Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Accuseal Rubber Inc. manufactures high-quality custom rubber and silicone products with over 20 years of experience. The company utilizes advanced extrusion technology to produce items such as silicone rubber hoses, O-rings, extruded strips, seals, and gaskets for various industries.
Need a specific city or state? Want to email them directly?
Search, get contacts, and send outreach — all in one place.
Silicone Manufacturers
Last updated: January 2026
This directory lists 93 silicone manufacturers across the United States, from custom LSR injection molders to specialized HCR compression molders and overmolding experts.
Buyers typically seek solutions for applications demanding superior flexibility, temperature resistance, chemical inertness, or biocompatibility. Common challenges include achieving tight tolerances for sealing components, producing complex geometries with consistent wall thickness, or ensuring reliable adhesion for multi-shot LSR overmolding projects. Manufacturers here address these needs across various Shore A and Shore D durometer ranges.
The silicone manufacturing landscape includes pure custom molders specializing in either LSR or HCR, often with significant tooling expertise. Other suppliers offer vertically integrated services, including in-house material compounding for custom color matching or specific performance enhancements. The scale ranges from agile job shops ideal for rapid prototyping and low-volume runs to large, enterprise-grade facilities with Class 100,000 or Class 10,000 cleanrooms for medical device components.
To effectively engage these suppliers, buyers should arrive with detailed part models (e.g., STEP or SolidWorks), precise material specifications (including specific medical or food grades like FDA 21 CFR 177.2600), target durometer, required annual volumes, and clearly defined critical-to-quality (CTQ) features. Suppliers will expect to provide DFM feedback on gate locations, parting lines, and draft angles, often leveraging their deep knowledge of silicone's unique flow characteristics.
A significant trend in this category is the increasing demand for advanced automation in both molding and secondary operations like robotic deflashing, driven by rising labor costs and the need for greater consistency. Furthermore, the push for more sustainable manufacturing practices is leading some suppliers to explore recycling programs for silicone scrap and energy-efficient molding processes, aligning with broader industry sustainability goals.
Company Directory
93 companies nationwide
Based in Kennedale, TX, Ace Rubber Products, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of molded rubber parts, working with materials including silicone, natural rubber, and synthetic elastomers. They specialize in rubber-to-metal bonding and produce custom gaskets, vacuum cups, and O-rings, meeting MIL-I-45208 quality standards for diverse applications.
Based in Iva, SC, American WeatherStar manufactures fluid-applied commercial roof restoration systems and products. The company specializes in providing durable, high-performance roofing solutions for various commercial buildings, often utilizing silicone-based materials to ensure long-lasting protection and weather resistance against the elements.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Ames Rubber Manufacturing is a custom rubber product manufacturer with over 70 years of experience. They provide molding, extrusion, die cutting, and lathe cutting services for gaskets, seals, and various components. Their capabilities include manufacturing specialized molded silicone products for industrial requirements.
Based in Philadelphia, PA, Atlantic Gasket Corporation manufactures custom rubber and silicone die-cut parts and gaskets. Utilizing a broad range of silicone grades and advanced waterjet cutting, they produce high-quality components for diverse industries including automotive, medical, and electronics, serving a global customer base.
Bentec Medical, located in Santa Barbara, CA, provides custom silicone fabrication and contract manufacturing primarily for medical device OEMs. Leveraging material science expertise and medical-grade silicone capabilities, they offer services including design consultation, prototyping, regulatory support, assembly, and sterilization, along with proprietary FDA/CE approved medical devices.
Based in Sanford, ME, Casco Bay Molding is an ISO 13485:2016 Certified facility specializing in silicone and thermoplastic injection molding. They provide comprehensive product design, in-house precision tooling, and high-volume production. The company focuses on Class I and II medical device components, including surgical handles and custom gaskets.
Based in Irvine, CA, California Sealing Solutions manufactures custom sealing components. They specialize in rubber extrusion and custom molded rubber, utilizing materials such as Silicone, Buna-N, EPDM, and Neoprene. The company also provides metal and plastic manufacturing capabilities, serving various industrial applications.
Based in Dayton, OH, C & M Rubber Co. specializes in custom rubber product fabrication, molding, and silicone to metal bonding using silicone and other elastomers. Serving military, medical, food service, aerospace, and high-tech industries, they also provide liquid injection molding and are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Konark Silicone Technologies, operating from California, specializes in advanced silicone manufacturing processes. The company provides Liquid Injection Molding (LIM), silicone compression molding, and transfer molding services. They serve a wide range of industrial customers, delivering custom-engineered silicone components and products for various applications.
Based in Alvarado, TX, ColorFast Industries specializes in manufacturing professional RTV 100% silicone caulking. The company provides high-quality silicone sealants for various applications, serving industrial and commercial customers.
Cooper Standard's Industrial and Specialty Group (ISG) formulates a wide range of silicone types, including sponge, dense, and multi-durometer designs. As a full-service supplier, the company provides advanced sealing and fluid handling solutions, driving performance across diverse industries worldwide. They are recognized for innovation and environmental stewardship.
Based in Franklin, WI, Custom Fabricate (CFS) specializes in industrial masking solutions, including silicone caps, plugs, and high-performance tapes. They provide custom die-cut and molded flexible parts such as gaskets, seals, and spacers. CFS offers silicone transfer and compression molding services for finishers and OEMs.
Based in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Custom Gasket Manufacturing LLC specializes in precision die cut and molded silicone rubber gaskets and seals. The company offers rubber molding (compression, transfer, injection), rubber extruding, and various cutting services including die, waterjet, laser, and flash cutting for a wide range of industrial applications.
Based in Van, TX, East Texas Seals specializes in custom-molded and extruded sealing solutions, including o-rings, from high-quality compounded elastomers. They offer custom compound engineering, profile design, and comprehensive inventory management, ensuring tailored fluid sealing products for diverse applications.
E.J. Whitney Company, Inc. provides industrial machine parts and custom engineering services. Specializing in urethane, silicone-rubber, and metal fabrication, this Fullerton, CA-based company offers tailored manufacturing solutions. Established in 1979, they serve a variety of B2B industrial clients.
ElastaPro, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, CA, is a Made-in-USA silicone manufacturer specializing in solid and cellular sheets, rolls, and compounds. They provide Fluorosilicone and FDA Grade Silicone for demanding applications in aerospace, food and beverage, automotive, and healthcare sectors, known for heat and chemical resistance.
Based in Plain City, OH, Elastostar Rubber Corporation manufactures custom extruded silicone rubber products. They provide high-quality rubber gaskets, seals, and precision-molded silicone components. Certified to ISO, IATF, and AS9100D standards, they serve Aerospace, Pharma, Medical, Automotive, and Food industries with robust, application-specific solutions.
Based in Kent, OH, ELBEX Corporation is an ISO Certified manufacturer providing custom rubber and silicone extrusions. They specialize in producing high-quality extruded products, serving diverse industrial clients with their advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in both rubber and silicone materials.
Based in Corona, CA, Elastomer Technologies, Inc. specializes in custom liquid silicone injection molding, utilizing LSR and HCR materials. They also offer compression, transfer, and prototype molding. The company fabricates durable, flexible elastomer components for diverse industries, including the medical sector.
Based in Fresno, CA, General Coatings Manufacturing Corp. chemically engineers and manufactures two grades of silicone base coatings, available in high and low solids. These easy-to-apply coatings provide excellent adhesion, creating a protective membrane for energy-efficient foam roofs that extends their lifespan.
Based in Grapevine, TX, GT Products manufactures high solids silicone roof coatings. These ready-to-use, single-component coatings are designed for easy application, providing a durable water seal for industrial roofs. The company specializes in silicone-based solutions for demanding industrial waterproofing needs.
Gumena LLC is a silicone manufacturing company based in Granger, IN. They produce silicone putty and high-consistency silicone compounds. The company offers custom mixing services, creating silicone products tailored to specific client specifications.
Hamilton Custom Molding is a US-based manufacturer specializing in custom molded urethane and silicone parts. The company focuses on producing high-quality components and maintaining reliable delivery for its clients. They provide custom molding services to meet specific application requirements.
Based in Houston, TX, Houston Manufacturing Specialty Co., Inc. specializes in manufacturing custom silicone gaskets. They utilize advanced processes such as punch press, custom die cutting, and waterjet cutting to produce high-quality gasket materials and related products. Established in 1974, the company focuses on providing solutions for industrial clients.
Based in Placentia, CA, Handy Service Corporation manufactures specialized silicone gaskets and seals for the food and medical packaging industries. They provide custom design and production, offering a wide range of products including custom molds, aluminum tray carriers, various gaskets, and heat sealer bars.
ILPEA Industries, Inc., based in Scottsburg, IN, specializes in liquid silicone rubber injection molding and custom plastic extrusions. They leverage manufacturing expertise to serve commercial clients. The company primarily supports the appliance and construction industries with their diverse materials processing capabilities.
Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, InterSil engineers custom silicone compounds, including fluorosilicone, food-grade, and high-temp varieties. They manufacture silicone sheets and other silicone products in the USA, serving diverse industries with medical-grade and military-grade standards.
JAMAK specializes in silicone rubber manufacturing, leveraging 50 years of experience. The company provides high-quality silicone rubber products, produced efficiently under one roof in its USA-based facilities, serving various industries.
Based in Brea, CA, Kirkhill specializes in manufacturing high-performance elastomer products for aerospace and military applications. They design and develop engineered seals, flexible connectors, and ablative insulation, using various molding techniques. Products include fireproof, aerodynamic, and door and hatch seals.
American Sealants Inc. (ASI), a brand of Meridian Adhesives Group, develops advanced adhesives and sealants. The company manufactures various adhesive technologies, including acetoxy and neutral silicone, serving diverse industries such as construction, automotive, and electronics with customized product solutions.
Based in Gilroy, CA, Metacrylics manufactures energy-efficient acrylic and high solids silicone roof coatings. They produce moisture-cured silicone coatings formulated for superior reflectivity, durability, weatherproofing, and UV resistance. These silicone products offer robust protection and cost-effective solutions for various roofing surfaces.
Midwest Gasket Corp. specializes in the custom manufacturing of die-cut silicone gaskets, molded parts, and O-rings. The company produces solutions for a wide range of industries, maintaining quality from material receipt through final inspection and shipping for custom components.
Based in Fort Worth, TX, Mosites Rubber Company fabricates diverse rubber products for industrial applications. They specialize in silicone and fluoroelastomer roll goods, including silicone sheets and custom silicone fabrications made from premium compounds. The company also offers thick section molded pads and Viton®/FKM products.
Based in Cleveland, OH, Novagard designs and manufactures high-performance silicone sealants, coatings, and lubricants. The company also produces PVC foams, serving a wide array of industries including electronics, aerospace, transportation/mobility, solar, and defense applications.
Based in Hayward, CA, Pacific States Felt & Mfg. Co, Inc. manufactures custom gaskets, seals, washers, and O-rings. They utilize various materials including silicone, neoprene, and nitrile, providing services such as die cutting, rubber molding, extrusions, and lamination for industrial applications.
Pecora Corporation, based in Harleysville, PA, manufactures high-performance silicone, urethane, and acrylic sealants, coatings, and waterproofing products. It specializes in protective building envelope solutions for the construction industry, with all products manufactured in the USA. Pecora has innovated in manufacturing since 1862.
Based in Orem, UT, Design Imaging, LLC operates Performance Pro Adhesives, specializing in silicone-based products. They manufacture high-quality sealants like PRO-3000, a mildew-resistant, one-component room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) acetoxy cure silicone sealant. The company offers a range of adhesive and silicone solutions for various applications.
Based in Massillon, OH, R2 Sealants is a family-owned company with over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing custom sealant solutions. Their state-of-the-art facility mixes and compounds acetoxy and neutral cure silicone formulas to client specs. They also offer comprehensive private label programs.
Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, RD Rubber Technology Corporation manufactures custom precision molded rubber and silicone parts. They offer compression, transfer, injection, and cleanroom molding capabilities, including rubber-to-metal and silicone-to-plastic bonding. The company serves diverse aerospace, defense, and medical device industries.
Based in Blackstone, VA, Reiss Manufacturing is a US-based custom silicone rubber manufacturer. Specializing since 1946, they offer in-house production for standard stock and custom silicone formulations. Their capabilities address heat, chemical resistance, EMI/RFI shielding, and electrical conductivity challenges.
Based in Placentia, CA, Reliable Silicone Compounders, Inc. specializes in providing high-quality silicone compounds for the Silicone Compounding Industry. The company leverages experienced production and customer service departments to meet client needs with competitive pricing and professional, timely assistance.
RevPart provides rapid prototyping and manufacturing services, specializing in custom silicone molding and plastic injection molding. They offer solutions from prototype to production for industries including food and beverage, medical, electronic (IOT), automotive, and aerospace.
Based in Minneapolis, MN, Robinson Rubber Products Company, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified custom molding manufacturer. They specialize in elastomeric and thermoplastic components, offering comprehensive liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding services. Capabilities include design assistance, material formulation, assembly, and packaging, delivering tailored solutions for various industries.
Based in Paramount, CA, R&S Processing Co., Inc. specializes in custom-mixed rubber compounds, including silicone. The company uses dedicated silicone mills and other mixing equipment, serving industrial markets like automotive, agriculture, wire & cable, oil & gas, and medical.
Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. manufactures premium silicone compounds, supplying advanced materials to industries. These compounds are engineered to improve product performance, enhance reliability, and deliver superior visual and sensory properties for optimal yield across various applications.
Momentive specializes in manufacturing high-performance, 100% silicone sealants and coatings. These advanced silicone solutions are engineered for durability and reliability within the demanding construction industry, serving commercial and industrial building applications.
Based in Miramar, FL, SIMTEC Silicone Parts specializes in customized injection molded liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and multi-shot components. This US-based company provides turnkey solutions, from concept to high-volume production, for medical, healthcare, mobility, consumer, and industrial industries.
Specialty Manufacturing, Inc. (SMI) is a contract manufacturer providing custom-engineered silicone products and parts since 1979. They specialize in silicone injection molding, compression molding, die cutting, and component assembly. SMI delivers advanced silicone expertise for various industries, including medical (implantable grade) and LED lighting applications.
Stockwell Elastomerics is a US-based manufacturer specializing in custom silicone gaskets and pads, primarily serving the technology equipment sector. Their core business involves silicone rubber materials, providing innovative gasketing, sealing, and cushioning solutions. The company also offers prototype silicone gaskets and pads, alongside engineering support for specific applications.
Based in Niles, MI, Techlink Silicone operates as an American silicone manufacturer. The company maintains a strong presence throughout the United States, providing a broad portfolio of diverse silicone solutions. They focus on meeting the needs of various industries with their specialized manufacturing capabilities.
Tremco Sealants manufactures silicone dense rubber extrusions and high-performance sealants for residential and commercial building construction. They provide reliable sealing and glazing solutions, offering custom colors and profiles. Their engineered systems ensure continuous, air-tight, and waterproof performance for various building enclosure applications.
Sika manufactures professional-grade silicone sealants, including their Sikasil line, engineered for various applications such as glass-to-glass and glass-to-metal surfaces. The company provides specialized solutions for residential and home improvement projects, along with industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, serving commercial and professional clients.
Based in Fort Wayne, IN, US Silicones specializes in providing custom silicone compound products and solutions. They offer infinitely customizable silicone products tailored to specific business needs, including exact weight, length, size, shape, and color. Their responsive manufacturing model ensures agile production and streamlined product lifecycles.
Based in Midvale, UT, Utah Medical Products specializes in complex silicone and thermoplastic molding for both medical and non-medical applications. The company manufactures a range of medical devices including cervical ripening catheters, suprapubic catheters, enteral feeding catheters, and uterine balloon tamponade systems, leveraging its molding capabilities.
Based in Danbury, CT, Vanguard Products Corporation is a full-service manufacturing and engineering company. With over 50 years of experience, they specialize in high-precision elastomeric fabricated goods, including silicone extrusions, tubing, custom molded rubber products, and O-rings for industrial applications.
Based in Conyers, GA, Accurate Rubber is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company specializing in the manufacturing and engineering of genuine, sorted, and custom silicone rubber parts. They provide manufacturing solutions for various industrial applications.
Countryman Coatings specializes in manufacturing high-performance 100% silicone roof coatings and sealants. Proudly made in the USA, the company produces durable solutions for protecting and sealing roofs.
Based in Worcester, MA, Jefferson Rubber Works, Inc. (JRW) specializes in custom rubber product manufacturing. They offer expertise in liquid silicone injection molding, delivering high-volume production with precision and efficiency for OEMs. JRW provides tailored solutions using advanced mold-making techniques.
Based in Buellton, CA, Global Silicones, Inc. specializes in providing custom silicone solutions for both small and large-scale manufacturing projects. The company's services are designed to help industrial customers reduce their production costs by offering tailored silicone products and applications.
ARCO Silicone is a custom silicone manufacturer based in Hot Springs, AR, providing extruded and molded products. Made in the USA, they offer bands, cording, and tubing for building, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Products feature wide environmental temperature ranges, UV, Ozone, Chemical, and Oil resistance, including FDA-compliant options.
Based in Torrance, CA, Axiom Medical specializes in manufacturing silicone products. They are known for their original full silicone line in the USA, providing medical-grade silicone wound drains and non-medical silicone extrusions. All products are made entirely in the USA to MDSAP/ISO 13485 standards.
Bond It USA is a prime manufacturer of silicones, hybrids, roof coatings, and silicone tapes. They provide a full line of quality products, specializing in advanced sealants and adhesives designed for superior flexibility and excellent adhesion to withstand temperature and weather challenges.
Based in Stuart, FL, Britech Industries specializes in manufacturing custom silicone rubber extrusions and injection molded plastic parts. The company produces components to unique customer specifications, adhering to industry standards and ISO-9001 certification. They utilize high-quality raw materials for dependable industrial performance.
Dow is a global materials science company specializing in silicone rubber fabrication. They manufacture molded SILASTIC fluorosilicone rubber parts, including O-rings, weatherseals, and electronic connector insulators for various industrial applications.
Based in Menands, NY, Extreme Molding is a US-based silicone injection molder specializing in high-performance custom silicone products. The company offers full-service manufacturing, including molding, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment. It serves B2B markets such as consumer, healthcare, life science, pet supplies, and light industrial sectors.
Freudenberg Medical is a CDMO partner specializing in medical device and pharmaceutical innovation. They offer vertically integrated capabilities including precision silicone molding and extrusion, combining clinical acumen with deep materials expertise. They support projects from ideation to full-scale production.
Based in Hayward, CA, Gel-Pak develops and manufactures highly engineered silicone-based and other elastomer carriers and films. These products provide maximum protection for delicate devices during shipping, handling, and processing for semiconductor, medical, and electronic industries.
Global O-Ring and Seal specializes in manufacturing custom liquid silicone rubber (LSR) components. The company utilizes injection molding processes for these LSR parts, which are produced in a Class 1000 cleanroom environment, offering tailored silicone solutions for various industrial applications.
Go Precision Group is a US-based contract manufacturer providing silicone and rubber molding services. Their comprehensive capabilities also include plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly. The company serves industrial clients seeking diverse manufacturing solutions.
H.B. Fuller manufactures advanced silicone adhesives and sealants for industrial applications. Their specialized silicone products are engineered for demanding uses, such as electronics potting and automotive sealing, serving a broad range of commercial customers. Based in Saint Paul, MN.
Based in Chicago, IL, Hennig Gasket & Seals offers custom manufacturing of silicone gaskets and seals. The company utilizes in-house capabilities, including state-of-the-art waterjet cutting services, to produce high-quality silicone rubber gaskets. They provide a diverse range of custom gasket solutions for industrial customers.
Based in Beaverton, MI, Laur Silicone develops, manufactures, and supplies custom silicone compounds. The company offers a variety of formulations for diverse applications and continuously develops new compounds to meet evolving client needs.
Based in Odessa, TX, Lone Star Gasket manufactures custom gaskets, O-rings, and molded parts. They fabricate products from various materials, including rubber, silicone, and PTFE. The company serves industrial clients, primarily in the oilfield and agriculture sectors, providing sealing solutions since 1981.
Based in Spartanburg, SC, Milliken is a global materials science company that manufactures silicon compounds for applications in adhesives, semiconductors, surface treatments, construction products, and coatings. The company also develops advanced materials for textiles, plastics, and flooring innovations.
Based in Brea, CA, M.R. Mold & Engineering specializes in the design and manufacture of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and plastic injection molds. The company also produces custom plastic and silicone parts, offering extensive knowledge in complex geometries and serving OEMs and job shop molders since 1985.
Progressive Materials manufactures high-performance, environmentally friendly, 100% silicone roof coatings and roofing systems. These products restore and extend the life of commercial roofs, providing a cost-effective, seamless, and watertight membrane. The energy-efficient solutions help reduce building energy costs.
Based in Mineral Wells, TX, Polymer Adhesives manufactures water and solvent-based sealants and adhesives, notably including silicone sealants. They primarily serve the HVAC construction and other commercial markets. The company provides custom product development, toll manufacturing, private labeling, and contract packaging services.
RectorSeal manufactures a range of building products, including general purpose RTV silicone sealants and caulk. They also provide HVAC grilles, registers, and diffusers under the Shoemaker brand, alongside Metacaulk firestop products and various training resources for their product lines.
Based in Indianapolis, IN, SILA-SEAL manufactures a comprehensive line of 100% silicone RTVs and professional-grade silicone sealants. The company prides itself on its products being 100% Made in the USA, catering to various industrial and professional sealing applications.
Based in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Silicone Solutions manufactures custom silicone rubber products, including high-performance adhesives, sealants, gels, and coatings. They specialize in custom formulations and offer consulting services, serving industrial, construction, marine, and advanced electronic industries with their innovative silicone solutions.
Smooth-On manufactures high-quality silicone rubber compounds and other materials. Based in Easton, PA, the company specializes in liquid rubbers, plastics, foams, and epoxies for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including food-grade molds and coatings. They serve diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and special effects.
Based in Elizabethtown, KY, Soudal Inc. manufactures a range of industrial-grade silicone sealants and related chemical products. Their offerings, including the Dynatex® brand, cure to tough, flexible silicone rubber, providing durable and water-tight seals for various professional and consumer applications.
Based in Sealy, TX, Stigall Industrial operates a dedicated solid silicone extrusion division. They provide silicone parts manufacturing with fast turnaround and low setup costs, utilizing a modern computerized extruder for efficient production.
Based in San Diego, CA, ARRK North America, Inc. specializes in comprehensive product development services, from rapid prototyping to full production. The company fabricates custom silicone rubber prototypes and offers custom manufacturing solutions. They collaborate with clients, providing expertise and program management to accelerate product market entry.
Victor Reinz, a brand of Dana Limited, manufactures automotive RTV silicone solutions for diverse sealing applications. Their products replace various RTV silicones, offering formulations like oil-resistant and high-torque sealants. They also provide performance and specialty gaskets within their comprehensive automotive product catalog.
Based in Brea, CA, West Coast Gasket specializes in industrial silicone extrusion, providing custom profiles and components for diverse applications. They also offer expertise in neoprene, aluminum, and co-extrusion services, along with general rubber manufacturing capabilities.
3M is a global science and manufacturing company that produces a wide range of products, including common caulking sealants with various sealing applications. The company develops innovative solutions for numerous industries worldwide, focusing on making what the world needs next.
Based in Novi, MI, CHT Silicones manufactures 1-Part and 2-Part silicone compounds, capable of room temperature or heat curing. They provide silicones for diverse applications including automotive, thermal transfer, LED & lighting (for clarity and heat removal), and personal care products.
Gaco manufactures silicone roof coating systems, waterproofing, and insulation solutions. The company provides products for commercial and residential buildings, specializing in durable building envelope and protective coating applications.
Based in Anaheim, CA, Konark Silicone Molding specializes in manufacturing premium silicone parts and complex designs. They offer services including LSR injection molding, silicone compression molding, engineering design, CAD, prototyping, and complete project management for various industries seeking high-quality molded silicone rubber components.
NuSil manufactures implant-grade silicones, including ultra-pure elastomers, low outgassing coatings, and reliable adhesives. These specialized silicone materials are engineered to power biostable medical implants, ensuring high performance and reliability. They serve the advanced medical device industry with critical healthcare applications.
Shin-Etsu Silicone manufactures advanced silicone products and materials globally. They offer innovative silicone solutions designed to enhance safety and reliability for various industrial applications. Their products help make components, especially for automobiles, smaller, lighter, and more eco-friendly, leveraging extensive expertise in silicone chemistry.
Found what you're looking for? Unlock 59 emails and 84 phones.
How to Choose a Company
- Verify the manufacturer's specific expertise in either Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding or High Consistency Rubber (HCR) compression molding, as tooling and process controls vary significantly for each, impacting part complexity and cost.
- For medical or food contact applications, confirm the supplier holds relevant certifications such as ISO 13485, adheres to FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 guidelines, or can provide materials with USP Class VI biocompatibility statements.
- Assess their ability to consistently manage durometer and cure systems; ensure they have in-house testing capabilities for Shore A or Shore D hardness and can reliably produce parts using your specified platinum-cured or peroxide-cured silicone formulation.
- Scrutinize their approach to flash management and deflashing. A common gotcha is underestimating the cost and impact of manual deflashing on complex parts, leading to higher unit costs or inconsistent aesthetic quality. Ask about automated deflashing technologies if precision is critical.
- Evaluate their tooling strategy: A red flag is a supplier pushing for overly complex or expensive tooling for a prototype stage that could be achieved with simpler, lower-cost molds, or conversely, a lack of detailed Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback for high-volume production tooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fundamental difference between LSR and HCR silicone manufacturing, and how do I choose?
LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) uses a pumpable, two-part liquid material injected into heated molds, ideal for complex geometries, high volumes, and tight tolerances, often with automated processes and minimal flash. HCR (High Consistency Rubber) involves a solid, gum-like material that is compression molded under heat and pressure, typically more cost-effective for simpler designs, lower volumes, or when specific material properties (e.g., very high tear strength) are only available in HCR. Your choice depends on part complexity, volume, budget, and specific material performance requirements like durometer and elongation.
How does durometer (Shore hardness) selection impact my silicone part design and manufacturing process?
Durometer, measured on the Shore A or D scale, defines the hardness and flexibility of your silicone part. A lower durometer (softer) silicone is more difficult to handle during molding, more prone to tearing, and can necessitate specialized tooling or gate designs to prevent damage or flash. Conversely, a higher durometer (harder) silicone may require higher injection pressures or longer cure times. Specifying the correct durometer early is critical, as it influences material choice, mold design, and even post-processing methods.
What should I consider regarding tooling costs for silicone projects, especially for prototyping versus production?
Silicone tooling, particularly for LSR injection molding, can be significantly more expensive than for plastics due to tighter tolerances, polished surfaces (to prevent flash adhesion), and hot runner systems. For prototyping, consider using simpler HCR compression molds or soft tooling (e.g., aluminum) if the design allows, to reduce initial investment. Production tooling, especially for high-volume LSR, will require hardened steel, precise cavitation, and complex cooling/heating lines, driving up costs but offering longevity and repeatability. Always ask for a breakdown of tooling costs by stage and material.
When is platinum-cured silicone preferred over peroxide-cured, and what are the implications for my product?
Platinum-cured silicones (addition cure) are generally preferred for medical, food contact, and critical industrial applications due to their superior purity, lack of by-products (no off-gassing), excellent clarity, and faster cure times. They often meet stringent standards like USP Class VI. Peroxide-cured silicones (condensation cure) are typically more cost-effective and common in general industrial uses, but they produce volatile by-products during curing which require post-curing for off-gassing, impacting taste, odor, and potentially regulatory compliance. Your application's performance, purity, and regulatory needs dictate the choice.