Due to increased production capabilities over the past 30 years, custom silicone rubber extrusion processes have become more popular. Therefore, silicone rubber has become the elastomer of choice in engineering products.
What is Silicone Rubber Extrusion？
Silicone rubber extrusion is a process in which solid silicone rubber is pushed or pulled through a mold of the desired cross-section to form a continuous profile. The flexibility of silicone rubber allows the production of complex shapes that are not possible with other materials.
Extrusion Silicone Compound Instructions
The silicone rubber compound used in extrusion is extremely resilient to vibration, thermal shock and climate change. It excels in a variety of applications due to its excellent tear strength and abrasion resistance. Extruded silicone rubber composites are ideal for use in the electronics, automotive and medical industries as they also have excellent electrical insulating properties. To meet consumer demand, this low-toxicity material is available in a variety of colors, textures and forms. It is also an excellent choice for outdoor applications due to its excellent weather resistance. Extruded silicone rubber compounds are sure to meet the needs of your project and have a wide reputation for their outstanding properties.
Typical Applications of Extruded Silicone Profiles
Automotive – Seals and Gaskets
Aerospace and Military – Seals and Gaskets
Meat processing – hatch sealing, room sealing
lighting industry
Construction – (door seals, window seals, protective seals between glass and steel)
Dairy Fluid Handling Piping and Dairy Seals
Electronic washers, gaskets and seals
Door seals and gaskets
Oven and manhole sealing
High temperature seal
HVAC equipment – wire sealing, seal chamber conditioning
Rail and mass transit seals
Oil- and gas-resistant seals
Pharmaceutical grade USP Class Vi tubing and custom seals
Medical Silicone Rubber Extrusion: Pipes
Our Silicone Material Complies with the following
FDA Regulation 21CFR177.2600 For Food Contact
NSF 51 Approved Material
Chemical Resistance
3A Sanitary
ZZ-R-765 Overtaken by A-A59588
ASTM D2000, AMS 3304
USP CL-VI Material
High-Temperature Silicone
10 Shore A to 90 Shore A
The Silicone Extrusion Process
- Feed the silicone rubber compound into the extruder.
- The next step is to place the material into the feed hopper.
- The material is then fed into different slots in a rotating screw.
- As the material approaches the mold, the screw begins to push the rubber forward and apply pressure.
- The silicone rubber is then passed through an extrusion die to form the desired profile.
- Finally, the extruded profile is cured in a radiant heat oven.
Silicone Extrusion Features
Although a variety of silicone rubber component types can be produced using extrusion technology, all silicone rubber extrusions share the following characteristics:
Biocompatibility. Silicone rubber is generally non-toxic and non-allergenic. Because it generally has no adverse effects in contact with human skin or tissue, it is well suited for use in medical devices.
Good chemical resistance. Because silicone rubber is an inert substance and does not react with most chemicals, it is easy to clean and suitable for some process applications. However, some concentrated acids have the potential to dissolve silicone rubber, so it is critical to determine whether the chosen material is compatible with the chemicals it is intended to be used with.
Good elastic memory. When subjected to strong pressure or compression, silicone rubber continually attempts to regain its previous shape.
Strong dielectric properties. Extruded silicone rubber materials work as electrical insulators and do not degrade or conduct electricity when regularly exposed to electrical current.
Transparent appearance. Extruded silicone rubber is relatively clear, making it easy to color in applications with specific aesthetic or tissue requirements. Additionally, it makes it ideal for producing transparent pipes.
Resistant to extreme heat. Most silicone rubber extrusion materials are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500°F.
Benefits of Silicone Extrusion
- Compatible with CIP (Clean in Place) manufacturing processes
- Suitable for clean room environments
- Reliably confirm flow conditions in industrial or medical environments
- Sterilize using an autoclave
- Low odor, non-thrombogenic, non-allergenic
Silicone Extrusion Machine
Silicone rubber extruders are designed to help manufacturers create silicone rubber products in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. The silicone rubber extrusion line uses a fully automatic system to reduce errors and improve accuracy. It can quickly switch mold sets to quickly change production without additional setup time. This advanced technology ensures the highest quality silicone rubber products manufactured using the extruder. In addition, due to its simple structure, this equipment is easy to maintain and clean, allowing for efficient production without sacrificing safety or hygiene standards. We use sophisticated, high-tech extruders to ensure every project meets your standards.
Silicone Extrusions FAQs
Can silicone be extruded?
The process of forcing silicone rubber through a forming die to form a continuous length of material that can include complex cross-sections and contours is called silicone rubber extrusion. Since silicone rubber is a synthetic rubber, its elastic properties make it an ideal material for extrusion.
What is the extrusion process of silicone rubber?
The process begins by forming a catalyst-containing thermoset silicone rubber (HCR) composite into strips or slabs.
A screw extruder is then loaded with silicone rubber adhesive and the composite is passed through a die made of hardened steel. The extruder head fixes the mold, and after the silicone rubber is extruded through the mold, the mold gives the silicone rubber its shape.
What temperature do you use to extrude silicone rubber?
The extrusion process takes place in a horizontal chamber heated to 250-500°C or a vertical chamber heated to 700°C. Extrudates with a smaller cross-section will vulcanize in a few seconds, while extrudates with a larger cross-section will take a relatively longer time.
Professional silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing:
We have a team of professionals who can manufacture professional extrusions based on your project. Please contact us for help and advice, or for more details about silicone rubber extrusion manufacturers.