Skip to content

Precision Rapid Prototyping and Production for
Plastics, Urethanes and Metals

Precision Rapid Prototyping and Production for Plastics, Urethanes and Metals

Precision Rapid Prototyping 
and Production for Plastics, 
Urethanes and Metals

Custom Molded Rubber and Silicone Parts - LSR & Compression Molding

Advanced Prototype Molding specializes in liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding and compression molding of rubber parts. These two processes create highly detailed and precise molds that facilitate the creation of commercial and industrial rubber parts. These services offer an ideal solution for rapid prototyping, small production runs, and production runs for companies trialing new products.

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding is 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. LSR parts are created through an injection molding process where the material delivery system is cooled and the mold is heated.

Advanced also specializes in the compression molding of rubber parts. Typical applications for this method are electric connectors, medical devices, seals, kitchen cookware, and miscellaneous products.

Request for Quote

Silicone and Rubber Parts: Molding Processes

Different molding processes have different advantages and applications. Knowing the basics of how the processes work assists companies in their selection of the right solution for their production runs.
Silicone and Rubber Parts Molding Processes & Applications

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 parts. 

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

Typical Applications of Rubber and Silicone Parts

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 custom silicone extrusions 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

Ready To Start Your Next Project?

BRING YOUR PROJECT TO LIFE AT ADVANCED PROTOTYPE MOLDING

Different parts require differing production methods based on their materials and applications, but every part needs high-quality production standards and fast delivery times. At Advanced Prototype Molding, we create fast, precise parts with both production methods. Contact us or request a quote today with the specifications of your product to see how we can help you with your project.

Request for Quote
Certified Logo with ACG

ADVANCED PROTOTYPE MOLDING
1520 N Old Rand Road Wauconda, IL 60084
Tel: 847-202-4200
Fax: 847-202-4270
sales@advancedprototype.com

Certified Logo with ACG

ADVANCED PROTOTYPE MOLDING
1520 N Old Rand Road Wauconda, IL 60084
Tel: 847-202-4200
Fax: 847-202-4270
sales@advancedprototype.com

Top linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram