If you are in the business of silicone molding, then you know that the process can be tricky. Many factors can affect the outcome of your mold, and it can be challenging to keep track of all of them. That's why we've compiled all the best silicone molding resources into one place. So, whether you're looking for tips on how to get started or you need to troubleshoot a problem you're having, we've got you covered.

What is Silicone Molding?

Silicone molding is a manufacturing technique used to produce parts and components from uncured silicone rubber. Silicone molding offers many benefits over other methodologies, including the ability to create complex shapes with tight tolerances, low tooling costs, and high levels of precision.

In addition, silicone molding can create parts with a wide range of physical properties, from elastomeric materials that can resist high temperatures to flexible materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. As a result, silicone molding has become an increasingly popular choice for manufacturers across a broad range of industries.

How is the Silicone Molding Process Completed?

You will decrease the risks associated with working with various vendors, accelerate time to market, and cut costs by providing the entire production cycle under one roof, from designing parts and creating molds to starting full-scale production.

Step 1. Choosing the suitable silicone material and durometer

The selection of silicone raw materials is the first step in the production of silicone molds. Different options of silicone rubber materials have been created to address various application requirements. The silicone material must be chosen carefully for a new silicone product to succeed.

We can select the most suitable silicone material by accurately assessing the needs of our customers. The most practical material will be chosen based on the product's structure and function, the application environment, outcomes, safety test requirements, and the customer's budget.

Step 2. Compounding and Blending of Silicone Material

Without any elasticity or strength, silicone is a milk-white or transparent gum-like component as its raw material. The silicone material combines various ingredients, like the vulcanizing agent, reinforcing filler, accelerator, colorant, etc., to improve its properties and achieve the desired color.

Combining silicone with other ingredients is a sophisticated process known as silicone compounding. For silicone molding production to be successful, the right mixture is essential.

Step 3. Cutting or Blanking

After blending, the silicone material is gathered in film-covered sizable rolls to keep dust and dirt out. After that, it will be automatically cut into slices. The weight of the silicone part to be molded will be used to determine the length and width of the portions. Our molding operators find it simpler to weigh the material when producing silicone molds thanks to silicone blanking.

Step 4. Weighing and Inserting Silicone into the Mold

Molding operators must be able to place slices quickly and accurately in the proper location on the tool mold after accurately weighing and cutting them into small pieces. The amount of material is significant because too little material will result in small silicone parts or missing parts, and far too much material will increase the size of the silicone parts.

Each molding operator receives standardization training from HB Silicone, and each member of our molding staff has at least three years of experience producing silicone molds. Due to their years of experience, they can handle any manufacturing issues that may arise during silicone molding and guarantee consistent, high-quality results.

Step 5. Vulcanization Molding of Silicone Parts

Under intense heat and pressure from a vulcanizing molding machine, silicone material is fully cured before silicone parts are formed. We have eight high-precision, fully automated vacuum vulcanizing machines in our molding department that can be used to create more high-performance silicone parts. Our sophisticated molding equipment, combined with our knowledgeable operators, gives us the ability and flexibility to quickly mold high-quality, high-volume silicone parts.

Step 6. Demolding

The vulcanizing machine will automatically release the pressure when the silicone has fully hardened. Then, the tool mold will release and open so that silicone molding workers can remove the molded components. Finally, the raw material will be placed once more for the next vulcanization cycle.

Step 7. Deflashing

When the mold splits, there is a thin flap of material called a "silicone flash." When heated and cured, the silicone material's low viscosity and high molding pressure cause it to flow into every crevice of the tool mold. Flash can be reduced by using good designs, better tooling, and precise material weights during the production of vulcanizer molds. Flash will primarily be removed by hand, though cryogenic de-flashing may be used in some circumstances.

Be aware that there will always be a flash line on silicone parts, also known as a parting line, with minimal silicone flash (less than 0.3mm) remaining.

Takeaway

This guide provided a comprehensive overview of the silicone molding process, from selecting suitable silicone to curing the mold. NiceRapid is a leading manufacturer of silicone molds and has extensive experience in the field. For more information about silicone molding or to discuss your specific needs, contact Nice Rapid.