Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) based products make up the fastest growing segment of Stockwell Elastomerics, Inc.'s silicone rubber molding operations. The fast cure cycles and improved performance properties of liquid silicone rubber make it a good choice for small molded components. Unlike most thermoplastic elastomers (TPRs and TPEs), LSR remains flexible and elastic beyond -70°F and retains its properties up to 450°F. Liquid silicone rubber is a good candidate for gaskets, seals and cushioning pads in portable communications, data acquisition instruments and ruggedized electronic devices where outdoor conditions are demanding. Cured LSR does not out-gas volatiles and plasticizers- which has made it friendly to electronic assemblies that were formerly required to be "silicone free".
 Large Shot Liquid Injection Molding (LIM)
Custom Colors for Silicone Liquid Injection Molding (LIM)
Liquid silicone rubber molding compounds are purchased in Part A and Part B components from the major silicone producers such as Dow, GE and Wacker Silicones. These components are usually mixed in a one to one ratio, with pigment added during the mixing process prior to the cure. Elevated temperature and molding pressures of the liquid silicone molding process enhance the cure. Depending on the catalyst and cross-section of the molded component, the actual cure can take from 30 seconds up to 3 minutes.
Liquid Silicone Rubber Sheets
The same liquid silicone molding compounds used for molded silicone gaskets can be cured into sheets.
Stockwell Elastomerics, Inc. invested in 12" x 12" sheet molds in order to injection mold liquid silicone rubber sheets .020" thick through .188" thick. This special capability allows us to provide liquid silicone rubber sheets from 5 to 70 durometer Shore A to support requirements for limited production and prototypes where timing is critical and the quantity does not meet the typical minimums of larger silicone rubber sheet manufacturers.
The time line from our liquid injection molding to our water jet cutting facility to your prototype silicone rubber gasket in-hand is days instead of weeks.
Liquid Silicone Rubber in Continuous Rolls
The same liquid silicone molding compounds can also be cast into thin silicone sheet materials, resembling latex in their consistency and elongation properties. Stockwell Elastomerics, Inc. has teamed up with Rogers' BiscoTM materials unit to provide 10 through 40 durometer liquid silicone rubber sheet in .010" through .032" thick in the form of silicone rubber gaskets. See the availability chart in our Silicone Rubber Sheet Products page.
Silicon Rubber or Silicone Rubber?
We see silicon rubber or liquid silicon rubber called out frequently. Although silicon is often called out on prints, silicone is the widely accepted terminology used among the rubber industry.
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Typical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber Compounds Table
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