Silicone compound mold
Silica gel die, also known as vacuum die, is a fast and economical alternative for the production of small batch injection parts. Typically, 3D printed SLA parts are used as prototypes, molds are made of silicone material, and polyurethane PU material is poured through a vacuum injection process to make a replica module.
The advantages of silicone remold
Silica gel has excellent physical and chemical properties, it is a soft, transparent, high temperature resistant, chemical corrosion resistant material. Silicone mold can provide the following aspects of protection:
Dustproof and waterproof: silicone mold can effectively block dust and moisture into the surface of the object, protect its internal parts from pollution and damage.
Scratch resistance: The silicone mold has a certain elasticity and softness, can absorb external impact and friction, and reduce scratches and wear on the surface of the object.
Insulation protection: silica gel has good electrical insulation properties, which can isolate the surface of the object from the external current and static electricity to a certain extent, and prevent static damage and the danger of electric shock.
Anti-oxidation: silicone mold can prevent oxygen and other oxidants from contacting the surface of the object, slow down the occurrence of oxidation reaction, and extend the service life of the object.
Step 1: Make a prototype
(1) Prepare the model: First, prepare the prototype or model you want to make the mold. Make sure the surface of the model is clean and flat, with no obvious defects or dirt.
(2) Model fixation: Fix the model on a stable working platform, you can use brackets, glue or other fixing methods to ensure that the model will not move.
(3) Make a mold box: Use materials such as film or tape to surround the model into a border to form a mold box. This electrode will hold the silicone and limit its flow.
Step 2: Make a silicone mold
(4) Mixed silica gel: accurately weigh the ratio of silica gel according to the instructions provided by the silicone manufacturer. It is usually necessary to mix the base silicone and the curing agent according to a certain proportion. Try to avoid bubbles when stirring.
(5) Fill the mold pole: Slowly pour the mixed silicone into the mold pole, so that it fills the entire model and covers to the required depth. You can use a vibrator or gently tap the die pole to help remove bubbles.
(6) Wait for curing: according to the instructions of the silicone manufacturer, wait for the silicone to be fully cured. This could take hours or days. Ensure that the environment is kept dry and stable during curing.
Step 3: Vacuum injection type
(7) Separation of the mold: when the silicone is completely cured, carefully remove the mold. You can cut the mold or gently tear to uncover the silicone mold.
(8) Take out the prototype: Remove the silicone mold from the prototype. If the mold is larger or more complex, it may need to be done carefully and slowly.
(9) Prepare the mold: clean the silicone mold and ensure that its surface is clean. Trim or trim the edges of the mold if needed.
(10) Prepare the pouring material: according to the needs of the product you want to make, prepare the appropriate pouring material, such as resin, wax or concrete.
(11) Casting product: the pouring material is slowly and evenly injected into the silicone mold to ensure that the entire mold is filled. Depending on the requirements of the material, wait a certain amount of time for it to cure or harden.
(12) Take out the product: When the pouring material is completely cured, carefully take out the finished product from the silicone mold.
Silicone compound mold has the following advantages:
(1) Low production cost. The processing cost is also much lower than CNC machining and 3D printing;
(2) Short production cycle. Save the time of mold opening, greatly provide production efficiency;
(3) Do not open the mold. Save the time of mold opening, win valuable time for customers to develop new products, seize the market standby;
(4) high degree of reduction, small probability of processing failure;
(5) Suitable for small batch production, short customization time, low cost;
(6) Exquisite workmanship, no rough edges.
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