PLATINUM-CURED SILICONE: ITS ROLE AND USES
Platinum cured silicone is a desirable material for all kinds of manufacturing purposes, but it is not as commonly utilized as certain other, less expensive materials, therefore economies of scale are limited.
Silicone material, on the other hand, is the best-in-class elastomer for extreme temperature and weather conditions where other types of normal rubbers simply cannot perform, as well as being non-reactive, stable, & highly resistant to all kinds of hostile environments for many enterprises.
Silicone heaters, because of its extra flexibility, can fit into small, difficult-to-reach locations that conventional heaters can’t. Platinum cured silicone heaters are widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings when space is limited.
The wide range of temperatures Platinum cured silicone can take while keeping its physical structure and qualities is what makes it so desirable for usage in so many heating equipment and applications.
Choosing the right and best material for an application is critical, as it can affect the component’s performance & cost. When choosing a Platinum cured silicone for production, there are a few factors you should definitely consider.
The durometer (hardness), as well as the color of the silicone substance (liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or high consistency rubber (HCR), are all crucial factors to consider. Manufacturability can be influenced by any of these variables.
LIQUID SILICONE RUBBER VS. RUBBER WITH A HIGH CONSISTENCY
LSR has quite a lower viscosity than HCR, it can be injected into the mold more quickly. As a result, LSR’s manufacturing cycle can be substantially shorter than HCR’s. A post cure is required for the majority of HCR parts, which is a separate operation that can add to the cost of a part.
When creating a part with complicated geometries, a low viscosity substance is recommended to ensure that detailed features are recorded consistently and precisely.
Because of its low viscosity, LSR can quickly and completely fill small and complicated features in a mold, making it the preferred material for certain applications.
CURED SILICONE ROLE AND USES IN TODAY’S MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
The most significant advantage of employing platinum-cured type silicone molds is that the platinum curing procedure leaves almost no peroxide residues, reducing the possibility of mold fouling. This cuts down on downtime, which can boost your overall production.
In comparison to peroxide-cured materials, platinum curing may provide greater product clarity & consistency, as well as somewhat much superior elongation, high tensile strength, and rip strength.
Platinum-cured silicone and low-quality silicone, on the other hand, has few drawbacks. Because platinum curing is more expensive, it raises your initial operational costs and labor work (though this initial expense may be offset over time by gains in productivity).
Platinum is also susceptible to contamination, and it will be hampered by latex, Sulphur, tin-cure silicone, and other low-quality compounds. However, with caution and care, these problems can easily be avoided.
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