In our daily lives, the use of silicone products is becoming increasingly popular. Silicone is a synthetic polymer that is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme temperatures. However, there are two types of silicone that are commonly used: liquid silicone and solid silicone. Many customers have recently been asking about the difference between liquid silicone and solid silicone. While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two that are worth exploring.
First, let us define what liquid silicone and solid silicone are. Liquid silicone is also known as injection molded liquid silicone rubber (LSR), which is a two-part platinum-cured elastomer that is injected into a mold and cured at high temperatures to form a solid part. It is often used in applications that require complex geometries and tight tolerances. On the other hand, solid silicone is a one-part material that is cured at high temperatures to form a solid part. It is often used in applications that require high strength and durability.
One of the main differences between liquid silicone and solid silicone is their processing methods. Liquid silicone is typically processed using liquid silicone rubber injection molding, which allows for high precision and repeatability. This method is ideal for producing complex parts with thin walls and tight tolerances. Solid silicone, on the other hand, is typically processed using compression molding, which allows for high strength and durability. This method is ideal for producing parts with thicker walls and larger dimensions.
Another difference between the two is their physical properties. Liquid silicone has a lower viscosity than solid silicone, which allows it to flow more easily into complex molds and fill all the cavities. This results in parts with consistent wall thickness and no air pockets or voids. Solid silicone, on the other hand, has a higher viscosity than liquid silicone, which makes it more difficult to flow into complex molds. However, it has higher tensile strength and tear resistance than liquid silicone, which makes it ideal for applications that require high durability.
In terms of cost, liquid silicone is generally more expensive than solid silicone due to its processing method and material properties. Liquid injection molding requires specialized equipment and tooling, which can drive up the cost of production.
Finally, there are some specific applications where one type of silicone may be more suitable than the other. For example, liquid silicone is often used in baby products, food grade silicone products as it can directly come into contact with food, and medical devices such as silicone seals or silicone tubes, due to its biocompatibility and ability to fill complex geometries. Solid silicone, on the other hand, is often used in daily necessities, like bottle sleeves, silicone covers, etc., and automotive components such as gaskets and seals due to its high temperature resistance and durability.
While both liquid silicone and solid silicone are valuable materials with their own unique properties, there are significant differences between the two that should be considered when choosing the right material for a specific application. Liquid silicone is fluid and is commonly used in baby products, daily-use silicone products, and medical products. On the other hand, solid silicone is solid and finds its applications in daily necessities, industrial miscellaneous parts, and auto parts. Factors such as processing method, physical properties, cost, and application requirements should all be taken into account to ensure the best possible outcome. YEJIA manufactures high quality silicone rubber products for over a decade, experienced in liquid silicone rubber injection molding, compression molding and silicone overmolding. If you're looking for a reliable silicone products manufacturer, contact us today!
