Silicone is a rubber-like material. Silicone is made of silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Generally silicone rubber is non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments as well as temperatures. Silicone able to maintain its useful properties at -55 °C to +300 °C. This is why silicone rubber is one of the most versatile and durable materials. In addition, silicone is easy to manufacture and shape. This is why silicone rubber products are becoming the new normal. Silicone can be found in: automotive, cooking products; apparel, footwear; electronics; medical devices, toys, etc. These products are made of different types of Silicone Rubber. Here is a summary of the most popular types of silicone rubber.
Types of Silicone Rubber
Fluorosilicone Rubber (FSR) – has very good high and low temperature stability. The temperature of this type of silicone rubber is -75° to +400°F. Typical applications are Aerospace fuel systems and auto fuel emission control systems. Flurorosilcone is used in 0-rings and gaskets to act as a seal for engine areas.
Fluorosilicone are suitable for exposure to air, sunlight, ozone, chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Limitations: FSR has poor physical strength, abrasion resistance, and high friction characteristics. As a result, fluorosilicone should not be used for dynamic sealing. They are also affected by brake fluids, hydrazine, or ketones.
Liquid Silicone (LSR) – is a low viscosity silicone. LSR is intended for use in liquid injection molding (LIM) equipment. This type of silicone rubber has high thermal stability and flexibility at low temperatures, high transparency and is easily colored.
Liquid silicone rubber is used to mold complex profiles because of its excellent flow characteristics. LSR is not only ideal for complex profiles but is also excels in high volume productions due to reduced cycle times. Typical applications include; medical devices, promotional products, toys, silicone mugs, silicone drink ware, etc.
Decorating Silicone Rubber
How do you print or decorate silicone rubber products? With an increase in silicone rubber products, silicone molders need a way to label, print or decorate these silicone products. Methods of decorating silicone rubber are:
- Pad printing,
- Screen printing, and
Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. offers three silicone ink lines. The Natron™ DC™ Silicone ink line and Natron™ SE™ Silicone ink line. Both of these silicone ink lines can be pad printed or screen printed onto any silicone rubber product. The DC™ – S Silicone ink line are ideal for spraying. All these three silicone ink lines are two component inks. They feature high gloss, opacity, compliance and ease of use. Click here for additional information.
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