Manufacturing by definition is, “to make something on a large scale using machinery.” Since the industrial revolution in the 18th century, manufacturing has become a very large part of the economy. Throughout this time period, many new methods of productions were created in order meet the economic demands of an expanding nation. Additionally, new inventions in transportation and communication paved the way for the infrastructure that we are now able to freely enjoy today.
Although the birth of contemporary manufacturing occurred nearly a century ago, the manufacturing process has undergone modern upgrades with new materials that have help to create higher equipment. One of the most useful advances in the manufacturing world has come through the use of silicone rubber. Due to it unique properties, silicone has become a game changer in manufacturing for a number of reasons, including:
Silicone’s chemical structure is incredibly versatile
The beauty of silicone is found when you break down its chemical structure. By adjusting the chemical formula slightly, the structure of a silicone is changed and adapted for a different use. This is why silicone is used in such a wide variety of industries and products. From hair care, to automotive head gaskets, and even in space exploration – silicone has proven to be a versatile element.
Silicone is extremely stable and resistant to change
Besides, its versatility, silicone is also remarkable for its stability. When manufacturing a product using injection molding, it’s important to ensure that it is going to hold up when exposed to a variety of environments. Thankfully, silicone by its nature is extremely resistant to change. Whether exposed to thermal, chemical, or electromagnetic influences, silicone remains stable and resistant to change within these volatile environments.
Silicone can be used in a wide variety of applications
Due to its unique properties, silicone has become widely used in many common manufacturing processes, including:
- Textiles, Leather & Fibers
- Automotive
- Construction
- Chemical
- Coatings and Adhesives
- Consumer Care
- Electronics
At SiTECH, we are proud to continue the tradition of American manufacturing by creating all of our custom silicone keypads and components at our state of the art facility in Newport News, VA. We use a unique injection molding process with Dow and GE Silicone. This combination of technology and quality offers you a competitive domestic supplier of custom keypads and other silicone rubber products. To learn more about how silicone from SiTECH can make a difference for your manufacturing process, contact us today!