Material Description
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a versatile elastomeric material known for its exceptional properties and wide range of applications. LSR is a two-part, platinum-cured silicone rubber compound, consisting of a liquid polymer base and a curing agent. It is characterized by excellent thermal stability, with a temperature range of -50°C to 250°C, making it suitable for both high and low-temperature applications. LSR exhibits outstanding resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and moisture, ensuring long-term durability. Its low compression set and high tear strength enable it to maintain its shape and integrity under mechanical stress. Furthermore, LSR is biocompatible, making it ideal for medical and food-grade applications. Its exceptional electrical insulating properties, low toxicity, and chemical inertness make it suitable for a wide array of electrical and automotive components, seals, gaskets, and medical devices. The material’s liquid nature allows for precision molding in complex geometries, making it a preferred choice for manufacturing intricate, high-quality parts. In summary, Liquid Silicone Rubber combines temperature resistance, durability, flexibility, and ease of processing, making it a preferred material for various demanding applications across industries.
| Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Yield Strength (MPa) | Young's Modulus (MPa) | Melting Point (°C) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K) | Specific Heat Capacity (J/g·K) | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (x 10^-6 /°C) | Water Absorption (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | 5 - 15 | 1.5 - 5.0 | Varies | 0.15 - 0.22 | Varies with formulation | 200 - 350 | 0.1 - 1.0 |
Design Recommendation
When designing for injection molding with Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR), it is essential to carefully consider the material’s unique characteristics and requirements. One key recommendation is to optimize the mold and part design for LSR’s low viscosity and excellent flow properties. This entails designing thinner walls and more intricate geometries, as LSR can easily fill complex mold cavities and produce intricate details with high precision. Moreover, ensuring that the mold design minimizes undercuts and sharp angles is crucial to facilitate easy demolding and reduce the risk of part damage. Proper venting and degassing channels in the mold design are also critical to prevent trapped air or gases, which can cause defects in LSR parts. Overall, a well-thought-out design tailored to LSR’s flow and curing characteristics is fundamental for achieving high-quality, defect-free injection-molded parts.
Cost Saving Tip
One effective cost-saving tip for injection molding with Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is optimizing runner and gate design. By carefully engineering the runner system and gate configuration, manufacturers can reduce material waste, minimize cycle times, and enhance part quality. A well-designed runner and gate system can enable efficient material flow, reducing the amount of LSR scrap generated during the process. Additionally, it can help in achieving a more balanced and consistent filling of the mold, which can result in fewer defects and rejections, ultimately leading to significant cost savings in terms of both material and labor while maintaining the desired product quality.
