cryogenic Deflashing Molded Viton Parts

Introduction to Viton

Viton is a brand of synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer. It is known for its excellent resistance to chemicals, heat, and oil, and is often used in applications that require these properties, such as seals, gaskets, and hoses in the automotive and aerospace industries. Viton is also resistant to high temperatures and has a wide temperature range, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments. It is a durable and long-lasting material, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Viton Applications

Viton can be used to make a wide range of parts, including seals, gaskets, hoses, and O-rings. It is often used in automotive and aerospace applications where its excellent chemical, heat, and oil resistance are needed. Some examples of parts made from Viton include:

Oil seals: Viton is often used to make oil seals, which are used to prevent the escape of lubricants or other fluids from within an engine or other mechanical device.
Gaskets: Viton can be used to make gaskets, which are used to seal the joints between two or more parts, preventing the escape of fluids or gases.
Hoses: Viton is often used to make hoses for conveying fluids, such as oil, water, and fuel, in automotive and aerospace applications.
O-rings: Viton is a common choice for O-rings, which are used to seal joints and prevent the escape of fluids or gases. O-rings are commonly used in mechanical and hydraulic systems.

These are just a few examples of the many parts that can be made from Viton. Its versatility and excellent properties make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Molding Viton

Viton can be molded using injection molding, compression molding, and transfer molding. The specific method used will depend on the size and shape of the part being molded.

In injection molding, a machine injects a heated, molten form of Viton into a mold cavity. The material is then allowed to cool and solidify, taking the shape of the cavity.

Compression molding involves placing a pre-heated, pre-formed slab of Viton into a mold cavity and applying pressure to mold it into the desired shape.

Transfer molding involves injecting a heated, molten form of Viton into a chamber called a “pot,” and then using a plunger to transfer the material into the mold cavity.

Regardless of the method used, it is important to carefully control the temperature and pressure during the molding process to ensure that the Viton part is properly molded without flashing or other defects and has the desired properties.

Viton Flashing Defects

Viton can flash during the molding process, especially if the temperature and pressure are not carefully controlled. Flashing occurs when a thin layer of the material is forced out of the mold cavity and forms a thin layer along the parting lines of the mold cavity. This can occur if the material is injected into the mold at too high a pressure, or if the mold temperature is too low, causing the material to cool too quickly.

In order to minimize flashing, it is important to carefully control the temperature and pressure during the molding process. The temperature of the material and the mold should be carefully monitored and maintained within the recommended range for the specific grade or type of Viton being used. The pressure of the injected material should also be carefully controlled to ensure that it is not too high, which can cause flashing.

By carefully controlling the molding conditions, it is possible to minimize or eliminate flashing and produce parts with smooth, clean edges.

Cryogenic Deflashing Viton

Cryogenic deflashing can be employed to remove excess flashing from molded Viton parts. Cryogenic rubber deflashing involves using extremely low temperatures to freeze the flash, which can then be easily broken or chipped away since the flash becomes brittle, through tumbling and media blasting mechanisms

In order to cryogenically deflash Viton parts, the parts are first placed in a parts basket, which is then loaded into a cryogenic deflashing machine that is cooled to a temperature near the glass transition point of the material. The cold temperature causes the excess material to become brittle and can be easily removed.

Cryogenic rubber deflashing is an effective method for removing excess flashing from Viton parts, as it does not cause damage to the parts and leaves a smooth, clean surface. It is also a relatively fast batch process, making it a convenient and efficient way to remove flashing from Viton parts.

If you have molded Viton parts that have residual flashing remaining after molding operations, please contact us to send your parts in for a free cryogenic rubber deflashing evaluation. We can be reached at info@nitrofreeze.com or by phone at (508) 459-7447×105.