Solid silicone rubber and liquid silicone rubber are both useful for industrial components, but they are processed differently and do not suit every geometry or production plan equally.
Start with the part and demand profile
Compression molding with solid silicone is widely used for gaskets, pads, covers, boots and many custom seals. LSR injection molding is often considered for detailed geometry, thin features, repeatable high-volume programs and parts that benefit from automated material delivery.
Questions that affect the decision
- What are the minimum wall, membrane and feature sizes?
- Where can the gate, parting line and allowable flash be located?
- Does the design include plastic, metal, cable or electronic inserts?
- What are the prototype, first-order and annual quantities?
- Which dimensions and surfaces are critical to function?
Do not select from material name alone
Hardness, temperature, chemical contact, color, compliance needs and the mating assembly should be reviewed before the material and process are fixed. A drawing and application description allow the manufacturer to compare tooling complexity, cycle, finishing and inspection rather than quoting from a product name alone.