Rapid Prototyping

Amongst latest technologies that has taken the industry by storm is 3-D printing and Rapid Prototyping.

A prototype is an important and vital part of the product development process. To increase the productivity, industry has attempted to use silicones very effectively. Silicones have revolutionized the landscape of how prototypes and products are made and small batch manufacturing carried out.

Prototypes are often used to integrate the fit of several components, and therefore use of a low shrinkage mold material is essential to create honest reproduction of the Master.

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a widely used material due to its versatility and unique properties. It is non-reactive and stable, as well as resistant to extreme environments and temperatures. LSR is used in industries that span automotive, defense, sporting goods, medical devices and consumer products.

Mass production of LSR parts uses specialized injection molding machines that meter, mix and inject LSR into a heated mold. Due to the time and expense of this process, low-volume production and prototyping is often done with manual casting methods that use molds made of Platinum cured RTV silicone rubber.

The fast and cost efficient production of accurate prototype parts can be accomplished by our Platinsil Grades which have excellent flow, are translucent, having low shrinkage and superior mechanical properties. Prototypes are often used to assimilate the fit of several components, therefore, the use of a low shrinkage addition cure is essential.

Performance Polymers offers a wide range of tailor made products under the brand “Platinsil” to meet these industry requirements.