One of our specialty industries involves aerospace applications of SiTECH’s silicone liquid injection molding. Liquid injection molding, or LIM for short, is an industrial fabrication process designed to mold materials into various components and products. It does not utilize a pressurized impingement mixing like other methods; rather, it utilizes a mechanical-mixing process focusing on liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and other elastomeric materials.
We are proud to cater to many industries, of which aerospace is a main one. The aerospace industry involves the manufacturing of vehicular flights within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere, and the word itself comes from the words aeronautics and spaceflight.
This industry is responsible for researching, developing, and manufacturing flight vehicles, including military aircraft, airplanes, missiles, space launch vehicles, and spacecraft. It also involves key support systems required for testing, operating, and maintaining the above flight vehicles.
How Silicone is Used in the Aerospace Industry
Due to its superior thermal stability, silicone can withstand extreme temperatures while still retaining its flexibility. This is why it’s ideal for use in the aerospace industry. Aircraft must have the inherent ability to handle high speeds and altitudes, along with landing impacts and high-speed vibrations. Silicone meets all these demands and more.
Silicone also:
- Resists acids, bases, fungi, oils, chemicals, and water
- Features low outgassing qualities
- Repels flames
- Boasts a low chemical reactivity
- Features electrical insulation
- Has the ability to be molded into custom shapes
- Can drown out extra noise
- Works against vibration to provide safety and comfort to passengers
Versatility is the main benefit of silicone. When flying at high altitudes, maintaining cabin pressure is critical. Depressurization makes it difficult or even impossible for passengers in an aircraft to breathe, and can cause the plane to go down due to the low atmospheric oxygen concentration. Silicone components are used to keep the pressurized air inside so it doesn’t get replaced with the thinner air from outside.
Silicone can be used in the creation of gaskets for cabin doors and windows, resisting extreme temperatures. Plus, silicone can be molded into tight fitting shapes, making it the perfect material for functionality within an aircraft of any kind.
Silicone Seals
Silicone seals are extremely important when it comes to aerospace applications. They’re found in all areas of your typical aircraft, such as cockpits, engines, windows and main cabins. Seals are necessary in:
- Cockpits: electrical equipment and instrumental seals
- Cabins: Overhead bins, window seals, and lighting
- Engine gaskets and gas turbine seals
- Cargo, doors and windows
- Hydraulic seals, wings, tails, sealant hydraulic
Contact Si-Tech
LIM is the process we utilize for many components within the aerospace industry. If you are an aerospace client in need of silicone parts, from keypads to seals, contact us at 757-887-8488. We can explain the manufacturing and prototype process in detail.
