Silicone molding is a manufacturing process that transforms liquid or semi-solid silicone raw materials into elastomeric products with specific shapes and properties. It serves as the backbone of producing everything from daily necessities (НАПРИМЕР., кухонная посуда) to high-precision industrial parts (НАПРИМЕР., уплотнения). But with multiple molding techniques available, how do you choose the right one for your project, and what key factors ensure success?
1. A Comparison of 6 Core Silicone Molding Methods
Different silicone molding techniques are designed for specific scenarios—from mass production to small-batch customization. The table below breaks down their core features, приложения, and key controls:
| Метод формования | Ключевые функции | Типичные приложения | Critical Control Parameters |
| Сжатие литья | Высокая точность; suitable for complex structures; массовое производство | High-precision seals, Автомобильные прокладки | Температура формы (160–200 ° C.), давление (5–50MPa), vulcanization time |
| Инъекционное формование | Высокая эффективность; low scrap rate; автоматизированный | Miniaturized parts (НАПРИМЕР., electronic buttons, conductive connectors) | Скорость впрыска (staged control), mold vacuum exhaust, plasticization temperature |
| Extrusion Molding | Continuous production; equal-section profiles | Трубы, герметизация полосок, rubber hoses | Die design, barrel segmented heating, laser diameter monitoring |
| Gate Molding | Гибкий; low-cost for small batches | Transparent crafts, Прототипы плесени, custom jewelry | Vacuum defoaming, layered infusion (для толстых частей) |
| Покрытие & Impregnation | Тонкий, uniform coverage; adheres to substrates | Fabric coating, PCB waterproof films, biomedical coatings | Coating thickness, adhesion (grid test), centrifugation speed (for impregnation) |
| Special Molding | Innovative; solves complex needs | Cold runner: zero-waste parts; 3D printing-assisted: complex textures; Совместное составление: силикон + metal/plastic inserts | Изоляция (cold runner), тип смолы (3D Печать), insert positioning (co-molding) |
2. Step-by-Step Guide to 3 Common Molding Processes
For beginners or those selecting a method, here’s a linear breakdown of three widely used workflows:
А. Сжатие литья (Ideal for High-Precision Seals)
- Материал подготовка: Weigh raw rubber, наполнители, and vulcanizing agents per formula; mix evenly via a refiner.
- Пластизация: Reduce compound Mooney viscosity using the thin-pass method to improve plasticity.
- Preforming: Cut the compound into blanks that match the rough shape of the final product.
- Mold Vulcanization: Place blanks into the mold; heat and press in a flat vulcanizing machine (160–200 ° C., 5–50MPa).
- После лечения: Trim excess material; conduct secondary vulcanization to remove volatiles and boost stability.
Беременный. Инъекционное формование (Best for Miniaturized, Mass-Produced Parts)
- Feeding: Automatically feed granular or strip compound into the machine’s barrel.
- Пластизация: Heat the barrel to soften the compound (temperature varies by silicone type).
- Инъекция: Use high pressure to inject the softened compound into the closed mold cavity.
- Packing & Охлаждение: Maintain pressure until the compound is initially cured; cool slightly to set shape.
- Демольд: A manipulator automatically removes the finished product—no manual trimming needed for most designs.
В. Extrusion Molding (Great for Continuous Profiles)
- Дизайн штампа: Customize the die opening to match the product’s cross-section (НАПРИМЕР., round for pipes, rectangular for strips).
- Обогрев & Экструзия: Heat the barrel in segments (front: plasticization; middle: constant temperature; rear: формирование); push compound through the die.
- Мониторинг: Используйте laser diameter gauge to real-time check product dimensions and adjust extrusion speed if needed.
- Traction & Резка: Pull the extruded profile via a track system; cut it to the set length automatically.
3. Поиск неисправностей: Распространенные дефекты & Решения
Even with proper process design, могут возникнуть дефекты. Below is a cause-and-effect guide to fix the most frequent issues:
| Defect Phenomenon | Первопричина | Practical Solution |
| Bubble Holes | Воздух, захваченный во время смешивания; gas released during vulcanization | Использовать vacuum defoaming before molding; adopt gradient heating for vulcanization (avoids sudden gas expansion) |
| Glue Shortage (Неполное заполнение) | Low silicone fluidity; insufficient glue injection volume | Увеличить давление впрыска (Для литья под давлением); optimize gate position to improve flow; preheat silicone slightly |
| Sticky Surface | Incomplete vulcanization; mold surface contamination | Extend vulcanization time or raise temperature; clean the mold with a solvent (НАПРИМЕР., изопропиловый спирт) перед использованием |
| Dimensional Deviation | Uneven curing shrinkage; inconsistent mold temperature | Reserve a 1.5%–3% shrinkage allowance in mold design; ensure uniform mold heating (use temperature sensors) |
4. Материал & Equipment Selection Guide
Choosing the right materials and equipment directly impacts product quality. Use this table to match your needs:
| Demand Scenario | Recommended Silicone Type | Supporting Equipment |
| Food-Grade Products (НАПРИМЕР., silicone spatulas) | FDA-certified liquid silicone | Vacuum casting equipment (avoids contamination) |
| High-Precision Seals (НАПРИМЕР., automotive oil seals) | Silicone with vapor-phase silica filler (повышает твердость) | Precision compression molding machine |
| Conductive Parts (НАПРИМЕР., electronic buttons) | Precipitation-method conductive silicone rubber | Vertical injection machine + static elimination device |
| High-Temperature-Resistant Parts (НАПРИМЕР., industrial pipes) | Phenyl silicone rubber (resists up to 300°C) | Extruder + laser diameter gauge |
5. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Silicone Molding
В Yigu Technology, we see silicone molding as a driver of product innovation—not just a manufacturing step. For clients in healthcare, мы оптимизировали coating molding to create biocompatible silicone films for medical devices, обеспечение 99.8% adhesion and meeting global safety standards. Для автомобильных клиентов, наш сжатие литья process reduces seal defect rates to below 0.5% by refining temperature control and using high-purity fillers.
Looking forward, we’ll focus on two priorities: 1) Developing eco-friendly silicone materials that cut waste by 30% и 2) Integrating AI into Инъекционное формование to real-time adjust parameters, boosting efficiency by 20%. We aim to make silicone molding more sustainable, точный, и доступны для всех отраслей.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
- Какой метод формования силикона лучше всего подходит для мелкосерийных изделий на заказ? (НАПРИМЕР., 50–100 единиц)?
Молдинг для ворот идеален — он недорогой., гибкий, и не требует дорогих форм. Используйте добавку жидкого силикона для обеспечения высокой прозрачности. (НАПРИМЕР., индивидуальные поделки) и вакуумное пеногашение для обеспечения качества.
- Как обеспечить пищевую безопасность силиконовых форм для кухонной посуды?
Первый, выбирать FDA-certified liquid silicone (без токсичных добавок). Второй, использовать специальное оборудование (избегать перекрестного загрязнения промышленным силиконом). Третий, проводить постпроизводственные испытания (НАПРИМЕР., тестирование фильтрата) to meet food safety standards.
- What’s the main difference between compression molding and injection molding for silicone parts?
Compression molding is better for complex, Высокие детали (НАПРИМЕР., уплотнения) but has longer cycle times. Injection molding is faster (ideal for mass production of mini parts like buttons) and has lower scrap rates, but requires higher initial mold investment.