LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) Injection Molding

What is Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Molding

Liquid Silicone Rubber injection molding is a process that involves injecting liquid silicone rubber into a mold cavity to create a part or product. Unlike traditional silicone molding methods, LSR injection molding uses a two-component system that is mixed and then injected into a mold under high pressure and heat, where it cures and solidifies. Then, the cured lsr parts are removed by wokers or automated system.

What is LSR material

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is a two-component biocompatible liquid silicone. Component A contains a platinum catalyst and Component B contains methylhydrogensiloxane as a cross-linker and an alcohol inhibitor. The two component can be injected into a mold cavity to manufacture a solid part. LSR is very versatile in the silicone rubber industry and is widely used across a whole spectrum of parts from consumer products to medical devices.

LSR Injection Molding Process

1. Mold Design and Creating

A metal mold, typically made from steel or aluminum, is designed based on the desired shape and specifications of the final product. You can send your 3D files of the product to us, our expert engineer can design the mold for you.

After finalizing the design, creating a metal mold involves several precise steps. First, CNC milling machines carve out the mold's cavities and cores from steel or aluminum, following the 3D CAD model. For finer details, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used. Once the machining is done, the cavities are polished to achieve a smooth finish, and any necessary textures are added through etching or laser engraving.

At Bogue Silicone, we have our own molding department to ensure every step meets our high standards for quality and precision.

2. Material Preparation:

Liquid silicone rubber is supplied in two parts (Part A and Part B). These parts are mixed in precise ratios, often with additives like pigment, curing agent.

3. Injection:

The mixed LSR is injected into a pre-heated mold cavity at high pressure using a LSR injection molding machine.

4. Curing:

The heat from the mold causes the silicone to cure rapidly, forming a solid part.

5. Demolding:

Once cured, the mold is opened, and the molded lsr part is removed, often with automated systems for efficiency.

6. Post-Processing:

Parts may undergo additional processes such as trimming, inspection, and quality control.

Benefits of Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Molding

Silicone Rubber injection molding offers several benefits, making it a preferred choice for various industries and applications. Here are some key advantages:

Precision and Versatility

LSR molding excels in producing intricate designs and precise dimensions due to its low viscosity and exceptional flowability. This capability allows for the creation of complex geometries, micro-sized parts, and components with tight tolerances. This precision is particularly beneficial for critical applications in sectors such as medical devices, automotive parts, and electronics.

Material Properties

• Flexibility and Elasticity: Liquid silicone rubber exhibits excellent elasticity and flexibility across a wide temperature range, from extreme cold to high heat. This property is essential for applications requiring resilience and durability, such as seals, gaskets, and consumer goods.

• Chemical Resistance: LSR is highly resistant to chemicals, including oils, solvents, and some acids. This characteristic enhances the material's longevity and suitability for use in demanding environments, such as industrial machinery and automotive components.

• Medical Grade Material: Liquid silicone rubber material is safe for medical devices and implants, meeting strict regulations. Its reliability makes it popular in healthcare and medical industry.

Production Efficiency

• Fast Curing Time: Liquid silicone rubber material cures rapidly at lower temperatures compared to traditional rubber molding processes. This reduces cycle times, increases production efficiency, and supports faster turnaround in manufacturing.

• Automation Compatibility: Automation in LSR molding processes streamlines operations, cutting labor costs and minimizing human error. This scalability is crucial for large-scale production, ensuring consistent quality and cost-effectiveness.

Design Freedom and Sustainability

• Design Flexibility: LSR injection molding enables the replication of intricate details and textures from molds, offering designers significant creative freedom. This capability supports innovative product designs and customization without compromising performance.

• Material Efficiency: Injection molding minimizes material waste through precise control over the injection process and efficient mold filling. This sustainable approach reduces environmental impact and production costs.

Silicone injection molding offers manufacturers a reliable solution for producing high-quality, durable products. Its ability to meet strict standards and support sustainable manufacturing practices underscores its value across various applications.

Applications of LSR Injection Molding

The molding method is used across various industries to produce a wide array of products, including:

• Baby: Bibs, placemats, bowls and other feeding set, teethers, bottle nipples and toys.
• Kitchen: Silicone cupcake molds, ice cube trays and other utensils.
• Houseware: Silicone cups, bags and other tools.
• Pet: Pet feeding bowls, mats and fun toys.
• Medical: Syringe stoppers, seals, gaskets, and other medical-grade components.
• Automotive: Engine gaskets, vibration dampers, and other automotive parts.
• Electronics: Keypads, seals, phone cases, earphone cases and other electronic components.

Custom LSR Injection Molding Services

At Bogue Silicone, we specialize in providing high-quality liquid silicone rubber injection molding services tailored to meet your specific needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team ensure precise, reliable, and efficient production of LSR components.

Our Capabilities

• Custom Molding: We offer custom molding solutions to meet the unique requirements of your projects.
• Prototype to Production: From prototype development to full-scale production, we support you at every stage.
• Quality Assurance: Strict quality control processes ensure that every part meets the highest standards.

Contact Us

Interested in our silicone molding services? Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote.