The custom injection molding of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) uses much of the same process and equipment as does injection molding. In both processes, the mold is heated and closed before the uncured rubber is injected. Unlike high consistency rubber (HCR), also known as gum stock, liquid Silicone is just that, a "high viscosity liquid" that comes in two parts, Part A and Part B.

Both parts are liquid but one part contains the catalyst which is platinum. Liquid Silicone has the consistency of cold molasses, is naturally translucent and comes in either pail kits (approx. 80 lbs) or drum kits (approx. 800 lbs). The two parts are mixed and delivered to the barrel of the injection press via a mixing/metering pumping system. If desired, pigment may be added via a pumping system to color the liquid Silicone. The mixed liquid Silicone is then injected into the mold much like gum stock, but the runner, gate and sprue are generally smaller due to its lower viscosity. Once in the mold, the liquid Silicone cures at a much faster rate than typical high consistency Silicone due to its platinum cure system. As a result of this rapid cure cycle, the part price is frequently lower than parts made using conventional molding processes such as Compression, Transfer and Injection Molding. For more information, visit: www.kdlprecision.com

Silicone, Fluorosilicone, and Viton™, (Fluorocarbon) are just some of the compounds we use. The Custom Rubber Molding of our compounds (formulations) are custom made for your application. Although we have many "standard" materials, every part has a specific formulation. We have over 600 existing formulas to choose from. Should one of these not meet your needs, we will gladly formulate a new compound for your application without a special "set-up charge."

Silicone: 5-80 Shore A
Fluorosilicone: 40-80 Shore A
Viton™: 50-90 Shore A
Neoprene: 45-95 Shore A
Nitrile: 40-90 Shore A
Ethylene Propylene Rubber: 45-90 Shore A

Medical Preference
LIM™ is ideal for applications where contamination is a problem or where high volumes are required. The Medical Industry prefers LIM™ because it is a closed system of molding, meaning, the pail or drum kits of uncured liquid Silicone are loaded into the pumping system, injected and cured without human contact. Liquid Injection Silicone Molding is also ideal because of its ability to manufacture Silicone Products at a low cost thus ensuring competitiveness in the Medical Industry.