Customized Rubber Parts and Silicone Parts

LSR Molding

A thermoset process that mixes a two-component compound together, which is then heat-cured in the mold with a platinum catalyst to produce a final part.

Advantages:

• Universal appeal across industries
• Highly precise end productions
• Easy final prototype creation for testing and trials
• Low material waste = cost savings
• Durability
• Chemical resistance
• Temperature resistance
• Biocompatibility

Applications:

• Electric connectors
• Medical devices
• Seals
• Kitchen cookware
• Bridge tooling
• Functional prototyping
• Pilot runs and low-volume production
• Miscellaneous products

Rubber Compression Molding

Uses uncured rubber that has been preformed into a controlled shape, such as a disk. A mold encloses the workpiece and compresses it between two plates at high pressure. The high heat and pressure vulcanize the rubber to cure the piece.

Advantages:

• Simpler, less expensive, and faster tooling
• Suitable for a variety of materials, including natural rubber, silicone, Viton, EPDM, BUNA, Neoprene
• Easy sterilization
• Insulating properties

Applications:

• Medical devices
• Seals
• Kitchen cookware
• High-volume production
• Miscellaneous products

Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molding is a form of injection molding. Liquid silicone rubber first gets injected into a mold, then the liquid is heat-cured, cooled, and removed from the mold.

At Advanced Prototype Molding, the LSR mold itself is fabricated through CNC machining so the mold captures all design details and can withstand the extreme temperatures of the molding process. This mold can be used repeatedly to create custom silicone parts. As silicone prototype manufacturers, we specialize in creating precise, high-quality prototypes that are essential for testing and product development.

LSR is a thermosetting polymer, so once the liquid is formed and cured, the part is permanently formed. The advantages of LSR molding include:

• Universal appeal across industries
• Easy final prototype creation for testing and trials
• Durability
• Chemical resistance
• Temperature resistance
• Biocompatibility
• Easy sterilization
• Insulating properties

Rubber Compression Molding

Compression molding uses uncured rubber that has been preformed into a controlled shape such as a disk. A mold encloses the workpiece and compresses it between two plates at high pressure. That high heat and pressure vulcanize the rubber to cure the piece. Pins automatically eject the piece from the mold, enabling faster production runs.

The advantages of rubber compression molding include:

• Highly precise end productions that are nearly flash-less and ready for quick delivery
• Low material waste, resulting in cost savings
• Simpler, less expensive, and faster tooling
• Suitable for a variety of materials, including natural rubber, silicone, Viton, EPDM, BUNA, neoprene

Both of these processes create high-quality end products. Depending on the exact nature of the product and the size of the run, either LSR or rubber compression may be the right choice. LSR productions are perfect for:

• Bridge tooling
• Functional prototyping
• Pilot runs and low-volume production
• High-volume production

This silicone molding process can create parts that are useful in every major industry and function safely in extreme conditions. Silicone can create parts such as gaskets, valves, medical device components, and more. When companies are trialing new products, liquid silicone rubber molding gives them more flexibility at a lower total cost. We can also adhere to Mil-Spec for stringent military and defense applications or create customized rubber parts for any application.

Rubber compression molding can create highly precise seals, O-rings, and parts that help protect closed systems. Applications for compressed rubber parts include:

• Fuel, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Automotive systems
• Sterile rubber hoses for food and beverage applications
• Hydraulic and pneumatic seals

Choosing the Right Molding Process for Your Project

When determining whether LSR or rubber compression molding is the best fit for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Production Volume: LSR is best for small to medium-volume production runs, while rubber compression molding excels in high-volume applications.
• Part Complexity: LSR is ideal for intricate, highly detailed parts, whereas compression molding is more suitable for simpler designs and higher volumes.
• Material Requirements: If your project requires high chemical or temperature resistance, LSR might be the better choice, while compression molding is better for materials with diverse properties.
• Budget and Time Constraints: Compression molding offers faster tooling times and lower costs for high-volume runs, whereas LSR molding provides more precision at a higher cost.

At Advanced Prototype Molding, we understand the importance of adhering to strict standards, especially for military and defense applications. Our LSR molding can be customized to meet Mil-Spec requirements, ensuring that every part meets the highest industry standards. We can also produce custom silicone parts customized to your specific needs, no matter how complex.