Optimize Processing and Performance with Silicone Rubber

SILASTIC™ silicone rubber elastomers from Dow Consumer Solutions help meet needs for product innovation and performance while maximizing process efficiency from design to final product.

Dow has a long history of working collaboratively with fabricators and equipment manufacturers worldwide. We can provide you with a total manufacturing solution – from material selection to manufacturing process expertise.

Solutions for a Wide Range of Rubber Fabricating Processes

We offer thousands of proven silicone elastomers to meet multiple processing and performance requirements.

The Benefits of Various Silicone Rubber Processing Methods

Extrusion – Continuously extruding uncured rubber through a die to form a desired, uniform, cross-sectional size and shape before curing.

• High production rates; short lead times
• Ideal for tubing rods, larger gaskets, seals, wire insulation, preforms for compression molding  

Injection Molding – Extruding unvulcanized preform rubber through a cylinder into a closed heated mold.

• Low per-part production price 
• Ideal for products requiring close dimensional tolerances 

Liquid Injection Molding – Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injected into a closed, heated mold.

• Automated processing 
• Ideal for intricate designs, close-tolerance parts (e.g., keypads, connector seals, baby bottle nipples, etc.) 

Compression Molding – Placing preform rubber into a heated mold, and then into a press to allow the silicone elastomer to melt and fill the mold cavity. 

• Economical method for short runs and start-up production 
• Ability to mold large, fairly intricate parts; ideal for gaskets, seals, O-rings 

Calendering – Compressing silicone rubber in a multi-roll process to produce continuous sheeting.

• Ideal as precursor for mandrel-wrapped hoses and ducts or to die-cut seals 
• Can be coated onto fabrics or unsupported; can be “cured in line” to provide continuous roll of solid or sponged sheeting

3D Printing - Making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file by laying down successive layers of liquid silicone rubber in an additive process.

• Brings the power and versatility of silicone technology to liquid additive manufacturing
• Enables fast prototyping and small manufacturing trials of complex parts and new design option

Coating – Use of opposing knives or squeeze rolls to apply liquid silicone rubber to fabric.

• Opposing knives promote penetration while squeeze rolls facilitate film-forming
• Typical applications include pipe wrap, conveyor belts, welding blankets, architectural applications and expansion joints

Moldmaking – Using two-part, RTV silicone rubber to create flexible molds of various objects for reproduction.

• Can also be used to create prototypes, rubber pads for transfer printing and robotic skins for animated creatures