What is the function of the exhaust stop time for silicone vulcanization?

The function of the exhaust stop time for silicone vulcanization is a crucial step in the production process of silicone products. It not only directly affects the final performance and quality of the product, but also relates to production efficiency and cost control.

1、 Exhaust effect during vulcanization process

Exhaust is an indispensable step in the vulcanization process of silicone products. Its main purpose is to eliminate the air trapped between the rubber material and the mold, as well as any bubbles or moisture that may exist inside the rubber material. If these gases and moisture are not discharged in a timely manner, they will form bubbles or voids during the vulcanization process, seriously affecting the appearance quality and physical properties of the product.

Exhaust stop time refers to the time allocation between the exhaust stage and the stop exhaust stage of the vulcanizing machine. By precisely controlling this period of time, it is possible to ensure that the rubber material is fully vented during the vulcanization process, while avoiding other problems caused by excessive venting. Specifically, when the vulcanizing machine is in the exhaust stage, the pressure inside the mold will be appropriately reduced, allowing gas and moisture to be discharged through the exhaust holes or gaps of the mold; When the exhaust stops, the internal pressure of the mold recovers, which helps the rubber material to solidify inside the mold.

2、 Improve vulcanization effect

The reasonable setting of the stop time for sulfurization exhaust has a significant impact on the sulfurization effect. On the one hand, by periodically venting and stopping venting, the temperature and pressure inside the vulcanizing machine can be controlled to maintain them within the optimal range. When the temperature or pressure is too high, the exhaust port will open in a timely manner to release some heat and gas, thereby avoiding problems such as uneven vulcanization, burning or deformation caused by overheating or excessive pressure of the rubber material.

On the other hand, the reasonable arrangement of exhaust stop time can also promote the uniform vulcanization of the rubber material. During the exhaust phase, the gas and moisture inside the rubber material are expelled, making it denser and more uniform; During the stage of stopping the exhaust, the rubber material is subjected to stable temperature and pressure inside the mold, further promoting the vulcanization reaction. This periodic variation helps to achieve uniform vulcanization of the rubber material and improve the overall performance of the product.

Silicone vulcanization exhaust stop function

3、 Energy conservation and cost reduction

The optimization of the stop time for sulfurization exhaust can also achieve the effects of energy conservation and cost reduction. During the vulcanization process, although the exhaust stage helps to eliminate gases and moisture, it also takes away some heat and energy. If the exhaust time is too long or too frequent, it will result in a significant waste of energy. By setting the exhaust stop time reasonably, unnecessary energy loss can be reduced while ensuring the exhaust effect, thereby lowering production costs.

In addition, a reasonable exhaust stop time can also reduce noise and pollution during the vulcanization process. During the exhaust phase, due to the decrease in pressure inside the mold and the release of gas, certain noise and exhaust gases may be generated. By precisely controlling the exhaust time, the impact of these adverse factors on the environment can be reduced, achieving green production.

4、 Affects product performance and quality

The performance and quality of silicone products largely depend on the exhaust effect during the vulcanization process. If the exhaust is insufficient or unreasonable, it will cause defects such as bubbles and voids on the surface of the product, seriously affecting the appearance quality and physical properties of the product. For example, in the production process of silicone seals, insufficient exhaust can lead to the presence of bubbles or voids inside the seal, thereby reducing its sealing performance and durability.

Reasonable stopping time for sulfurization exhaust can effectively avoid these problems. By precisely controlling the exhaust time, it can be ensured that the rubber material is fully exhausted during the vulcanization process, forming a dense and uniform structure. This structure not only helps improve the appearance quality of the product, but also enhances its physical performance and service life.

silicone injection molding

silicone injection molding

5、 Summary

In summary, the effect of the exhaust stop time for silicone vulcanization is multifaceted. It not only relates to the smooth progress of the vulcanization process and the quality of the vulcanization effect, but also directly affects the performance, quality, and production cost of the product. Therefore, in the production process, the sulfurization exhaust stop time should be reasonably set according to the product characteristics and production requirements to achieve the best production effect and economic benefits.