Achieving Tight Tolerances with Silicon Rubber Tooling
Silicon rubber tooling is a highly specialized kind of mold manufacturing that allows for the tight tolerances necessary for silicon rubber parts. At Dalin Mold, we offer tooling solutions for silicon rubber that meet strict tolerance requirements allowing companies to manufacture silicon rubber components with strength and accuracy. Take a closer look at how achieving tight tolerances with silicone rubber tooling is possible with Dalin Mold.
Silicon Rubber Tooling Basics
Silicon rubber is a popular material used for a wide range of applications, but it is particularly useful for applications that will be exposed to extreme temperatures. This particular kind of rubber can withstand temperatures as high as 250°C or 482°F while other materials like standard plastics would melt. Additionally, silicon rubber can retain its flexibility when exposed to cold temperatures including temperatures as low as -70°C or -94°F.
Because of these factors, silicon rubber is a common material found in certain engine parts and medical instruments. It can be used as insulation for electric generators and virtually anything with a motor or heat generation. Components made from silicon rubber can also be electrically conductive when compounded with certain additional materials, so their applications can vary quite a bit. Whatever kind of silicon rubber components you plan on making, however, you will need the proper tooling.
The Tight Tolerances of Silicon Rubber
With the right tooling, silicon rubber components can be crafted with extremely tight tolerances compared to more traditional mold designs. Because of this, the mold itself needs to be able to facilitate this restriction with tolerances ranging from ±0.008mm to ±0.001mm. At Dalin Mold, we have extensive experience with mold and tooling design including silicon rubber tooling that allows for tight tolerances even for components that require extreme precision such as what’s necessary for the aerospace industry.
Designing Silicon Rubber Tooling Molds
At Dalin Mold, we have the industry knowledge necessary to craft molds for silicon rubber components that specifically consider the component’s end use. That’s only one factor, however, as we also consider how the part will fit in the assembly and the loads the part will have to deal with once it is put into active use. All of these factors impact the overall design of the mold, and our job is to optimize the design to work for any manufacturer’s unique needs.
By optimizing the design before moving forward with mold production, our team can minimize stress and reduce flash in the manufacturing process. We can additionally make adjustments to the design based on the type and grade of silicon rubber that is going to be used in the mold. Given the varying elasticities, hardness, and other properties, these factors must be implemented in the overall design to meet specific industry requirements.
Tooling Requirements
Silicon rubber tooling has strict requirements that must be met beyond tight tolerances to function properly with this unique material. The precision is essential, of course, given the inherent viscosity of silicon rubber, but that is only the beginning. The tooling must also be able to handle high temperatures that are part of the manufacturing process. Silicon rubber molding can experience temperatures of up to 215°C or 419°F. Additionally, the tooling will need to be resistant to wear if it is to be used multiple times. Since many silicon rubber components are produced at a high volume, having tooling that can last through multiple production cycles is among the best ways to limit overall manufacturing costs.
When tooling for this kind of rubber is done properly, however, the increased initial startup costs should be quickly outweighed by the production profits. Given the difficulty of manufacturing silicon rubber components, the return on manufacturing and selling these components can be significant. With proper tooling that can withstand long production runs, the initial investment can significantly pay off over time. All manufacturers need is a reliable source for the tooling required, and that’s where Dalin Mold’s expertise can help.
Why Choose Dalin Mold
At Dalin Mold, we excel in both tooling manufacturing and design. Our team prioritizes building relationships with our customers to help them achieve success, so we develop the precise tooling necessary for your unique production requirements. Our USA-based manufacturing facility lets us keep costs low even for silicon rubber tooling compared to other American manufacturers.
Our team has decades of combined experience with the rubber industry with the knowledge necessary to craft tooling that can make rubber components with extremely tight tolerances. We know exactly how demanding production orders from the aerospace and defense industry can be, for example, so we work to design tooling that offers the precision you need.
If you already have silicon rubber molds, our team can work to improve their design and functionality. Even tooling that is made with quality care will eventually wear down over time, but our team can repair any molds that are starting to lose their level of precision. Sometimes, repairing and revising an existing mold can be more affordable than getting a new one, so consider your options when trying to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Request a Quote for Silicon Rubber Tooling
Our team will work with you to find a solution for your silicon rubber tooling needs that maintains the necessary quality and precision silicon rubber components required. Our in-house designer can help create a mold that is specifically suited to the component you need to manufacture with a focus on quality and efficiency from beginning to end. This service lets you pursue your silicon rubber molding efforts with confidence. Get in touch with our team today for a free estimate for high-quality silicon rubber tooling.