What are the differences between liquid silicone injection molding and vulcanization?
Liquid silicone injection molding and vulcanization are two different processes that differ in material handling, equipment requirements, process flow, and final product characteristics. The main differences between these two processes are as follows:
1. Material handling
Liquid silicone injection molding: using liquid silicone (LSR), which is a two-component, thermosetting silicone rubber material. Liquid silicone needs to be molded through mixing and injection during the injection molding process.
Sulfurization: Sulfurization is a curing process typically used for thermosetting materials such as rubber and certain plastics. During the vulcanization process, the material solidifies through chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures.
2. Equipment requirements
Liquid silicone injection molding: requires specialized injection molding equipment, including mixers, injection machines, and molds. These devices are capable of handling the fluidity and solidification characteristics of liquid silicone gel.
Sulfurization: The vulcanization process usually requires a vulcanization furnace or vulcanizing machine, which can provide a high temperature and pressure environment to promote the solidification of the material.
3. Process flow
Liquid silicone injection molding: After mixing in the injection molding machine, liquid silicone is injected into the mold through the injection machine and then solidified into shape in the mold.
Sulfurization: The vulcanization process typically involves placing the material into a vulcanizing furnace or vulcanizing machine and curing it under high temperature and pressure. The vulcanization time depends on the type and thickness of the material.
4. Curing process
Liquid silicone injection molding: Liquid silicone is solidified by heating in the mold, usually requiring a relatively short time.
Sulfurization: The vulcanization process usually takes a long time because the material needs to undergo chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures.
Liquid silicone injection molding accurately
replicates the complex shape of the mold,
Meet the needs of various finely structured products.
5. Product Features
Liquid silicone injection molding: The products produced have high transparency, elasticity, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance.
Sulfurization: The vulcanized product usually has high strength and durability, suitable for applications that require high mechanical properties.
6. Application Fields
Liquid silicone injection molding: commonly used for manufacturing seals and protective covers for medical equipment, food grade products, electronic products, etc.
Vulcanization: widely used in products such as tires, rubber hoses, seals, rubber pads, etc. that require high strength and durability.
7. Mold design
Liquid silicone injection molding: Mold design needs to consider the fluidity and curing process of liquid silicone.
Sulfurization: Mold design needs to consider the fluidity of materials and thermal expansion during the vulcanization process.
8. Production efficiency
Liquid silicone injection molding: With high production efficiency, it is suitable for large-scale production.
Sulfurization: The production efficiency is relatively low because the vulcanization process requires a long time.
9. Cost considerations
Liquid silicone injection molding: Due to the use of special materials and equipment, the cost may be higher.
Sulfurization: The material and equipment costs are relatively low, making it suitable for cost sensitive production.
conclusion
Liquid silicone injection molding and vulcanization are two different processes that differ in material handling, equipment requirements, process flow, and final product characteristics. The choice of process depends on the specific requirements and production conditions of the product.
