When one hears the word “silicone”, many images are conjured. In the seal and gasket end of the world, however, silicone seals are used in a fairly limited range of applications.
High Heat – silicone rubber is often specified for higher (dry) heat applications, as it has one of the highest heat resistance ratings of any of the polymer groups. Applications including welding equipment, hot air exhaust systems, hot metal insulation, oven seals and insulation, electrical insulation units, and manifold seals.
Medical Applications – since silicone is organically based, and has naturally low modulus properties with generally fewer additives required for processing, it can be more easily formulated for FDA and medical applications. Silicone is widely used for baby nipples, hearing aid insulation and fit, IV Connector seals, syringe plungers, and device covers and insulators. Since silicone is more inert than conventional materials, it is often specified in medical applications that mix or react with multiple fluids, such as drug testing test kits, diabetes glucose level kits, pharmaceutical applications, and other similar medically oriented devices and processes.
High Temperature Range Applications – Silicone retains its physical properties over the widest range of temperature, so even when the temperatures get very low, it will likely still perform according to design. Applications including sensors, lighting, electronic actuators, and seals for instrumentation will perform over a higher range of environmental conditions without succumbing to temperature extremes on either end of the spectrum.
Aesthetic Applications – Silicone rubber generally possesses a unique low modulus characteristic that makes is desirable for applications that require a softer feel, like handles, button covers, display bumpers, or other devices that have some kind of engineered protection or aesthetic angle to their design. Silicones also tend to color more vibrantly, which enhances their aesthetic appeal.
Complex Shapes – Although the raw material is normally more expensive than conventional rubber materials, silicone has unique flow properties that may be more easily molded into complex shapes. For more complex connectors, electronic insulation parts, or other critical designs that require a more complex mold, silicone rubber is more tolerant of blow molding or other processes that require a pliable and highly moldable raw material.
Silicone rubber is widely specified for these sorts of unique applications, and Real Seal is qualified to help engineer and develop materials for more unique design requirements. From silicone o-rings to silicone rubber to metal bonded gaskets, Real Seal has the experience and expertise to add value to the process for more highly engineered applications. Please contact Real Seal with your rubber and plastic application projects, and we’ll help to steer you in the right direction.
