Key Points for Achieving the Precision Injection Molding of LSR

Precision Injection Molding of LSR

There are many differences between the processing of LSR and traditional thermoplastic rubber, which increase the processing difficulty. LSR is quite different from traditional thermoplastic material processing in terms of shrinkage, demoulding, mold material, cold runner system, temperature control, etc. That  makes the processing of LSR more difficult than that of ordinary thermoplastic rubber.

The waterproof silicone ring of smart phone is mostly made of secondary molding on the original metal or plastic parts. At the same time, the volume is smaller than the commonly used silicone ring. And the matching degree with the case and accessories is higher. So it needs a more precise (minimal amount) injection molding technology.

Ways to achieve precision injection molding of LSR

The key to achieve the precision injection molding of LSR is as follows:

(1) Full mixing of liquid silica gel

Precise mixing ratio: LSR is a two-component raw material of A and B. Before injection molding, it must be fully mixed according to the proportion of 1:1. If it is a colored liquid silicone product, the color paste ratio must also be accurately controlled.

Mixer: The static mixer is a key component in injection molding. Only after the A and B is fully and uniformly mixed by the static mixer, can the liquid silica gel injected into the mold be completely vulcanized.

LSR-injection-mlding

(2) Sealing and temperature control of injection molding machine parts

Due to the low viscosity of LSR,  we must consider the backflow and leakage of materials and seal the screw.

Since the mold is heated during the LSR molding process, in order to prevent the LSR from solidifying,can adopt a water-cooled nozzle to keep the temperature low enough.

(3) Finished product control during injection molding

Parting line: Consider the position and accuracy of the parting line in advance to help avoid air entrainment and welding, and avoid burrs.

Shrinkage: Although LSR does not shrink during injection molding, it usually shrinks by 2% to 3% after demolding and cooling. Because its extremely thermal expansion coefficient is very high.

The position of the glue injection port: we should consider the actual shrinkage rate of products.

Vacuuming: When designing the parting line, ensure that the mold is sealed. And the vacuum pump will vacuum all the cavities through the clamp under the mold switch.

Demoulding: generally adopt the demoulding technology of fractionating column tray, ejector pin and air ejector, or manual demoulding.

Mold temperature: LSR is vulcanized during heating. We should control the temperature inside the mold and make it evenly distributed. What’s more, we should control the temperature difference at +/-10℃.

Leave a Comment

Related Post

Contact Us