4 Advice to Choose a silicone casting service

As the advantages of silicone rubber products are seen by more and more people, from daily necessities to high-precision industries such as optical parts, medical equipment, auto parts, etc., all rely on silicone raw materials. Many NR/Black Rubber-based factories and even non-related industries have transformed into this field one after another. The number of silicone rubber factories in the market continues to rise every year. Whether it is a franchise or a dual-purpose nature, customers have more choices. For factories, a fierce competition is inevitable. In this case, for customers who have a need for silicone product development, how to choose the most sophisticated and suitable silicone factory from the vast sea? Before giving the four practical silicone factory identification points, it is necessary to understand silicone Only by knowing the relevant characteristics and manufacturing processes can we accurately choose one out of ten thousand, and find a pleasant manufacturer partner. 

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What Is Silicone Rubber?

Silicone rubber is a material positioned between synthetic rubber and synthetic plastic polymers, widely used in industries and daily items due to its unique elasticity, resistance to extreme temperatures, and oxidation resistance. Recognized as a safe and sustainable material, silicone is known for its non-toxic, eco-friendly properties and high transparency, making it ideal for use in medical devices, kitchenware, and protective cases for electronics. Furthermore, silicone's excellent sealing capability makes it a preferred material for sealants and gaskets. For environmentally conscious consumers, its durability and reusability greatly reduce resource waste, driving its growth as an ideal choice across various industries. Silicone is now a premium material that combines performance with environmental value.

〈Extension Reading: What You Should Know About Silicone Rubber?〉
〈Extension Reading: Is Silicone Rubber Better Than Rubber?〉

Types and Silicone Rubber Molding Methods？

Solid Silicone(HTV or High Consistency Rubber, HCR)

The appearance is translucent and solidified. It is usually called a raw meal before the mixing process. For example, the hardness and color required by the finished product conditions are all prepared during the mixing process. It is also the most commonly used raw material type.

 

Molding Method：

Divide the mixed raw material semi-finished products into equal parts according to the product structure, size, and weight (just like dividing the dough into small pieces in the preparatory work of bread), and then place the silicone semi-finished products in the molds that open and close one by one, and heat them. Finished product molding.

 

Feature：

The above-mentioned molding method is called the compression/hot pressing molding process, which is the most common and mature manufacturing process in the market, and the production cost is also relatively cheap.

〈Extended reading：What is Solid Silicone HTV〉

 

liquid silicone(LSR)

The appearance is highly transparent and liquid, and the raw materials do not need to be mixed. This is why liquid silicone rubber can keep the raw materials clean and free of impurities compared with solid silicone rubber (due to less impact from the external environment).

 

Molding Method：
Directly place the barreled A/B liquid silicone raw material on the liquid injection machine feeding place, and the automatic equipment will start accurate feeding according to the product specifications and conditions to complete the injection of the product.

Feature：
The purpose of the liquid silicone injection process is to meet the requirements of high-precision products (such as strict burr control) or high-transparency appearance (such as medical-grade human contact products), etc., so the cost is relatively high, and the application is not as common as solid silicone molding.
〈Extension Reading: How is silicone rubber molded?〉

〈Extended reading：How liquid silicone rubber work on your demands?〉

3 Common Processing Techniques Used in Silicone Rubber Suppliers

The production of silicone products involves a range of processing techniques, each of which affects the product's quality, appearance, and cost. Below are several common techniques employed in silicone manufacturing:

〈Extension Reading: How is silicone rubber molded? 〉

 

1. Liquid Silicone Injection Molding

Silicone injection molding is a fast and precise production method ideal for creating high-quality silicone products with intricate details. This technique includes single-material injection, embedded molding, and two-material injection types. The process starts by injecting liquid silicone into a mold, where it is shaped under high pressure. This method ensures the product's precision, dimensions, and thickness, making it suitable for various applications. Different injection types can be selected based on the intended product use, allowing for the production of durable silicone products with complex shapes.
〈Extension Reading: All Types and Applications of Silicone Injection Molding〉

 

2. Solid Silicone Compression Molding

Solid silicone compression molding involves placing solid silicone material into a preheated mold. By applying high pressure to the silicone, it fills every detail of the mold. Then, high temperatures vulcanize the silicone, causing it to solidify and take shape. Due to the properties of solid silicone and the high temperature and pressure in the compression molding process, this method is particularly suitable for producing simpler silicone products that do not require high precision or complex shapes. Compared to liquid silicone injection molding, solid silicone compression molding is simpler and more cost-effective, making it widely used in various consumer goods and industrial parts. However, due to the limitations of solid silicone, compression molding is less capable of achieving the same level of detail and complexity as liquid injection molding.
〈Extension Reading: Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) VS Compression Molding; what fits you best?〉

 

3. Silicone Extrusion Molding

Silicone extrusion molding involves placing solid or liquid silicone material into an extruder, where it is shaped by heating and applying high pressure. The shape of the extruder head determines the cross-section of the final product, allowing for the production of various silicone products, such as silicone tubes and strips. Compared to compression molding, extrusion molding is more suitable for producing long, continuous shapes or products with specific cross-sectional shapes. As extrusion molding is a continuous production process, it is also more efficient. However, extrusion molding is less suitable for producing complex shapes, and controlling the product's thickness is more challenging.

Common Applications of Silicone Rubber

Whether it is solid or liquid raw materials, silicone rubber has a considerable share in various fields and has become an indispensable raw material. Therefore, when the cost of international silicon raw materials rose sharply, countless industries were hit, which shows the impact of silicone raw materials. force.

 

 Automotive

Silicone's resistance to high temperatures, compressibility, and acid-alkali tolerance make it widely applicable in automotive manufacturing and interior parts. High temperatures are common during automotive production and operation, and silicone’s thermal range (-50ºC to 200ºC) allows it to withstand these extreme conditions near engines and various electronic components. Its excellent compressibility provides long-lasting sealing, preventing chemical leaks and protecting power connections. Additionally, silicone's resistance to UV rays and chemicals makes it durable under prolonged exposure, so it is widely used in car interiors, such as display screens, control panels, and steering wheel controllers, enhancing convenience, aesthetics, and durability.
〈Application: Versatile applications in the Automotive industry 〉
〈Recommendation: Rubber Seals / Gaskets〉

 

Medical & Healthcare

Silicone holds a critical place in healthcare, found in diagnostic equipment housings, implants, and devices directly in contact with the human body. Medical-grade silicone’s wide use stems from its superior biocompatibility, high transparency, and non-toxicity. It is non-irritating, unlikely to trigger allergies or rejection, making it suitable for high-standard medical products. The clarity of liquid silicone also provides a clean, hygienic appearance, ideal for products like baby bottle nipples and diving masks. These properties make silicone an ideal choice in the medical field, meeting stringent safety and stability requirements.

〈Extension Reading: Medical Grade Silicone: How to define it? 〉
〈Application: Silicone Rubber in Medical & Healthcare Application 〉
〈Recommendation: Biocompatibility LSR〉

 

Consumer Goods

Silicone is pervasive in consumer goods, from smartwatch bands to cases. Its flexibility, durability, and eco-friendliness enhance electronic products by providing a comfortable user experience. Silicone's excellent waterproofing allows electronics to adapt to various environments, while its insulating properties protect electronic components' safe operation. The soft, skin-friendly feel of silicone also improves human-centered design in everyday items, from cases to earbud covers and button surfaces, delivering a superior user experience. Silicone applications enhance the durability of electronics and consumer goods while aligning with modern demands for eco-friendliness and health-consciousness.

〈Extension Reading: How to distinguish food-grade silicone and regular silicone 〉
〈Application: Life Without Silicone Rubber? No way! 〉
〈Recommendation: Over-molding keypad〉

 

Industrial Device

Silicone’s excellent thermal conductivity, insulation, and abrasion resistance make it ideal for parts in precision instruments and equipment. From caliper buttons to industrial O-rings, silicone is widely used, especially for its durability against extreme temperatures, chemical corrosion, and aging. For example, in chemical factories, silicone seals prevent chemical leaks, while outdoor equipment made of silicone withstands weather elements, ensuring reliable operation. These properties not only improve industrial productivity but also contribute to green manufacturing. With increasing environmental standards in industries, silicone is a promising, eco-friendly material with vast potential for growth.

〈Extension Reading: What is silicone zebra connector and how they made? 〉
〈Application: The small part with a big role 〉
〈Recommendation: Silicone Zebra Connector〉

4 Tips for Choosing A Silicone Rubber Suppliers

Since silicone rubber parts are often only one of the components of the product in the supply chain, at the beginning of product design, the designer may not be proficient in the physical properties of silicone rubber. It is relatively uncontrollable, so most of the entrusted customers rely on the evaluation and advice of the silicone rubber factories to ensure that the product can be finally formed and can meet the operation requirements of the whole machine. At this time, it is very important to find a professional and careful silicone factory to check the whole process from development to production. It is not easy to select a good silicone factory that can cooperate for a long time. The following 4 core characteristics will help you find what you are looking for!

 

High reputable manufacturer

Reputable silicone rubber factories can often provide good product quality, responsible service attitude, product prices are more in line with market conditions, no malicious irrigation, no price cut competition, stable delivery, and other advantages, so as to have a certain reputation, and These advantages can bring quite substantial help to customers. Generally, such high-quality silicone factories rely on word-of-mouth or peer-to-peer referrals, and it is more difficult to search through unfamiliar markets. And this kind of unobtrusive core value is also difficult to see from the Internet or e-commerce platforms. It is necessary to actually cooperate and observe carefully in order to gain a deep understanding.

 

Professional and technical team

A professional and technical team should consider the background of the silicone factory. The official website is the best way to initially judge the supplier's physique. Although not all silicone factories will publish their own core technologies on the website, but from the company's fortune history Or the motivation and product content introduction and the value areas that the company focuses on can still be understood. Such silicone factories usually have rich and professional knowledge in the selection of silicone raw materials and processing steps, and even insist on them, and can propose the best process suggestions, which indirectly saves the cost and time of customer development.

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Want more information on silicone casting service? Feel free to contact us.

 

Advanced and comprehensive equipment

If a worker wants to do a good job, he must first sharpen his tool. Where the silicone factory is willing to invest manpower and capital shows what the company cares about most. It can be imagined that old equipment or process technology that is not up to date will result in poor product quality, low production efficiency, and prolonged delivery time. Silicone rubber suppliers that do not care about these details often do not pay attention to technological innovation or may avoid challenges and thus indirectly reflect a relatively negative attitude towards cooperation. The more common active silicone factories are often keen to participate in equipment exhibitions or technical forums held by relevant industries to exchange the latest intelligence and market information, of course, including new production processes.

 

Rich practical experience

Having rich practical experience must be an important part of the silicone factory. After all, a product needs to be executed in an experienced silicone factory from mold design to production. Experienced engineers or teachers can avoid low-level mistakes to the greatest extent. Or solve the checkpoint problem in real-time, which greatly shortens the time required for the trial and error process, and also allows customers to avoid many wrong paths. Talent is definitely the most important asset of a company. Generally speaking, a company with a sound system, a good culture, and a proactive company also has the lowest turnover rate, so that employees can continuously accumulate relevant practical experience.

Conclusion

Selecting the manufacturer for producing your parts can be challenging. The meticulous process for evaluating possible manufacturing partners who can consistently deliver top-notch parts requires a comprehensive evaluation of factors. In addition to seeking a supplier that aligns with your cost objectives, it is imperative to forge a symbiotic partnership with a manufacturer that embodies the reliability, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to deliver quality customer service and quality products.

As you begin to consider choosing a silicone parts manufacturer, we suggest that you develop a strategic approach that will lead you to the right fit. Understanding your own specific needs and becoming aware of how the benefits offered by a parts supplier can meet them will help you keep your priorities and goals in focus. You’ll also want to come prepared with detailed questions that will further highlight a manufacturer’s ability to successfully provide you with a high-quality product and service to match.

SIMTEC has years of experience providing innovative and value-added solutions that meet the production needs of our customers in nearly every industry. We understand that entrusting a manufacturing partner to produce your parts is not a decision that’s made lightly, especially for critical function parts and life-saving products. To assist you in selecting the best match for your unique needs, we’ve gathered informative tips and helpful advice that will help you identify the right parts manufacturer for your specific project.

Benefits of Contracting a Parts Manufacturer

Employing the knowledge, skills, and expertise of an external manufacturer for your parts is an effective way to reduce the overall costs associated with getting your product to market. Companies large and small outsource specific elements of their production to specialists who can deliver high-quality parts at affordable prices. Here are some reasons why?

• To reduce your overhead costs: Though investing in your own manufacturing equipment is a way to keep the complete production process within the capabilities of your business, this investment can make it difficult to become cost-competitive. From the initial purchase and maintenance of the machinery, to the budget needed to train and employ qualified workers, the overhead expense of production can be high. A parts manufacturer absorbs these costs, allowing you to solely pay for the parts and service.
• To gain valuable expertise: You may have an expertise in the design and mechanics of a product but how specialized are you in making the components? Trusting your parts production to an outside supplier means enlisting their advanced technical knowledge and skills to manufacture your parts. Many may also have access to cutting-edge technologies and may be well-versed in the latest techniques that can help create a reliable product that will meet or exceed industry standards.
• To enhance flexibility and agility: As your company grows, your needs and requirements may change. This means potentially having to upgrade, rework, or augment your own production operation. When you trust your parts manufacturing to an experienced supplier, their flexibility to maintain your continued growth, the ability to add capacity as needed to meet increases in demand, and the agility to adjust to new requirements to keep production on schedule. Their swift and accountable response to change ensures your business is not interrupted.
• To add another level of support: You have a team of dedicated employees supporting your vision — why not bolster that encouragement by investing in a partnership with a production facility? A parts manufacturer can offer you more than high-quality products. Building a long-term relationship with a production supplier can lead to rewarding benefits that bring success to both parties.
• To focus on your business: Whether you’re trying to expand your business or prototyping a new product in the development stage of a new product line, you likely have enough responsibilities to juggle. Managing a successful production line doesn’t need to be one of them. For a parts supplier, this is their core competency, it’s what they do and they can do it with ease. With your parts manufacturing off of your plate, you can focus your company’s efforts on increasing revenue and profit.

Whether you have a prototype, small batch fulfillment or need large-scale production, producing your own parts can be a costly and time-consuming process. Instead of attempting to perform duties that do not align with your company’s expertise, enlist an experienced parts manufacturer to provide you with solutions that will meet your production needs so you can focus on the areas of your business that require your knowledge and skill.

6 Tips for Choosing a Parts Manufacturer

Partnering with a trustworthy parts manufacturer is undoubtedly a prudent choice that can yield significant benefits for your business. However, consider the following factors before finalizing your decision and committing to a particular supplier. Selecting a parts manufacturer is pivotal in establishing the foundation for long-term success. To assist you in this endeavor, we have compiled these tips for choosing a silicone parts manufacturer:

1. Find a Supplier With a Good Reputation

The reputation of a business is essential to its success. Reputation can be measured by a number of factors including organizational ethics, financial performance, leadership and management, social responsibility, reliability, quality of products and services, and the focus on the customer. This also includes a company’s digital reputation, which can significantly influence a consumer’s trust in the business. When companies have a positive reputation in the marketplace, it can convince a purchaser to choose that business over competitors that may offer the same products or services.

You pride yourself not only on your products but on your service as well. To safeguard your reputation for quality, suppliers in your supply chain should share this same commitment to quality and a reputation for delivering quality parts that will elevate the quality of your products and in turn bolster your reputation for quality. If they are known for their reliability, then your orders should be consistently filled on-time. If they’re known for their customer service, they should effectively communicate their abilities and work to continue earning your trust and business. Remember — if your supplier falls short of expectations, it could negatively impact your customers.

2. Understand the Potential Long-Term Ramifications of “Low-Priced” Manufacturers

Every business, no matter how financially stable, seeks to lower overall expenses at every opportunity possible. One way this goal can be achieved is to lower the cost of production by selecting a parts manufacturer that offers low-priced material creation. Though a low price tag is tempting, you should exercise caution before choosing a parts manufacturer solely to decrease the amount of an invoice.

Though low-cost companies may offer incentives such as reduced production time or a price-break for higher order quantities or they may be putting their own profit margins at risk. Ultimately, to provide their customers with the lowest costs of production, they’ll likely need to cut their own operating expenses elsewhere. If they cannot find a way to offer low rates to their customers while keeping their own business in the black, it could jeopardize their future. If your company doesn’t have a backup supplier, your business in jeopardy too.

3. Acknowledge the Difference Between Price and Value

The terms ‘price’ and ‘value’ are not interchangeable. In fact, the differences between the two are significant — price is arbitrary while the value is the perceived benefits received divided by the perceived price. Although you may want to minimize your expenses as much as possible, you may unknowingly be compromising quality and that can be very costly in the long run.

Keep in mind that you’re paying for more than just the cost of the part, it is advisable to consider value and your total cost. Reliable part quality reduces the risk of product recalls or product failures; on-time deliveries mitigate potential production line shut-downs; and the longevity and stability of an established supplier can help ensure uninterrupted supply. The quality systems, services, technology and knowledge a manufacturer has also adds value and sets them apart from other low-cost suppliers. The overall value you receive will be a combination of the cost, quality, commitment, reliability, and service they deliver to you.

4. Prototyping and Pilot Production Options

Manufacturers increasingly seek a streamlined transition from the developmental phase to full-scale production. Opting for a molding company that can seamlessly expand their services to accommodate your evolving requirements translates to reduced time, costs, and uncertainties associated with bringing your exceptional product to the market.

5. Test Quality and Part Performance

The quality of your product should be one of your top priorities. Quality products benefit your business by meeting customer expectations and industry standards and by managing your costs and reputation. The reliability of consistent quality will build trust with your customers. It’s essential that your product is manufactured with the highest quality parts you can source.

Product functionality testing performed by the parts manufacturers helps to confirm the part will perform as needed. A good parts manufacturer has a QA metrology lab with equipment used for part inspections and testing. Functional tests can be performed on your parts, and used to simulate a specific critical function required for its use in the final product. Tests such as leak tests, strength and elasticity tests are some examples. This proven quality provides assurance and adds value.

6. Find a Parts Manufacturer That Aligns With Your Business

The realization of your project is contingent upon the expertise exhibited by the injection molding company entrusted with its manufacturing. Choose a partner who exemplifies the trustworthiness and reliability to ensure a successful outcome.

Prioritize a company with a track record of tailoring solutions that meet its customer’s unique requirements. Furthermore, they should have open communication channels, take the time to understand your expectations and product needs, and give support throughout every stage of the manufacturing process.

Remember, you are not merely selecting a supplier for your parts — you are forging a partnership that will hopefully become a long-term, mutually beneficial business relationship. While the primary objective revolves around securing a parts manufacturer capable of producing reliable, cost-effective components for your product, a partnership represents an investment in success achieved by collaboration and mutual trust.

Questions You Should Ask Your Parts Manufacturer

Although you may have identified a parts manufacturer that offers reliable service and exceptional products, you still need to discover whether or not they can meet your specific needs adequately. Price of production, order quantities, delivery, and level of cooperation are all factors in determining the right parts supplier for your business. As you create a list of potential suppliers, be sure to ask the following questions:

Do You Require Minimum Orders?

A minimum order quantity, also referred to as an MOQ, is the lowest amount of items accepted in an order. If a manufacturer has a highly automated manufacturing process they are most likely focused on large production runs. Small production requirements require numerous set ups and changeovers that can be inefficient and undesirable for a manufacturer. One of the first questions you need to have answered before selecting a parts manufacturer is whether or not a minimum production order must be placed. If you’re a growing business and have limited capital or uncertain demand, the costs for a large production run may be cost prohibitive for a small business just starting out and it may not be feasible for you to invest in a large-scale production run. You should choose a supplier that is aligned with your specific needs.

What Is Your Turnaround Time and Can Delivery Times Adjust as Needed?

A consistent and reliable turnaround time is essential for your business. If you cannot receive your order on-time, every time, then it may negatively impact your business and potentially cause you to lose customers. You need a parts supplier that can meet their commitment to production completion. You should also learn if delivery times can be expedited should you need to meet a high demand within a strict timeframe.

What Additional Support Do You Provide to Your Clients?

The ideal manufacturer will do more than merely provide you with your parts. They will build a partnership through strong service and honest communication. They’ll understand your needs and use their own knowledge and expertise to advise you throughout the production process. They’ll be committed to helping you reach your goals by suggesting solutions that can add value and reduce costs, offer additional services that streamline your supply chain, or maximize output for heightened productivity and efficiency. They’ll strive to meet and exceed your expectations because ultimately, your success is their success.

If your company requires high-quality, high volume custom LSR parts, SIMTEC can fulfill your needs. We are a technology-driven, customer-focused manufacturing partner, with our purpose being to provide a solution that will enhance productivity, meet your cost objectives and deliver the highest quality parts and service possible. We have manufactured billions of versatile LSR injection molded components in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and configurations.

Elevating Your Business With SIMTEC

For years, SIMTEC has gained global trust in providing unparalleled LSR component solutions for many critical and demanding applications. Our commitment to the highest standards of quality and service drives us. We implement a rigorous quality system, ensuring through a robust quality plan, quality inspections, a stable manufacturing process, and precision accurate automation to deliver consistent, reliable quality with each part. View our video gallery to see our system in action. With consistent on-time delivery, we strive to exceed expectations. Additionally, we offer various inline post-molding solutions, including slitting, marking, and packaging processes to add value and streamline your supply chain.

At SIMTEC, our expertise lies in providing custom liquid silicone rubber injection moldingsolutions. We invest in the latest technology and extensively train our employees, aiming to deliver the best LSR parts in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to provide superior service and innovative LSR solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of precision cnc machining services. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.