Material Description
Silicone rubber is a versatile elastomer known for its exceptional thermal and electrical insulation properties, making it a valuable material in a wide range of applications. This synthetic polymer exhibits high-temperature resistance, with a continuous service temperature range of approximately -55°C to 230°C (-67°F to 446°F), while special formulations can extend this range even further. Silicone rubber has excellent flexibility, allowing it to maintain its elastomeric properties across a wide temperature spectrum. It boasts exceptional electrical insulating properties, a low dielectric constant, and high volume resistivity, making it a preferred choice for electrical and electronic applications. Additionally, silicone rubber has impressive resistance to UV and ozone, ensuring its durability in outdoor environments. It is highly stable when exposed to a variety of chemicals and solvents, with good resistance to water, oils, and many common industrial fluids. This material is also notable for its low toxicity, making it suitable for use in medical and food-grade applications. Moreover, silicone rubber can be easily molded into intricate shapes, maintaining its excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and elongation at break. These material characteristics make silicone rubber indispensable in industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and electrical insulation.
Common Industry Applications
Silicone rubber vacuum casting is prevalent in the medical field, where it’s utilized to create flexible, biocompatible components such as prosthetic parts and medical device housings.
Sub-Processes
Vacuum Casting
| Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Yield Strength (MPa) | Young's Modulus (GPa) | Hardness (Shore D) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Thermal Expansion Coeff (10^-6/°C) | Specific Heat (J/g·°C) | Electrical Conductivity (S/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 - 1.3 | 2 - 10 | 0.01 - 0.05 | 20 - 80 | 0.15 - 0.25 | 250 - 500 | 1.1 - 2.1 | 1e-14 - 1e-12 |
Design Recommendation
Silicone rubber vacuum casting requires several considerations for successful results. Use low-viscosity silicone compounds to ease mold filling and minimize the chances of undercuts. Additionally, apply a suitable mold release agent to facilitate easy part extraction without damage. Controlling vacuum pressure effectively helps eliminate trapped air, reducing defects in the final product, and ensuring mold stability guarantees consistent part quality.
Cost Saving Tip
To save costs when working with silicone rubber, it’s crucial to choose the right silicone formulation tailored to your application, as this can minimize material wastage. Utilizing mold release agents is advisable to extend mold life, reducing the frequency of mold replacements. Investing in automated vacuum casting systems can streamline the process, decreasing labor costs and material wastage through precise control of the casting environment.
