Technical paper: Simulating HCR silicone injection moulding

Only a few years ago, there was a view that the injection moulding of solid silicones was uneconomical, as the associated cycle times were usually long and there were no process engineering options that would enable automation.

However, the recent availability of HCR characterized by relatively short curing times, coupled with advances in metering technology and machinery, have made silicone compounders reconsider that view.

Thanks to these developments, continuous, automated and cost-effective injection molding of complex parts featuring filigree structures is now possible.

Silicone manufacturers clearly find this very attractive. But is it possible to make reliable predictions about the process, even when this involves manufacturing complex products from HCR silicones?

A recent technical paper supplied by Wacker features the example of a complex silicone moulding to show how simulation can realistically depict the actual HCR injection moulding process – and the substantial optimisation potential.

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