What is the application of LSR molding process in automotive parts?

In the rapid development of the automotive manufacturing industry, various innovative technologies emerge one after another, among which LSR (liquid silicone rubber) molding process, as an important innovative technology, is gradually occupying an important position in the production of automotive parts. The LSR molding process, with its unique advantages, not only improves the performance and quality of automotive parts, but also promotes the development process of automotive lightweighting and environmental protection.

Overview of LSR Forming Process

LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber), also known as liquid silicone rubber, is a thermosetting material that undergoes a thermal acceleration reaction from liquid to solid by mixing components A and B and heating them in a mold with a platinum catalyst. This process is called Liquid Injection Molding (LIM). The LSR molding process is known for its low compression permanent deformation, extreme temperature resistance, excellent optical transparency, and design flexibility, and is widely used in manufacturing precision, complex, and highly durable automotive parts.

Technical principles and characteristics

The technical principle of LSR molding process is based on the chemical reaction of thermosetting materials. In the mold, components A and B are mixed in precise proportions and injected into the preheated mold through an injection machine. Under the action of high temperature and catalyst, the two components rapidly undergo cross-linking reaction, forming solid silicone components. During this process, LSR exhibits the following significant characteristics:

1. Excellent physical properties: LSR molded parts have low compression permanent deformation and can maintain stable performance over a wide temperature range (-50 ℃ to 250 ℃), making them very suitable for automotive parts in extreme environments.
2. Excellent design flexibility: LSR molding technology can manufacture components with complex shapes, precise dimensions, and smooth surfaces, meeting the requirements of automotive parts for refinement.
3. Efficient production efficiency: The LSR molding process is highly automated, with a short production cycle, suitable for large-scale production, and helps improve the production efficiency of automotive parts and reduce costs.
4. Environmental Protection and Sustainability: LSR materials are non-toxic and harmless, recyclable and reusable, in line with the environmental trends of the automotive manufacturing industry.

Application Fields and Cases

The LSR molding process is widely used in the field of automotive parts, covering multiple aspects from the engine periphery to the interior and exterior of the vehicle body. Here are some typical application cases:

1. Sealing rings and gaskets: LSR formed sealing rings and gaskets have excellent sealing performance and aging resistance, and are widely used for sealing in engines, transmissions, fuel tanks, and other parts, effectively preventing oil leakage and improving the safety and reliability of the entire vehicle.
2. Sensors and connectors: LSR’s electrical insulation and high temperature resistance make it an ideal material for manufacturing sensors and connectors. For example, the automotive sensor bracket adopts LSR molding technology, which not only reduces weight, but also increases the complexity and functional integration of the parts, enhancing the response speed and accuracy of the sensor.
3. Interior and exterior components: LSR molding process can be used to manufacture interior and exterior components such as dashboard buttons, door handles, wiper arms, etc. These parts not only feel soft and comfortable, but also have good wear resistance and anti-aging performance, improving the driving comfort and the overall texture of the vehicle.
4. Cooling system components: LSR’s heat resistance and corrosion resistance make it suitable for manufacturing certain components of cooling systems, such as water pipe joints and water pump seals. These components can maintain stable performance in high temperature and corrosive media, ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system.

Case study: Engine sealing ring

Taking the engine seal ring as an example, the application of LSR molding technology greatly improves the performance of the seal ring. Traditional sealing rings are often made of rubber materials. Although they have a certain sealing effect, they are prone to aging and deformation under high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media, leading to seal failure. The sealing ring formed by LSR has higher heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and aging resistance, and can maintain stable sealing performance in harsh working environments. In addition, LSR sealing rings also have good elasticity and resilience, which can better adapt to small deformations and vibrations of engine components, ensuring the durability of the sealing effect.

conclusion

In summary, the LSR molding process plays an increasingly important role in the production of automotive parts due to its unique advantages and wide range of applications. With the continuous pursuit of lightweighting, environmental friendliness, and high performance in the automotive manufacturing industry, LSR molding technology is expected to be widely applied and developed in the future. Automobile manufacturing enterprises should actively introduce and apply LSR molding technology, continuously improve the performance and quality level of automotive parts, and promote the transformation, upgrading, and sustainable development of the automobile manufacturing industry.