Injection molding LSR: three 'M's of innovation: mega, micro, and multi.(Cover story)

Plastics Technology, November, 2007 by Knights, Mikell

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Opportunities for injection molders of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) are broader than ever, thanks to newer processes for foaming, multiple colors or durometers in the same part, or thermoplastic/ thermoset overmolding. Improvements in the materials, machinery, and tooling are adding versatility, improving quality, and helping to lower the barriers to entry.

Today's LSR molders have more material choices, a greater selection of tooling sources, and technology to mold micro-parts down to a ten-thousandth of a gram, as well as huge parts weighing up to 70 lb ...