These days, the surest way to do things is with silicone rubber for mold making. Forget about the stone age and molds made of metal. Modern materials are easier to work with, and manufacturing has never been more accessible with the numerous option of silicone mixes available on the market. Everyone seems to have a use for silicone molds, from amateurs to engineers and developers, especially if you need a small run of parts done quickly.

Why Make Silicone Molds for Manufacturing?

Silicone is the best choice for mold-making because it has so many benefits. You can create custom designs using the products. They have a lasting duration of weeks or even months, depending on the type of products you’re creating. The inorganic makeup of silicone makes it able to withstand abuse to extreme temperatures and unfavorable conditions. Chemicals, weather, or oxidation can’t break silicone. Not much of anything can make a dent in it, even if it has extreme tensile properties.

The following is a list of the best reasons to use silicone rubber for mold making:

It’s flexible

Silicone is incredibly flexible and easy to work with, with pliable molds and very little weight. It never gets stiff unless you mix it with hardening components. Consider that most silicone molds can’t break, and you have a winner for manufacturing projects. Silicone is often used in a vast array of industries to create anything and everything some times. You can build intricate engineering components to funny-shaped ice cubes.

It’s stable

Silicone can keep up with some very extreme conditions. Curated silicone can take -65°C or respectable 400°C burns without losing shape, consistency, or brittle. The substance is highly stable, and that’s why it’s used in many casting industries to create fast-faced products in no time. Even the most modern bakeries use silicone trays to get those yummy bagels out of the oven as fast as possible.

It’s durable

We already mentioned how silicone is very durable. You can get a lengthy run out of silicone rubber for mold making. It would help if you also kept in mind that all durations are not the same. If you’re using a silicone mold to cast frequently, say, daily, your mold will degrade pretty fast. You can maximize the lifespan of your mold by cleaning it up after each round of use and ensuring it dries up properly.

You’ll most likely get many runs out of a silicone mold. However, it’s important to note that the life span of molds can vary greatly. The more frequently you cast, and the more complex or detailed your design, the faster your mold might degrade. To maximize the life of your silicone molds, clean them with mild soap and water, dry them thoroughly, and store them flat without stacking.

Limitations of silicone rubber for mold making

Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to consider the downsides. There’s not much to add here other than costs. Silicone costs twice the rate of other plastics, such as latex. You also need to check for air bubbles since they can break your mold quickly. Last but not least, you must watch out for the right mix according to your project. You don’t want to choose something too stretchy if you’re building something durable.