Unlocking Perfect Silicone Parts: The Critical Role of Mold Design
Mold design and silicone part production are deeply interconnected, with each influencing the final quality of the other. Mold design is a critical step in the initial planning stages for producing silicone rubber products.
Silicone molds come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored for specific end results. At WQsilicone, our expert mold makers have rich experience in liquid silicone injection molding.
Our Process
Upon receiving the Released for Production 3D CAD files of a client's design, we initiate the mold design process. Utilizing UG 3D modeling software, our engineers meticulously design all mold parameters according to the unique specifications of the project. The behavior and properties of liquid silicone rubber are essential considerations during this phase.
Liquid silicone rubber’s low viscosity allows it to fill molds rapidly, even under low injection pressures. Mold components are carefully considered during the schematics stage.
We also evaluate the material and composition of the mold, which can include:
Steel Core and Cavity Sets: These offer durability and longevity in LSR molding production.
Aluminum Core and Cavity Sets: These are lighter and less expensive than steel, but they may anneal with extended use, affecting hardness and ductility.
When choosing materials, we consider the thickness of the parts being produced relative to the mold’s thickness and design intricacies.
A notable characteristic of silicone rubber molding is that LSR expands when heated, causing it to shrink by 2-3% upon cooling and extraction from the mold. Various factors, such as tool temperature, cavity pressure, and part thickness, influence this shrinkage.
Since the silicone rubber part replicates the mold's surface, the surface finish is crucial. For clear or transparent parts, we use polished steel molds. Textured or eroded surfaces facilitate easier removal of silicone parts by reducing adhesion between the mold and the silicone. We treat mold surfaces with a titanium/nickel compound to extend their lifespan.
By meticulously managing these aspects, we ensure high-quality silicone parts that meet precise standards and client specifications.
Ray Xian
Phone/Whatsapp: +8619902910431
Email/Skype: ray.x@siliconesupplier.com
