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Liquid Injection Molding

LIM - Liquid Injection Molding

At SiTech, we are dedicated exclusively to Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding, a process that offers superior precision, efficiency, and performance for a wide range of silicone products. Our specialized manufacturing capabilities enable us to handle everything from rapid prototyping to large-scale production, delivering high-quality components that meet the most demanding specifications.

 

Why Choose Liquid Injection Molding?

Liquid Silicone Rubber is known for its exceptional durability, making it an ideal choice for various industries. It offers:

  • High tear and tensile strength
  • Excellent flexibility
  • Insulating and conductive properties
  • Biocompatibility
  • Durometer ranges from 20 to 80 Shore A

Additionally, LSR remains stable in extreme temperatures, ranging from -75°F to 400°F (-60°C to 200°C). Its resistance to water, oxidation, bacteria, certain chemicals, and its non-corrosive nature make it an optimal choice for long-lasting, high-performance products.

 

The Liquid Injection Molding Process

Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) is a custom molding method for high-viscosity, two-part liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Here’s how it works:

  • Raw materials, sealed to prevent contamination, are metered automatically in a 1:1 ratio and mixed with the desired pigment.
  • The material is then injected into a hot mold cavity from a water-cooled barrel that keeps it from catalyzing prematurely.
  • Once inside the hot mold cavity, the material cures in a matter of seconds. The mold opens, the part is ejected, and the process is repeated.

This process results in precise, repeatable, and cost-effective products.

 

 

Key Advantages of SiTech’s Liquid Injection Molding:

  • Automation: Our LIM machines automate several critical steps that traditional compression molding cannot match, resulting in faster cycle times, reduced labor costs, and significant savings for our customers.
  • Scalable Production Capabilities: Our LIM machines are equipped to handle production runs of any size, from low to high volume. These precision instruments, operated by experienced molders, allow for meticulous control over shot size, temperature, pressure, injection rate, and cycle time. This ensures minimal waste and consistent product quality, regardless of the production scale. Whether you need small prototype batches or large-scale production, our LIM technology, enhanced by a platinum curing catalyst, enables us to optimize cycle times and reduce costs efficiently across all volumes.
  • Closed-Loop System: Because LIM operates within a sealed, closed-loop system, the raw material remains uncontaminated from start to finish. This guarantees a high level of product quality and consistency, ensuring you receive reliable components every time.


 

Physical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber

LSR offers a wide range of physical properties depending on the durometer, which can be customized based on your project requirements. Below are some typical values:

Physical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber:
(values shown are approximations)

40 Durometer

50 Durometer

60 Durometer

70 Durometer

UL Flammability Rating: 
94HB
94HB
94HB
94HB
Specific Gravity (at 25°C): 
1.143 
1.140 
1.142
1.16
Hardness (Shore A): 
44
48.4
59.3
68
Tensile Strength (psi): 
1257
1583
1632
1450
Tear (ppi):
191
254
275
274
Compression Set:
25.1
18.3
20.1
57
Elongation (%):
742
645
504
450
Material Color
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear

Operating Temperature:

-75 °F to 400 °F (-60 °C to 200 °C)

Electrical Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber
LSR also offers excellent electrical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of electronic applications. Here are typical values for electrical performance:
• Contact Resistance: 20–200 Ohms
• Contact Rating: 30 mA at 12 VDC
• Contact Bounce: < 20 milliseconds (typical) • Insulation Resistance: >100 MOhms at 500 VDC

SiTech—Your Partner in Precision Manufacturing
With SiTech’s exclusive focus on Liquid Injection Molding, we are uniquely positioned to deliver silicone keypads and components that offer superior durability, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Our process minimizes waste, speeds up production, and ensures repeatable quality, giving you confidence in the products we deliver.

Contact us today to learn more about how our Liquid Injection Molding solutions can benefit your project.

With over 75 years of experience in silicone keypad design and molding, we are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction with the highest quality products in a successful and timely manner. The customer is and has always been the focus of our business.

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