5 Silicone Molding Processes

Project Overview

Global industrial buyers sourcing custom silicone rubber components frequently face confusion in selecting the optimal molding technology. Different silicone products, production volumes, precision standards and application industries require distinct forming crafts. Many overseas clients lack systematic technical reference to compare compression, injection, extrusion, calendering and casting molding, leading to improper process selection, higher unit cost, extended lead time and unstable product quality.

This case study systematically sorts out 5 mainstream silicone manufacturing processes, covering raw material characteristics, production logic, hardness range, precision limit and applicable industrial scenarios, helping B2B procurement engineers, product designers and brand manufacturers quickly match the most cost-effective silicone molding solution for their custom parts.

Customized Solution

With 15 years of focused experience in silicone mold development and silicone component manufacturing, our technical team sorts and optimizes five complete silicone forming processes to cover full-range custom silicone production demands for global industrial clients:

1. Compression Molding (Hot Press Molding)

The most widely adopted standard silicone molding craft. Solid silicone compound mixed with vulcanizing agent is placed inside precision metal molds, then vulcanized and shaped under high temperature and hydraulic pressure via vulcanizing machines. Simple operation and flexible mold design fit most general silicone goods, with adjustable Shore A hardness ranging from 30 to 70.

2. Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Injection Molding

High-precision automated forming process for high-standard silicone parts. Integrates liquid silicone and plastic overmolding capability. Finished products feature outstanding thermal stability, cold resistance, superior electrical insulation and zero toxic emission during combustion. Irreplaceable for medical devices, baby care goods, automotive seals, diving gear and food kitchen silicone utensils.

3. Extrusion Molding

Continuous profile production via silicone extruders. Outputs long strip/tubular silicone semi-finished goods that can be cut to customized lengths. Process flow is relatively single, mainly for linear profiles, silicone tubes, sealing strips and wire insulation sleeves.

4. Calendering Molding

Unvulcanized silicone rubber is blended with fumed silica, silicone oil and additives to form uniform compound, then rolled into flat sheets via calender rollers. Final product performance is affected by compound formula, rolling temperature and roller speed ratio. Mainly applied for large-area silicone sheets, silicone rubber slabs and flat gaskets.

5. Vacuum Casting Molding

Solid-liquid combined forming process for simple, smooth-surface silicone products without visible mold parting lines. Master models are enclosed by glass/rubber frames, then vacuum degassed liquid silicone is poured directly onto the mold. Greatly reduces post-processing labor and shortens production cycles, widely used for phone silicone cases, luggage protective covers and thin decorative silicone shells.

Technical Specifications

The Result & Client Benefit

• Process Matching Guidance: Clients receive professional technical comparison to select the most suitable silicone molding craft, cutting unnecessary mold investment and lowering unit production cost by 12%–25%.

• Fast Sampling Support: 7–10 days rapid mold opening & prototype delivery for all five molding processes, accelerating customer product launch schedule.

• Flexible MOQ Policy: Accept small-batch trial orders and mass production scaling, perfectly matching startup brands and large industrial manufacturers’ diverse procurement demands.

• Full Quality Assurance: 100% dimensional inspection before shipment; all silicone materials pass FDA, RoHS and food/medical compliance certifications as requested.

• One-stop OEM & ODM Service: Integrate mold design, material customization, molding production and surface finishing in-house, eliminating multi-supplier communication troubles for overseas buyers.