When it comes to manufacturing products with Silikonformen, choosing the right part material is critical to ensuring product quality, Haltbarkeit, und Leistung. This article will break down the most commonly used materials for silicone mold parts, their key characteristics, Anwendungsszenarien, and help you make informed decisions based on your needs.
1. Key Part Materials for Silicone Molds: A Comparative Overview
To quickly understand the differences between major materials, let’s start with a detailed comparison table. This table highlights the core advantages, Temperaturwiderstand, and typical uses of each material—essential information for material selection.
| Material | Kernvorteile | Temperaturwiderstandsbereich | Typical Silicone Mold Applications |
| ABS | Hohe Stärke, gute dimensionale Stabilität, easy surface treatment | -40°C to +80°C | Telefonkoffer, camera shells, Spielzeugkörper |
| Pu (Polyurethan) | Adjustable flexibility, Resistenz tragen, wasserdicht | -30°C to +120°C | Soles, car seats, tent coatings |
| Silikonkautschuk | Excellent softness, high/low temperature resistance, Chemische Stabilität | -60°C to +250°C | Baby pacifiers, microwave gloves, Siegel |
| Epoxidharz | Hohe Starrheit, Korrosionsbeständigkeit, strong bonding | -50°C to +150°C | Bridge models, anti-corrosion coatings, composite parts |
2. In-Depth Analysis of Each Material
Below is a detailed breakdown of each material’s unique properties and why they are suitable for specific silicone mold applications. We use a “feature + scenario” structure to link material characteristics directly to real-world uses.
2.1 ABS: The Go-To for High-Strength, Präzisionsteile
Why choose ABS for silicone mold parts? Its three core features make it indispensable in consumer electronics and toy industries:
- High strength and toughness: Even in low-temperature environments (as low as -40°C), ABS maintains toughness and resists breaking. Zum Beispiel, when producing phone shells via silicone molds, ABS can replicate the mold’s fine details while withstanding daily drops and impacts.
- Superior dimensional stability: After demolding from the silicone mold, ABS parts have minimal size deviation (usually within 0.1-0.3mm). This is critical for electronic equipment shells (Z.B., router casings) where precise fitting with internal components is required.
- Easy surface enhancement: ABS can be polished, Elektropliert, or painted to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish. Toy manufacturers often use this property to create vibrant, scratch-resistant toy car bodies with silicone molds.
Common Application Scenarios: Home appliances (TV/air conditioner shells), Elektronik (Computerfälle), Spielzeug (robot shells).
2.2 Pu (Polyurethan): Flexible and Durable for Dynamic Uses
PU stands out for its adjustable flexibility—a key advantage that makes it suitable for both soft and rigid parts. How does this work? By adjusting the chemical formula of PU, manufacturers can create:
- Weicher pu: Ideal for products that need bending or a comfortable touch, such as yoga mats or upholstered furniture parts. When made with silicone molds, soft PU retains its elasticity and avoids cracking during use.
- Rigid PU: Used for industrial wheels or car interior frames, where stiffness and load-bearing capacity are needed. Silicone molds ensure rigid PU parts have uniform thickness and no air bubbles.
Other key benefits of PU include Ausgezeichneter Verschleißfestigkeit (perfect for soles and tires) Und oil resistance (suitable for automotive seals that contact engine oil).
Common Application Scenarios: Fußbekleidung (high-end shoe soles/uppers), Automobil (Sitze, Lenkradabdeckungen), Outdoor -Produkte (waterproof clothing, tent coatings).
2.3 Silikonkautschuk: The Soft, Temperature-Resistant Specialist
Silicone rubber is often confused with silicone molds themselves, but it is also a top choice for weich, Hochleistungs-Teile made FROM silicone molds. Its unbeatable features include:
- Extreme temperature tolerance: It works reliably from -60°C (ideal for refrigerator seals) to +250°C (safe for microwave oven gloves)—a range no other material in this list can match.
- Medical-grade safety: With strong chemical stability, silicone rubber does not react with most substances. This makes it perfect for medical parts (Z.B., infusion tubes) and baby products (pacifiers) made via silicone molds, as it meets strict hygiene standards.
- Instant elasticity: Even after significant deformation (Z.B., stretching or squeezing), silicone rubber quickly returns to its original shape. This is why massager contact heads—produced with silicone molds—maintain their softness and functionality long-term.
Common Application Scenarios: Maternal and infant products (pacifiers, soft handles), Medizinprodukte (infusion tubes), Elektronik (sealing rings, Knöpfe).
2.4 Epoxidharz: The Strong Choice for Structural and Corrosive Environments
If your project requires high rigidity and corrosion resistance, epoxy resin is the material for you. Its key strengths shine in industrial and aerospace applications:
- Außergewöhnliche Stärke: Nach dem Heilung (a process easily controlled with silicone molds), epoxy resin can withstand high pressure and tensile force. Zum Beispiel, bridge models made with epoxy resin and silicone molds retain their structural integrity even under stress testing.
- Chemischer Widerstand: It remains stable in harsh environments, such as marine settings. Silicone-molded epoxy resin coatings protect ship hulls from saltwater corrosion—extending the lifespan of marine facilities.
- Strong bonding power: Epoxy resin bonds well with other materials (Z.B., fibers). This makes it the matrix for fiber-reinforced composites, which are used in aircraft internal parts (produced via silicone molds for precision).
Common Application Scenarios: Konstruktion (building repair materials, waterproof coatings), chemical industry (tank linings, pipeline coatings), Luft- und Raumfahrt (Satellitenteile, Flugzeugkomponenten).
3. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Silicone Mold Part Materials
Bei Yigu Technology, we believe the “best” material for silicone mold parts depends on application needs and performance trade-offs. Für Unterhaltungselektronik, ABS balances cost and precision; for medical products, silicone rubber’s safety is non-negotiable; for industrial structures, epoxy resin’s strength is critical. We often guide clients to test small batches with silicone molds first—this reduces risk and ensures the material aligns with their product goals. As manufacturing evolves, we also see trends toward eco-friendly versions of these materials (Z.B., recycled ABS, bio-based PU) to meet sustainability demands.
4. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Silicone Mold Part Materials
Q1: Can I use ABS for outdoor products made with silicone molds?
ABS has limited UV resistance, so it is not ideal for long-term outdoor use (it may fade or become brittle). For outdoor products, Pu (waterproof and UV-resistant) or silicone rubber (wetterfest) are better choices.
Q2: Is silicone rubber more expensive than PU for silicone mold parts?
Ja, Silikonkautschuk ist im Allgemeinen teurer als PU. Jedoch, seine Sicherheit (medizinisch/lebensmittelecht) und Temperaturbeständigkeit rechtfertigen die Kosten für Anwendungen mit hoher Nachfrage wie Babyprodukte oder medizinische Geräte.
Q3: Can epoxy resin be colored when using it with silicone molds?
Absolut! Epoxidharz nimmt Pigmente problemlos auf. Sie können Farbstoffe hinzufügen, bevor Sie es in Silikonformen gießen, um individuell gefärbte Teile zu erstellen – perfekt für Dekorations- oder Markenprodukte (Z.B., Farbige Strukturbauteile).