About Silicone Compression Molding

Silicone compression molding is a manufacturing process used to create silicone rubber parts and components. In this process, uncured silicone material is placed into a heated mold cavity, which is then compressed or squeezed under high pressure to form the desired shape. The high pressure applied during compression helps to distribute the silicone material evenly throughout the mold cavity, ensuring consistent and uniform part dimensions. Once the silicone material is compressed and shaped to the mold cavity, it is cured or vulcanized under heat and pressure to achieve its final properties. This process allows for the production of high-quality silicone parts with precise tolerances and excellent physical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive, medical, electronics, and consumer goods

Silicone compression molding process

Detailed description of the process steps and processes of silicone compression molding

Silicone compression molding is a highly versatile manufacturing process used to create a wide range of silicone rubber parts and components. Below is a detailed description of the process steps and processes involved:

Preparation of Silicone Material:
- The process begins with the preparation of silicone material, which typically comes in the form of silicone rubber compounds or preforms. These materials are usually supplied in the form of sheets, pellets, or granules.
Preparation of Mold:
- The mold for silicone compression molding is typically made of high-quality metal, such as aluminum or steel. The mold is precision-machined to the desired shape and dimensions of the final silicone part.
- Prior to molding, the mold surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and treated with mold release agents to prevent sticking of the silicone material.
Loading of Silicone Material:
- Uncured silicone material is weighed and measured according to the specifications of the part being produced.
- The measured silicone material is then placed into the mold cavity, either manually or using automated feeding systems.
Compression and Heating:
- The mold is closed, and the silicone material is subjected to high pressure and heat.
- The high pressure is applied through the use of hydraulic presses or mechanical presses, which compress the silicone material within the mold cavity.
- Simultaneously, the mold is heated to a specific temperature, typically between 150°C to 200°C (300°F to 400°F), depending on the silicone material and part requirements.
Curing or Vulcanization:
- As the silicone material is compressed and heated, it undergoes curing or vulcanization, a chemical reaction that cross-links the polymer chains within the material.
- This process transforms the uncured silicone material into a stable, elastic rubber with the desired mechanical properties.
- The curing time varies depending on factors such as material formulation, part size, and mold temperature, but typically ranges from a few minutes to several hours.
Cooling and Demolding:
- After the curing process is complete, the mold is cooled to allow the silicone part to solidify and set.
- Once sufficiently cooled, the mold is opened, and the cured silicone part is removed from the mold cavity.
- The excess material, known as flash, is trimmed or removed from the part to achieve the final desired shape and dimensions.
Post-Curing (Optional):
- In some cases, particularly for high-performance silicone parts, post-curing may be performed to further enhance the material’s properties.
- Post-curing typically involves subjecting the cured parts to elevated temperatures for an extended period to ensure complete cross-linking and optimize mechanical properties.
Quality Control and Inspection:
- The finished silicone parts undergo thorough inspection and quality control measures to ensure they meet the specified requirements and standards.
- Dimensional inspection, visual inspection, and functional testing may be performed to verify the quality and integrity of the parts.
Packaging and Shipping:
- Finally, the finished silicone parts are packaged according to customer requirements and prepared for shipping to their destination.

Overall, silicone compression molding is a precise and efficient manufacturing process that allows for the production of high-quality silicone parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances. It is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, and consumer goods for a variety of applications.

Application areas of silicone compression molding

Application of Silicone Compression Molding in Medical Devices

There is a high demand for silicone compression molding in the medical industry because of its good biocompatibility and high temperature resistance. Medical devices such as silicone catheters, syringe seals, surgical instrument handles, etc. can all be produced by silicone compression molding.

Application of silicone compression molding in automotive parts

The automotive industry is another major silicone compression molding application area. Automotive parts such as silicone seals, rubber vibration dampers, and waterproof seals are often manufactured using the silicone compression molding process to ensure their sealing, durability, and high temperature resistance.

Auto parts silicone and silicone injection molding processing manufacturer-Lyasilicone

Lyasilicone is a professional manufacturer dedicated to the production of automotive parts using silicone and silicone injection molding processes. The company has advanced technology and rich experience to provide customers with high-quality products and customized solutions.

Silicone Compression Molding offers many advantages, including:

High molding accuracy: Silicone compression molding can achieve high-precision molding, and can produce products with complex shapes and rich details, meeting customer requirements for product appearance and dimensional accuracy.

Good physical properties: Products made by silicone compression molding have excellent physical properties, such as excellent high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, weather resistance and wear resistance, and can maintain stable performance in various harsh environments.

Strong adaptability: Silicone compression molding is suitable for various silicone materials, which can meet the material performance requirements of different customers, such as a wide range of hardness, rich colors, etc., and is also suitable for a variety of product types and industries.

High production efficiency: Silicone compression molding has rapid molding speed and high production efficiency, which can meet the needs of mass production, while also reducing production costs and improving production efficiency.

Low mold cost: Compared with other molding processes, the mold cost of silicone compression molding is relatively low, suitable for small and medium-sized batch production and customized production, reducing the cost of product development and manufacturing.

Environmental protection and safety: Silicone is an environmentally friendly material that is non-toxic, odorless, and pollution-free. It complies with international environmental standards. There is no need to add harmful substances during the production process of silicone compression molding, which can ensure the safety and reliability of the product.To sum up, silicone compression molding has many advantages such as high molding accuracy, excellent physical properties, strong adaptability, high production efficiency, low mold cost, environmental protection and safety, and is widely used in product manufacturing in various industries.

Excellent team

Through strict quality control management, we are committed to providing products of excellent quality

Whether you need a custom silicone product or medical silicone products, Lyasilicone has the capability to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. With strict quality control management, we are committed to delivering products that are of exceptional quality, and we look forward to working with you to meet your medical silicone product needs.

Silicone injection molding processing manufacturer

Lyasilicone provides complete turnkey solutions for businesses requiring high-performance liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molded parts.

LSR Custom Components: Extraordinary Solutions

The Difference Between Silicone Sleeve and Silicone Overmolding

Permanent silicone cover refers to a silicone covering that is applied to a product and cannot be removed once it is applied. The non-removable silicone cover is usually through the overmolding process, which seamlessly combines silicone rubber and multiple materials into a single part or product. It combines the properties of the underlying object with the benefits of silicone. The overmolding silicone cover is designed to help prevent damage from scratches, dust, and other types of wear and tear. It also can be customized with different colors, designs, and textures to give a device a unique appearance.

The Function of Silicone Sleeve

The silicone sleeve ensures the utmost safety and security for your device. Its shockproof feature acts as a reliable cushioning layer. When a device is dropped, the silicone protective sleeve compresses and deforms to absorb the shock, protecting the device from damage. Silicone has a high coefficient of friction. The anti-skid property of the silicone sleeve adds an extra layer of security, preventing objects from sliding on smooth surfaces and preventing accidental slips. Moreover, its waterproof feature forms an impermeable barrier, shielding your device from potential water damage caused by accidental spills, rain, or splashes.

Selected Silicone Raw Materials

Imported raw materials

The silicone injection molding processing plant selects imported raw materials from Dow Corning, Shin-Etsu and other companies and meets RoHS, SGS, UL, FDA, LFGB and other standards. The finished products are fully inspected and handed over to customers for inspection. The products are environmentally friendly, safe and have a long service life.

Our silicone molding and overmolding solutions are ideal for businesses and entrepreneurs who

Have at minimum completed the drawing & designs phase of product development.
Are looking to bring manufacturing back to the United States.
Have CAD files either STEP, IGS, or SLDPRT.
The more information we know about you and your product, the faster we can determine if we’re the right fit. Please fill in the contact form below.