What we need to know to effectively quote you
Silicone rubber is an extremely versatile elastomer, capable of being used in various industries, from automotive manufacturing to household, nuclear, marine, agriculture, aeronautical and many more.
As a specialist silicone rubber manufacturer, we offer several different grades of silicone specifically designed for certain applications, each having unique properties. We can handle projects and order quantities of all sizes and complexities, working to provide competitive and cost-effective products and prices.
Our extensive capabilities often lead to the question, ‘How much does silicone rubber cost? And to answer the question honestly, it depends. Multiple factors affect your quotation price, many of which we will discuss in this article. To accurately quote and meet your requirements, we need to know a few details that will allow us to scope your project and implement the best possible solution.
What application will our profile/seal be used in?
One of the first details we need to know is how our profile/seals will be used. Are you planning on using our products in an industrial oven? Requiring metal-detectable grade silicone, or will they be used in rail applications? Requiring flame-retardant grade silicone.
Any information you can supply about the applications you need silicone rubber for and the jobs required will help us pinpoint the perfect type of silicone for you.
Will the product be used in any heat-sensitive environments?
Heat is a factor that massively affects silicone if the wrong grade or type is used within specific temperatures. The different silicones we produce and the heat-sensitivity properties they hold include:
- Standard general-purpose silicone (VGP), capable of operating between -70°C to +200°C.
- Heat stabilised silicone (VGP-HST), capable of operating between -70°C to +260°C.
- High-temperature silicone (VTHT), which is efficient between -70°C to +300°C.
- Low-temperature silicone (VLTD), capable of operating between -116°C to +200°C.
Additionally, apart from our VTHT and VLTD grade compounds, we can offer colour matching to meet your requirements. For more information, contact us today.
Will the product come into contact with any chemicals or oils?
Whilst silicone rubber can be used in varied applications, certain chemicals and oils can degrade the compound, causing premature failure of the seals. If you believe the seal may have contact with any chemical products during its use or cleaning, alert us so we can assist you.
What shore hardness do you need?
We operate to shore A-grade hardness silicones from 20°sh A to 80°sh A.
Each grade of silicone acts differently during extrusion, and we will need to effectively adjust the dies and curing environment accordingly to match the required tolerances for your orders. Let us know what you need, and we will help you make the right choice.
What grade of silicone is required?
At Viking Extrusions, we have a wide variety of silicone grades to select from, meaning no matter if you require extrusions for extremely low temperatures or extrusions that hold flame-retardant qualities, we will have the grade that will work.
VGP – Our general-purpose grade silicone is a translucent base polymer, FDA-approved and available from 20° Sh A to 80° Sh A, making it suitable for most applications.
VTHT – A High-temperature grade silicone, available from 20° Sh A to 80° Sh A, coming with a cream/off-white base. The pigmentation options are limited in this grade.
VHTS – Our High tear strength grade silicone, available from 50° Sh A to 70° Sh A, meaning, if you require extra durability, this grade is worth a look.
VFR – A Flame retardant silicone available in a range of shore hardness. We have specific grades that are specialised and tested for use in aviation and rail applications.
VPLT – Our Platinum Cured silicone is available in 10°Sh A to 80° Sh A and differs from our other grades, which are hydrogen peroxide-cured and require an overnight post-cure, whereas platinum-cured silicone will cure during extrusion. Due to the lack of peroxide residue, the VPLT range will not bloom during long-term storage.
VGD – Silicone Sponge grade available in a range of densities.
VCL – Carbon-loaded silicone is a semi-conductive compound available at 75° Sh A.
VMD – Metal Detectable silicone for use mainly in the food industry, available in 45°Sh A to 75° Sh A. This is also an X-ray-detectable silicone compound, should you require this for your application.
We are continuously increasing our material variety, and if you require a certain compound to meet your requirements, give us a call as we may be able to help.
Are there any particular tolerances that are to be adhered to?
We currently operate to ISO 3302-1: 2014 standards, with tubes running to Class E1 tolerances, strips and cords to Class E2 and profiles to Class E3.
All values below are in Millimetres.
| Nominal Dimension | Class E1 | Class E2 | Class E3 | |
| Above | up to and including | +/- | +/- | +/- |
| 0.0 | 1.5 | 0.15 | 0.25 | 0.40 |
| 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.20 | 0.35 | 0.50 |
| 2.5 | 4.0 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.70 |
| 4.0 | 6.3 | 0.35 | 0.50 | 0.80 |
| 6.3 | 10.0 | 0.40 | 0.70 | 1.00 |
| 10.0 | 16.0 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 1.30 |
| 16.0 | 25.0 | 0.70 | 1.00 | 1.60 |
| 25.0 | 40.0 | 0.80 | 1.30 | 2.00 |
| 40.0 | 63.0 | 1.00 | 1.60 | 2.50 |
| 63.0 | 100.0 | 1.30 | 2.00 | 3.20 |
| 100.0 | – | 1.3% | 2% | 3.2% |
With regards to cutting, we operate to a Class L3.
| Nominal Dimension | Class E3 | |
| Above | up to and including | +/- |
| 0 | 40 | 1.6 |
| 40 | 63 | 2.0 |
| 63 | 100 | 2.5 |
| 100 | 160 | 3.2 |
| 160 | 250 | 4.0 |
| 250 | 400 | 5.0 |
| 400 | 630 | 6.3 |
| 630 | 1000 | 10.0 |
| 1000 | 1600 | 12.5 |
| 1600 | 2500 | 16.0 |
| 2500 | 4000 | 20.0 |
| 4000 | – | 0.50% |
While these are house margins, if you require tighter tolerances, just let us know, and we will make every effort to meet your needs.
Whilst this is not an exhaustive list of requirements, we can quote you efficiently and get you the right product for your particular needs. Hopefully, this article has answered the question, ‘How much does silicone rubber cost?’ and has provided you with more information on the industry-leading rubber extrusion capabilities we have at Viking Extrusions.
For more information or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, contact us today.
