Pros:
- Silicone rubber molds can be used for both hot and cold applications.
- It can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for casting metals.
- It also has a very low compression set, meaning that it will retain its shape over time.
- Silicone rubber is also FDA approved for food contact, so it can be used for molding food items.
Cons:
- Silicone rubber is one of the more expensive molding materials.
- It can be difficult to work with if you don’t have experience.
So, is using silicone rubber for molding worth it?
What are the properties of silicone rubber?
Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer made from silicone, a compound of silicon and oxygen. It is widely used in applications requiring a flexible, durable, heat-resistant material, such as in electrical insulation, cookware, plumbing, and automotive applications.
Here are some of the key properties of silicone rubber:
Excellent resistance to heat: high temperature silicone rubber sheet can withstand temperatures from -55°C to +300°C (-67°F to +572°F), making it ideal for use in high-temperature environments.
- Excellent resistance to cold: Silicone rubber retains its flexibility and elasticity even at low temperatures, making it ideal for use in cold environments.
- Excellent resistance to weathering: Silicone rubber is resistant to UV light, ozone, and oxidation, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- Excellent resistance to chemical attack: Silicone rubber is resistant to many chemicals and oils, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
What are the challenges in working with silicone rubber?
There are a few challenges to working with silicone rubber, but nothing that can’t be overcome with the right knowledge and preparation. One challenge is that silicone rubber is very sensitive to temperature changes. It can become hard and brittle in cold temperatures, and soft and gummy in warm temperatures. This means that it can be difficult to get consistent results when working with silicone rubber, especially if the temperature is not controlled during the manufacturing process. Another challenge is that silicone rubber can be difficult to bond to other materials. This means that it is often used as a stand-alone material, rather than being combined with other materials in a product.
How can silicone rubber be recycled?
There are a few ways to recycle silicone rubber. One way is to send it off to a company that specializes in recycling silicone. Another way is to clean it and reuse it yourself.
To recycle silicone rubber, you will need to clean it and remove any contaminants. Once the rubber is clean, it can be shredded and used in other products or melted down and reformed into new silicone products.
If you choose to reuse silicone rubber yourself, you can do so by cleaning it and melting it down. Once melted, you can mold the silicone into new shapes or use it as an adhesive.
What are the future trends in silicone rubber?
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the demand for silicone rubber is expected to grow. This is because silicone rubber has a variety of unique properties that make it ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including:
- Electrical insulation
- Thermal insulation
- Waterproofing
- Weatherproofing
- Shock absorption
- Vibration damping
In addition, high temperature silicone rubber strip is non-toxic, durable, and easy to clean, which makes it perfect for use in food storage and preparation.