Unlocking the Advantages of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) for Injection Molding
The modern manufactured environment is teeming with materials options that cater to specific needs of demanding productions. Never before has the search for dependable efficiency by not exhausting ones pocket become essential. Manufactures of distinction are turning to Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) as their first choice for injection molding. Although not a solution that fits all occasions, LSR has a number of important benefits which make it a suitable candidate for many different applications. Here are seven key insights into LSR1.
1. Versatility: This includes car components, medical instruments, electronics etc. It has shown its ability to adjust in the one- and two-shot injection molding process and in overlay moulding over existing components. LSR caters for a wide variety of geometries starting from basic seals like gaskets and O- Rings up to complex instruments and component parts.
2. Flexibility: LSR is highly plastic and can be shaped like anything. It has low creep and compression set, excellent vibration absorption, and provides superior performance. LSR has become preferred for making long-lasting components of cars and other durable products.
3. Thermal Stability: LSR performs excellently at extreme temperatures. That being said; it exhibits excellent thermal stability and is fire-resistant in nature while also being impervious to tensile deformation at elevated temperatures. Moreover, it feels comfortable in freezing conditions, remaining elastic at -40 °C, for example. It is this variety that has made LSR appealing not only in production of consumer items such as muffin tins, but also in the industry.
4. Outdoor Resilience: Apart from the thermal stability, nothing could bring down LSR when used outside for a long period of time. Despite being exposed to wind, rain and other elements, its mechanical strength remains intact. Furthermore, LSR does not succumb to bacteria, mold, mildew, nor UV radiation, making it an ideal material for numerous outside usages.
5. Moisture Resistance: LSR resists on water problems. This is due to its ability to endure dipping in warm or boiled water. It is also impervious to oil, chemical solvents and does not degrade as time goes on. Therefore, LSR is chosen for plumbing hardware, medical articles and other items needing steam sterilisation or chemical cleaning.
6. Hypoallergenic: Firstly, it is different in that it possesses none of the allergens and irritants which are common with other soaps but suits the softest of skin (sensitive skin). It is ideal for baby products, toys, and even food-grade LSR, making it compliant with HACCP best practice guidelines and FDA Regulation 21 CFR 177.2600.
7. Electrical Conductivity: This material, LSR, is a good example of an engineer that has strong insulation properties and resists discharge caused by corona in an electrical component. These include a range of conductive LSR variants whereby it is best suited for keyboard contact point as well as other electrical applications.
The foregoing paragraphs only provide a fleeting look at different factors that make liquid silicone rubber suitable in your injection moulding undertakings. Should you need more insight or help on determining if LSR is suitable for your specific project requirements, contact VINISILI SILICONE MATERIALS TECH. Contact our representatives for free, informed choices.