Baiwe: Silicone Molding has small Tolerances

We are a professional silicone molding manufacturer and supplier in China, our high precision silicone mold-making technology can achieve the molded sizes tolerance can up to +/-0.01mm. High precision molding size is the key to silicone molded products.

Silicone Injection Molding Design Guide

There are many points that need to be considered when designing the silicone injection mold, Baiwe can provide a design for manufacturing (DFM) report, are you ready to send us a 3D drawing?

Silicone Molding – Ultimate FAQs Guide

Interested in learning more about silicone molding?

Can’t figure out what sort and quality of silicone molding you need?

There are probably a lot of details that you need to finalize and how to get the proper product.

We have got a solution:

A silicone molding process can be very beneficial if you know what you are doing.

By reading this article, you should have a better understanding of silicone molding and its advantages. Let’s get started.

1. What Is Silicone Molding?

Silicone molding is a process in which synthetic material, i.e., silicone, is etched in various forms and shapes to give a new structure.

Usually, pressure and heat are imposed on silicone. The process continues unless the silicone dries. After drying, the silicone is unmolded, and the desired shape is obtained.

However, it is a typical and time-consuming procedure and requires accuracy and precision to obtain perfect results.

Typically, this process is helpful to manufacture replicas of rigid objects in a rubber-like soft, pliable material. It is usually used by artists or art students to make sculptures and life castings.

Commercially, it creates soft tools useful in daily life such as kitchenware products, baby or pet care items, medical parts, cases, covers, and sheets.

2. What Are The Types Of Silicone Molding?

There are different types of silicone molding depending on the material and procedure used. However, the most common types are briefly discussed below:

1. Silicone Compression Molding

Silicone compression molding is when a liquid silicone is shaped in giant machines with the help of the molding plates.

Once the silicone is loaded into the molds, the plates compress it by exerting pressure and heat.

However, giving the silicone the required amount of time is essential to obtain the desired outcomes.

2. Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding

When the liquid silicone is poured into the rubber molds, which is then influenced under the heat and pressure to get vulcanized, the process is called Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding.

Subsequently, the complete liquid silicone rubber molding process may require time from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

However, you can also mix the color of your choice with the silicone before solidifying it.

3. Silicone Overmolding

Silicone Overmolding is the injection of the silicone molding process repeatedly or by the action of a specific material to obtain the final results.

This process is beneficial when the experts combine two efficient materials to gain variation in final products.

3. What Are The Benefits Of Silicone Molding?

The benefit of silicone molding is that they are highly effective and productive for industrial uses. Some of the significant advantages of silicone molding are listed below:

1. High Output Within No Time

Silicone molding can generate high production depending on the size of the mold.

Furthermore, the process is not time-consuming; instead, it can produce thousands of pieces in just an hour as it requires approximately 15 seconds to mold a small item.

2. Versatility

Whether it is sim card trays or oxygen masks, silicone molding is versatile to manufacture almost anything.

Besides, the process is widely used in every field, such as in medical parts, electronics, kitchen, or baby care products.

3. Less Waste Production

Silicone molding is considered an environmentally friendly option as it generates minimal to no waste while manufacturing.

Also, the primary advantage of using silicone is that it can be recycled to produce other products in the future, unlike metals that cannot be recycled.

4. Desired Color Products

It is easy and quick to get the silicone fabricated to the desired color.

Many companies, such as Baiwe Silicone, manufacture silicone products in customized colors. Just explain about your requirements and they will produce the item of your choice.

5. Flexibility and durability

Silicone products are flexible and durable because they can easily be bend or angled in any direction without causing any damage to the existing shape as they are elastic.

4. How To Choose Which Silicone Molding For Your Project?

To choose the silicone molding for your project, consider the professional and experienced team to perform your task.

Specific projects require certain techniques of silicone molding. An ordinary person can not suggest which silicone molding technique will suit his project, resulting in professional help.

Well-known manufacturers like Baiwe Silicone have a team of professionals that acknowledge you about various silicone molding techniques. Here is a bit of information for you.

1. For Industrial Use:

If you have an industry of plastic utensils or kitchenware, you must go for silicone compression molding. As silicone compression molding is used for:

• Food Trays
• Pet Care Products
• Baby Care Products
• Silicone Gloves

2. For Medical Purposes:

If you want medical parts in the hospital, you must go for Liquid Silicone Injection Molding. With this, we can create:

• Nozzles
• Valves
• Oxygen Mask
• Pressure Ball
• Medical Gloves

3. For Electronic Items:

If you are interested in some electronics, Silicone overmolding is your go. It is suitable for making:

• Cellphone Parts
• Sim Cardholders
• Holders in Electronics
• Airport Cases

5. What Is Liquid Silicone Rubber(LSR) Injection Molding?

Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Molding is an industrial process that molds a broad range of materials into required products and components.

To operate, the liquid silicone procedure emphasizes mixing liquid silicone rubber and other essential materials.

Typically, the silicone rubber is mixed in drums and then supplied through pipelines to the central system with two main components, i.e., catalyst and liquid silicone.

Primarily, the material is inside the metering units and then passed to the mixers. Colors or any other additives can also be added to the metering units to be mixed in the mixers.

Once mixed, the material is sent to a cooling section, where the temperature is equal to room temperature. Again, it is converted into a heated cavity where the vulcanization of silicone rubber takes place.

Due to thermal, electrical, and chemical resistance, the LSR has a wide application to many products such as isolation, sealings, and cables.

6. What Is Silicone Compression Molding?

Silicone compression molding (SCM) is the simple process of molding silicone with the help of compression force.

Subsequently, it converts unvulcanized material into vulcanized silicone via compression heating. The target material is placed in a heated cavity and then pressed to make an identical part in the silicone material.

The Silicone Compression Molding specializes in manufacturing micro molded complex medical items with tight and intricate details.

Besides, SCM is an excellent choice for producing thicker and large parts at lesser tooling rates. They are perfect for multi-color molding and insert molding procedures.

Furthermore, the process is most helpful in molding thermoplastic and thermostat polymer manufacturing. It is cost-friendly and convenient for short business runs.

Moreover, the procedure is ideal for making particular objects such as baby care items, kitchenware, and pet products.

7. What Is Silicone Overmolding?

Silicone overmolding, also known as insert molding or mold assembly, enhances a silicone rubber molding process.

Typically, it is a layering process done after Liquid Injection Molding to make the substrate mold harder and durable.  Layers of silicone rubber are made on a silicone or plastic material to provide strength and durability.

For instance, a covering of flexible rubber silicone over a hard plastic handle, the plastic will provide rigidity and support, while silicone will offer a soft touch.

Usually, silicone molding is done over silicone molds as it is difficult for silicone to bond with other materials. Instead, it sticks to silicone more frequently and efficiently.

However, a silicone mold that runs through the Injection Molding Process is softer, while overmolding is slightly tricky and more challenging.

Silicone Overmolding promotes variation in different colors, ergonomics, and brand identification. It also adds an attractive and classy look to the products.

8. What’s the Difference Between LIM Silicone Molding And Compression Molding?

The difference between LIM Silicone Molding and Compression Molding is that LIM is done by an injecting device, while the compression force carries silicone Compression Molding.

Compression molding is considered to be a cost-friendly and ideal process at a more significant level. On the other hand, LIM silicone molding is an expensive method.

Furthermore, the LIM is an efficient and less time-consuming procedure, while Silicone Compression Molding requires time to complete an operation.

Apart from cost and efficiency, the LIM can quickly produce shapes and sizes with minimal labor.

On the contrary, silicone compression molding can also produce all sizes and shapes with thick and thin walls but with the help of labor.

The SIM molding has thermal, chemical, and electrical applications. At the same time, compression molding is widely used in kitchen wares, baby products, and pet items.

9. How Much Does Silicone Injection Molding Cost?

Silicon Injection Molding costs somewhere between $5000 to $ 80,000 depending on the size and amount of the material to be molded.

Typically, Silicone Injection Molding for smaller molds is cheaper ranging from $1000 to $5000.

However, it will cost you approximately $12,000 to get the larger object to be molded.

Moreover, many manufacturers supply high-quality, efficient products at reasonable rates. The prices of the objects may vary depending on the design, quantity of your order, and type of silicone molding.

10. What’s The Quality Standard Of Silicone Mold?

The quality standard of silicone mold solely depends on the quality and consistency of the material. Incompatible and inadequate silicone molding will lead to negative impacts on your product.

However, examine the following aspects to analyze the quality of silicone mold.

1. Raw Material

For the stability and durability of any product, its raw material should be perfect and consistent. Medical-grade silicone is considered the best raw material because of its low toxicity, stability, and chemical inertness.

They are popular in the industry due to their quality and versatile nature.

2. Advanced Technology

For the evaluation of high-quality and durable products, it is essential to utilize advanced technology.

Maintaining and operating the silicone with modern techniques will ensure enhanced quality and improve the efficiency of the products.

3. Planning

The precise planning of silicone molding and its adequate implementation results in the production of quality materials.

It effectively produces high-end silicone molded materials and generates the ideal outcomes for your money.

11. What Are The Different Steps Involved In The Silicone Molding Process?

The different steps involved in the silicone molding process are as follows:

● Preparation

Before injecting the molding material into the machine, both the molding halves are adequately closed and sealed with the help of the clamp, preparing the machine for the process.

After that, the halves are connected with the injecting machine and filled with melted silicone.

Typically, the larger machines require more time to be closed and sealed.

● Pouring

After the plastic pellets move the mold to the injecting unit, they are poured with the mold material.

It is difficult to calculate the time required to fill the mold as it entirely depends on the consistency and dynamic of the material.

However, it can be measured by other factors such as pressure, volume, and material power.

● Demolding

Once the mold is poured, the demolding process starts. As it will begin cooling, the material will adopt the desired shape.

Besides, the mold can only be opened when the cooling process is completed. Or else the outcome will not be of your choice.

● Parting the Mold

The last step of silicone molding is the parting the mold from the machine. The force is applied to eject the material as it shrinks and sticks to the mold surface during the process.

If required, the mold can be injected again for a repeated shot.

12. Can Silicone Molding Be Used For Medical Products?

Yes, silicone molding is used for medical products for decades due to its biocompatibility, making it an ideal selection for heart pumps, surgical components, and defibrillators.

Furthermore, many silicone-based medical appliances and baby care items are manufactured as they are resistant to bacteria and easily sterilized.

Another reason why silicone can be used widely in medical products is because they are less reactive and do not promote allergic reactions.

However, silicone tubing can be utilized in various medical appliances such as heart pacemakers or drug delivering systems as they discourage the infection risk.

Subsequently, silicone materials can also be helpful in prosthetics as they provide exceptional comfort while in close contact with the skin and other organs of the human body.

13. What Factors To Consider Before Choosing Silicone Molding Company?

Factors to consider before choosing a silicone molding company are related to the quality and services of the manufacturers.

Many efficient producers of rubber silicone molding are available in the industry, but Baiwe Silicone is the best silicon rubber company in China, with excellent services at affordable prices.

With over fifteen years in the silicone molding industry, our company is dedicated to providing products to meet your requirements.

Moreover, Baiwe Silicon guarantees to be a trustworthy partner when it comes to fulfilling your product needs. Our experts are skilled and dedicated to improving the production of the company.

With the combined efficiency of the three plants, we can fulfill the minor orders and larger orders with ease and equal efficiency.

Subsequently, proficient engineers work day and night in manufacturing your precise and accurate customized products.

Regardless of the size of the particle, we make sure you receive the same quality for each order.

14. Is 3D Printing Better Than Silicone Molding?

3d printing is better than silicone molding in many distinct and efficient ways. Although both have distinctive traits, some points may clarify which one is better in what way.

• For detailed and high-quality molding, 3d printing is the right choice as silicone molding doesn’t provide a clear view.
• 3D printing is a modern, quick and fast technique to mold an object. On the other hand, silicone molding is a traditional method.
• 3D printing is cheaper than silicone molding. Why? Due to the complexity of work in silicone molding. 3D printing is more accessible than injection molding.
• Silicone molding is comparatively time-consuming and requires more effort. While 3D printing is a quick and effortless method hence it produces higher outcomes in lesser time.
• 3D printed items are substantial and robust and can easily be used multiple times. It is a fantastic way of improving the production speed.

15. Why Is Silicone Injection Molding So Expensive?

Silicone Injection Molding is an expensive yet durable technique for most of the enormous outcome operations.

The raw material used for the Silicone Injection Molding machines is solid and expensive, which increases the rates of the entire operation.

Moreover, constructing a silicon injection molding machine requires a longer time and needs to qualify for precise calculations.

To that end, repeated adjustments and optimization of tools are carried out, which charges extra labor and effort.

Furthermore, the restoring and maintenance of Silicone Injection Molding is time-consuming and requires frequent replacement of certain parts.

Subsequently, manufacturing complex parts is more costly and time-consuming as it is impossible to modify the part if not manufactured precisely.