Since its invention in the mid-20th century, the demand for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) has grown and grown. That’s not a surprise when you consider its physical qualities and the range of applications it can serve. LSR is durable, flexible, stable, and versatile. Rosti’s customers appreciate the reliability and quality that we always deliver, so it’s no surprise that our impact on the LSR market is growing too.
Discover more about liquid silicone rubber, how it can serve your needs, and the capabilities Rosti brings to your project.
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European Technical Director
E-mail: sales@rosti.com
What is liquid silicone rubber?
What’s so special about this revolutionary material? LSR is a form of silicone, created from two components and platinum-cured. It is of high purity, which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications where strength is a prerequisite, along with a need for superior resistance and unsurpassed quality.
And what makes LSR stand out from the pack is its unique qualities – liquid silicone rubber can be pumped and moulded, mostly through the injection moulding process.
The endless possibilities of liquid silicone rubber
The growing popularity of LSR products can be explained by its range of exceptional properties. These result from the chemical structure of the compounds, which is based on a set of strong siloxane bonds that are more stable and offer superior strength compared to carbon bonds.
These properties of LSR span the spectrum of needs, making it a versatile compound for numerous uses.
First, LSR compounds are exceptionally durable and resistant to extreme temperatures and environments. These materials offer functionality at temperatures as low as -60°C and as high as 250°C. LSR compounds do not stretch even at high temperatures and they retain their flexibility in the cold.
LSR compounds are strong, flexible and stable, offering superior performance over long periods of time.
They can be electrical and thermal insulators, enabling excellent conductivity preservation.
The compounds are highly inert, biocompatible and hypoallergenic, which means they can be used for components that are in close contact with the human body, such as prostheses or artificial organs. These compounds can degrade, however, when in contact with base or highly acidic environments – this should be taken into consideration.
LSR compounds can be produced in any imaginable colour due to the transparent nature of the material, which is then pigmented to blend into any required shade. LSR can even be coloured to match the wide spectrum of human skin tones.
And from a production perspective, LSR items can be made in high volumes with fast cycle times, automated processes, and little waste.
LSR moulded components are tasteless and odourless. These parts are used in a wide variety of settings.
Further key properties of this versatile material include:
- Flame retardant
- Intense weatherability
- Steam- and humidity-resistant
- Absorbs vibration
- Resistant to corrosion
- Mould and mildew resistant
- UV stable
So, it is easy to see why LSR products have become so popular in so many industries. LSR compounds are useful in the medical, cosmetics and food industries because they are non-reactive and non-toxic. In the automotive industry, their heat-resistance makes them ideal for use close to engines. They are useful in any application that involves electricity. LSR compounds are also ideal for the manufacture of products comprising of complex parts that must be manufactured at high speeds, without any loss of precision and considering the upmost productivity.
Quite simply, LSR is a material that can be used for an immeasurable number of applications – on condition that you consult with industry experts about its suitability and production. This last point is important – LSR is not for everyone, despite its myriad uses and benefits. An expert in injection moulding can tell you when LSR is the best compound for your project. Rosti helps you decide which direction to take your manufacturing.
Rosti: Perfecting the LSR production process
With the benefit of years spent researching and developing LSR moulding methods, Rosti provides an exceptionally reliable and high-quality contract manufacturing service.
With Rosti, you can expect to be supported by LSR experts all the way through the planning and manufacture of your items. You can avoid costly design, toolmaking and production errors by consulting with knowledgeable specialists, anywhere in the world.
We have experience of successfully producing the most challenging LSR products, including producing very small, extra-soft parts – we have reliably produced LSR items as small as 1g, and as soft as 10A (on the Shore A hardness scale). With our global network of suppliers and toolmakers, we are also the most reliable partner in the market for high-volume LSR production.
Whether you are looking for intricate, complex products or something much simpler, liquid silicone rubber could be the right choice of material. We have no doubt that Rosti is the right choice of production partner, so get in touch to find out how we can turn your designs into reality.
Critical advantages of liquid silicone rubber
Here’s a checklist of why LSR is high on the list of suitable materials for many applications:
- Ready-to-use, and quick to fit into the production process
- Zero waste with the direct injection method
- Superior repeatability
- Quick turnover and cycles
- Works in a fully automated procedure
Liquid silicone rubber applications
LSR is an extraordinarily versatile material that can be used in many industries and applications.
- Healthcare
- skin contact devices
- wearable technology
- Automotive
- Connector seals and grommets
- Interior cushioning and vibration
- Consumer goods
- Cookware
- Cosmetics applicators and brushes
- Baby toys and feeding products
- Electrical
- Cable insulators
- Lightbulb shells and shades
LSR is so versatile, you will find it used in many different places. New applications for this material are being discovered every day. Rosti is well-versed in how to use LSR to best advantage. Many companies in the healthcare, automotive, electronics, and hardware industries already make use of LSR, and you could too.
Typical LSR products include connectors and membranes; a range of gaskets and seals including O-rings; catheter parts including tubes; hand-held instruments; pull rings; keyboard buttons and lit buttons; valve sights; soft-touch surfaces and keys; parts that are steam-sterilized; valve components; and many more applications.
Contact us to discover how liquid silicone rubber can take your product to the next level.
