Silicone rubber extrusions are a vital component of products and industries across the globe, used within everyday life, complex projects, and much more. To fully understand the importance of silicone extrusions and working with a trusted and reliable supplier, it’s vital to understand the manufacturing process and how this can affect the quality of the product you receive.
This article covers all the factors surrounding our silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing process, including the common uses of silicone extrusions and the importance of working with a leading manufacturer.
Continue reading to explore more about the manufacturing process we have adopted here at Viking Extrusions and how we work tirelessly to ensure guaranteed quality.
What is a silicone extrusion?
Silicone rubber extrusion is the process of creating parts with a continuous cross-sectional shape from uncured silicone rubber compound – this is done by pushing the material through a die to form the shape and then curing it with hot air.
The types of products created by rubber extrusion include rubber profiles, tubing, strips, cords, and much more. There are numerous benefits and uses of rubber extrusions, stretching across multiple industries, some of which we will discuss in this article.
Common uses of silicone rubber
As mentioned, silicone extrusions are used in a wide range of applications around the world, with silicone rubber being the material of choice for many industries, providing numerous benefits and advantages.
Some of the industries that use silicone rubber the most include the:
- Food industry
- Medical industry
- Automotive industry
- Construction industry
These are just a handful of industries that use rubber extrusions every day.
Some of the most common applications for rubber extrusions include oven seals and baking mats due to their heat-resistant qualities, transition seals to effectively seal construction materials together, and car gaskets to reduce the frequency of replacements.
The silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing process
When manufacturing our silicone rubber extrusions, we undergo thorough and strict checks to ensure the top quality and reliability we are known for. We have worked tirelessly to ensure we have as efficient a process as possible, complying with all industry regulations and standards, with safety and reputation at the forefront of everything we do.
Below, we have outlined our manufacturing process and why this makes us the go-to destination for rubber extrusions in the UK:
Step 1 – Milling
The silicone compound is mixed in an open mill with the catalyst, pigment and any additives required to give it the desired performance characteristics.
Step 2 – Extrusion
The silicone is fed through a die to form the required shape using an extruder. The shaped material then passes on a conveyor belt through a hot air oven to cure the material. During this stage, regular checks are made to ensure the dimensional accuracy of the being made.
Step 3 – Post Curing
After extrusion, the cured parts are then post-cured in an oven for 8 hours at 200°C.
Step 4 – QA
All items are subject to a final round of QA, where the materials, colours and dimensions are checked before being signed off.
Step 5 – Packing and Dispatch
Items are then packaged – ready to be sent to the customer.
This process has allowed us to become one of the leading rubber extrusion manufacturers and suppliers in the UK, dealing with hundreds of customers across the country, spanning a wide range of industries and sectors.
For more information on our products and services or to order with Viking Extrusions, contact our helpful and friendly team today.
Benefits of using silicone extrusions
There are multiple benefits to using silicone rubber extrusions due to its long-lasting durability and flexible qualities, which makes it the perfect solution for various products and industries. Typically used for noise control, sealings and protection – the top benefits of using silicone extrusions include:
- High flexibility
- Long-lasting durability
- Weather-resistance
- Extremely versatile
- Outstanding heat resistance
- Easy sterilisation
As you can see above, silicone rubber is an extremely versatile and dynamic material, which makes it the perfect option for numerous applications.
Working with a trusted supplier
Working with a trusted and reliable supplier is imperative to the durability, reliability, and overall success of your project or service. As with any business or personal process, it’s vital to complete thorough research to ensure you choose an experienced supplier like Viking Extrusions, giving you complete confidence in the quality of products you receive.
Guaranteed quality control
Now that we have gone through our silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing process and the industry regulations we follow, you hopefully have a better understanding of what sets us apart from other suppliers.
The extensive checks, quality control, and experience of our team ensure guaranteed quality every time, giving you the confidence that you are receiving an industry-leading product at a competitive price and quick delivery times. Holding over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying high-quality extrusions and rubber parts, we have developed a thorough and detailed manufacturing process that sets us apart from any other option on the market.
Fast delivery times
Another factor that puts us ahead of the competition is our unbelievably fast delivery times, allowing you to stick to your deadlines. We have a wide selection of rubber extrusions available to purchase today, including:
For more information on our silicone rubber extrusions and parts or to request an order today, contact our team, who are on hand to meet your needs and suggest the best solution.
