Fabricating With Liquid Silicone Rubber

During the last several years, new systems have been developed for the production of silicone rubber parts. These systems offer major reductions in both capital and labor costs. This paper discusses these developments with an emphasis on material properties and potential benefits to the user. The principal methods used to produce molded parts and supported extrusions from liquid silicone rubber are described. Advantages of these systems include quick cure, pumpability, ease of use and lack of solvents. Data documenting the good heat stability, flame retardance, and improved compression set characteristics of the liquid silicone rubbers are presented. In addition, case histories will illustrate the primary benefit of reduced cost per finished part derived from the fast cycle times, lower energy requirements and automation available from this new technology.