Silicone soft molds are versatile tools used in prototype production, crafts, und industrielle Fertigung, valued for their flexibility, detail-retaining ability, and compatibility with various casting materials (Z.B., Harz, Polyurethan). Jedoch, choosing the right type and mastering curing processes are critical to avoiding defects like incomplete hardening or low durability. This article breaks down silicone soft mold types, curing technologies, Schlüsseleinflussfaktoren, und praktische Anwendungen – mit klaren Vergleichen und Tipps zur Optimierung der Formleistung.
1. Arten von weichen Silikonformen: Passen Sie es an Ihre Bedürfnisse an
Silicone soft molds are categorized by curing temperature and functional requirements. Each type has unique traits suited to specific scenarios.
| Schimmelpilztyp | Aushärtetemperaturbereich | Kerneigenschaften | Ideale Anwendungen |
| Aushärtung bei Raumtemperatur (RTV) | 20°C–25°C | – No heating equipment needed; simple to operate.- Longer curing time (12–24 Stunden, varies by thickness/humidity).- Gentle on temperature-sensitive materials (Z.B., Wachs, certain plastics). | Kunsthandwerk in kleinen Mengen (jewelry wax models), small prototype replication (Z.B., TV remote button panels), instructional demonstrations, and low-volume art pieces. |
| Erhitzen-Härten (HTV) | 60°C–120°C | – Heating accelerates curing (1–3 Stunden), shortening production cycles.- Enhances physical properties: höhere Härte, better abrasion/tear resistance.- Requires thermostatic ovens or heating tools. | Industrial-grade production (Autoteile, Hüllen für elektronische Geräte wie TV-Rückseitenabdeckungen), Verwendung von Hochfrequenzformen (Z.B., 50+ Gusszyklen), and molds needing fast turnaround. |
| Schnelle Aushärtung bei niedriger Temperatur | 0°C–10°C (refrigeration required) | – Cures quickly in cold environments (several hours to 10+ Std.).- Beständig gegen Sprödigkeit bei niedrigen Temperaturen. | Fertigung in kalten Regionen, Notfall-Schimmelreparaturen (Z.B., fixing a damaged TV prototype mold), and projects where room-temperature curing is impractical. |
| Hochtemperaturbeständig | 80°C–120°C (Heilung); 200° C - 300 ° C. (service temperature) | – Cures like standard heating-curing molds but retains performance at extreme high temperatures.- Ausgezeichnete thermische Stabilität; no deformation under prolonged high heat. | Luft- und Raumfahrtkomponenten, Kfz -Motorteile (Z.B., heat-resistant gaskets), and high-temperature casting (Z.B., metal-alloy prototypes). |
Schlüsselvergleich: For TV prototype production—if you need to replicate small, detaillierte Teile (Z.B., Schnittstellenpanels) without damaging the master model, choose RTV. Für die Nachbildung von Gussformen für TV-Rückseiten im industriellen Maßstab (100+ Einheiten), HTV ist besser für Geschwindigkeit und Haltbarkeit.
2. Aushärtungsprozess: Schrittweise Optimierung
Der richtige Aushärtungsvorgang wirkt sich direkt auf die Qualität der Form aus. Nachfolgend finden Sie eine lineare Anleitung zur RTV- und HTV-Härtung – mit wichtigen Geboten und Verboten.
2.1 Aushärtung bei Raumtemperatur (RTV) Verfahren
- Vorbereiten: Stellen Sie sicher, dass der Arbeitsbereich vorhanden ist trocken und belüftet (Luftfeuchtigkeit <60%)– Übermäßige Feuchtigkeit führt zu einer unvollständigen Aushärtung (Schimmel bleibt klebrig).
- Mischen: Silikonbasis und Katalysator verrühren (Verhältnis 10:1, gemäß den Anweisungen des Herstellers) langsam, um Luftblasen zu vermeiden.
- Gießen: Gießen Sie die Mischung über das Meistermodell (Z.B., ein TV-Tasten-Prototyp) in einem dünnen, steady stream to minimize bubble formation.
- Heilung: Let stand at 20°C–25°C for 12–24 hours. For thick molds (>5mm), extend curing time by 6–8 hours to ensure full hardening.
- Entformen: Only remove the master model once the mold is fully cured—premature demolding leads to deformation (Z.B., a TV interface mold losing slot details).
2.2 Erhitzen-Härten (HTV) Verfahren
- Vorbereiten: Verwenden Sie a thermostatic oven (temperature accuracy ±2°C) to avoid local overheating.
- Mischen: Same as RTV, but use HTV-specific silicone (höherer Wärmewiderstand).
- Gießen: Fill the mold frame and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Staged Heating:
- Preheat at 60°C for 30 Minuten (evaporates residual moisture).
- Gradually raise to target temperature (Z.B., 80°C for TV frame molds) and hold for 1–2 hours.
- Avoid rapid temperature spikes (causes mold cracking).
- Kühlung & Entformen: Let the mold cool to 40°C–50°C before demolding—cold molds are brittle and prone to breakage.
3. Faktoren, die die Aushärtung weicher Silikonformen beeinflussen
Four key factors determine curing quality—ignoring them can lead to weak molds or production delays.
| Faktor | How It Impacts Curing | Practical Tips to Mitigate Risks |
| Silicone Brand/Model | Formulas vary by manufacturer (Z.B., Dow Corning, Wacker, local brands). RTV vs. HTV silicones have different catalyst ratios and temperature sensitivities. | – Always follow the manufacturer’s manual (Z.B., a Wacker HTV silicone may require 90°C instead of 60°C).- Test a small sample first if using a new brand. |
| Mold Size & Dicke | Thicker molds (>5mm) Fangenhitze, requiring higher temperatures or longer curing times. Klein, thin molds (<2mm) cure faster but are prone to under-hardening. | – For thick molds (Z.B., a 10mm TV base mold): Increase HTV curing time by 30 minutes or raise temperature by 10°C.- For thin molds: Use a humidity-controlled room for RTV to avoid uneven curing. |
| Auxiliary Additives | Catalysts speed up curing (but excess causes brittleness); diluents reduce viscosity (but overuse weakens mold strength); pigments may affect curing uniformity. | – Use additives at recommended ratios (Z.B., 1% catalyst for RTV).- Avoid mixing multiple additives (Z.B., Katalysator + diluent) unless tested. |
| Umweltbedingungen | – Luftfeuchtigkeit (>60% for RTV): Causes surface stickiness.- Airflow (insufficient for RTV): Slows curing.- Temperature fluctuations (for HTV): Leads to uneven hardening. | – Use dehumidifiers for RTV in humid areas.- Ensure HTV ovens have stable temperature control (no more than ±2°C variation). |
4. Praktische Anwendungen: Vom Handwerk zur Industrie
Silicone soft molds excel in scenarios requiring detail retention and flexibility. Below are common use cases with TV prototype production examples.
4.1 Handwerk & Small-Batch-Produktion
- Jewelry Making: RTV molds replicate intricate wax models (Z.B., gemstone settings) without damaging delicate details.
- Kunst & Dekor: Low-temperature curing molds create resin sculptures with complex textures (Z.B., marble patterns).
4.2 Prototyp -Herstellung
- TV Prototype Parts:
- RTV molds replicate small TV components (Z.B., remote control shells, button prototypes) with high detail accuracy (± 0,1 mm).
- HTV molds produce durable molds for TV back cover prototypes—supporting 50+ casting cycles with minimal wear.
- Elektronik: Formen für Smartphone -Koffer, laptop keyboard caps, and other small electronic parts.
4.3 Industrielle Produktion
- Automobil: HTV molds make rubber gaskets and plastic interior parts (Z.B., Dashboard -Komponenten).
- Luft- und Raumfahrt: High-temperature resistant molds cast heat-resistant parts (Z.B., Motordichtungen) that withstand 250°C+ environments.
5. Die Perspektive von Yigu Technology auf weiche Silikonformen
Bei Yigu Technology, we’ve found that 80% of silicone mold issues stem from mismatched mold types or improper curing. For TV prototype clients, we often recommend RTV for initial small-batch tests (Z.B., 5–10 interface panel replicas)—it’s cost-effective and gentle on 3D-printed master models. For clients scaling to 50+ TV prototype parts, we switch to HTV with staged heating (60°C preheat → 90°C cure) to boost mold durability. A recent case: a client using RTV for TV frame molds faced frequent tearing after 10 cycles—switching to HTV extended mold life to 60+ Zyklen, cutting rework costs by 40%. Our key advice: Prioritize understanding your project’s volume, temperature needs, and detail requirements—this ensures you pick the right mold type and avoid unnecessary delays.
6. FAQ: Häufige Fragen zu weichen Silikonformen
Q1: Warum ist meine bei Raumtemperatur aushärtende Silikonform danach immer noch klebrig? 24 Std.?
A1: This is usually caused by high humidity (>60%) or incomplete mixing (uneven catalyst distribution). Korrekturen: Move the mold to a dry, beatmter Bereich (Verwenden Sie einen Entfeugerer) for 6–8 more hours; if mixing was the issue, re-mix a new batch with precise catalyst ratios (follow the manual).
Q2: Kann ich für temperaturempfindliche Meistermodelle eine hitzehärtende Silikonform verwenden? (Z.B., wax TV prototypes)?
A2: No—HTV’s curing temperature (60°C–120°C) will melt or deform wax, Plastik, or other heat-sensitive materials. Use RTV instead—it cures at room temperature and won’t damage the master model.
Q3: How can I extend the lifespan of my silicone soft mold?
A3: – For HTV molds: Avoid exceeding their service temperature (Z.B., don’t use a standard HTV mold for 200°C applications).- Clean molds with mild soap and water after each use (avoid harsh solvents that break down silicone).- Store molds in a cool, Trockener Ort (weg vom direkten Sonnenlicht) to prevent aging and brittleness.