Because of silicone’s extraordinary qualities and adaptability, this amazing synthetic compound has become well-known and widely used in a variety of industries. Because of its stability in high temperatures, resistance to oxidation and water, and alternating silicon and oxygen atoms in its backbone, this unusual material has a wide range of applications. The silicone molding has made an appearance in a wide range of consumer goods, from biomedical implants to electrical wire insulation and lubricating greases.
Airspace
Due to its strength and resistance to high temperatures, silicone is a suitable material for use in engine parts, electrical equipment, protective coatings, and sealants for the aerospace industry. This process produces parts with outstanding fatigue resistance and durability that satisfy complex design specifications. Extreme temperatures, high pressure, and high altitudes are nothing these parts cannot handle.
Automobile
The same qualities that make silicone a great material for aerospace also make it a great material for the automotive sector. Silicone is an excellent material to use in the production of automotive parts because of its remarkable resistance to heat and abrasion. Furthermore, silicone materials have strong chemical stability and weather resistance, which helps them resist UV rays and different types of chemical corrosion.
Building
Rubber is an excellent building material due to its strength and resistance to UV radiation, rain, wind, and ozone. Coatings, sealants, and adhesives fall under this category.
Making prototypes
Prototyping and product development production are two areas in which silicone molding finds application. Casting in silicone molds is a great way to prototype product designs and make beta units to test the market and customer reaction to a new product due to the fact silicone molds are much less expensive than hard tooling for traditional manufacturing techniques like injection molding. Smaller runs of parts can benefit greatly from silicone molding and urethane casting, but 3D printing is better suited for producing one-off parts rapidly.
Healthcare and Medical
Because silicone rubbers are so biocompatible, they are frequently used in medical and healthcare applications. Catheters, tubing, drainage, seals, gaskets, o-rings, valves, membranes, respiratory care, anaesthetics, e.g., masks, medical instruments, medical cables, medical textile coating, baby bottle nipples, and more are some of their primary uses.
Silicone bakewares*
Cookware and food contact products for consumers
Non-toxicity and food safety are characteristics of silicone rubbers. They are widely used in baking trays and molds, over door profiles, beverage vending machines, packaging equipment, and food processing. Because silicone rubbers are resistant to sterilising agents and cooking fats, they are ideal for these uses.
Do It Yourself Projects
Silicone molding is a common tool used by DIYers and independent artists to create one-of-a-kind items. Silicone molds have almost infinite uses; they can be used to form or replicate anything, even bath bombs and dog treats. Casting a lifecast of their hand is an entertaining silicone molding project for children.
Mold emergence
In high-temperature processing, silicone release agents keep other materials from adhering to molds. When applied as coatings, pastes, or sprays, they provide an easy-release surface that enables parts to be demolded quickly and without breaking. Silicone does not transfer or contaminate parts, in contrast to releases based on powder or wax, and it offers multiple releases from a single application.
Reference
*Image from https://www.thespruceeats.com/