High Consistency Rubber (HCR) silicone injection molding requires special considerations to manufacture quality parts. The selection of the press, mold design, and gate design are integral to success. HCR silicone processing poses unique challenges when compared with organic polymer based rubber compounds. Part shrinkage, air entrapment, and hot tear issues are examples of processing issues to be considered. Bonding strategies and techniques for metal and plastic substrates are addressed in detail.

Elastomer compound design for injection molding is a complex balance of end-use properties, product specifications, chemistry, and processing characteristics. Careful consideration must be given to all variables, such as the physical form of the compound, polymer type, cure system, cycle time, and cost considerations, to name a few.

The compounder, whether in-house or a custom compounder, should be consulted as early as possible during the process design. A joint effort, including the developer of the tooling, process engineers, and compound chemists is ideal.

Many companies do not realize that they can drive business value out of a manufacturing execution system (MES). Other times, while they’ve received pressure from operations to bring in MES, they don’t buy in or the story they’re getting isn’t complete.  While MES is often viewed as “just” a tool for helping the “shop people” go about their day-to-day tasks, the fact is that such a system also has more than ample potential to help transform the shop floor into a business center of excellence, and propel the company forward as it targets market leadership.

As rubber applications continue to evolve and require higher-temperature performance and higher resistance against fuels and oils, many industries – including automotive, aviation, and oil and gas – are looking beyond traditional materials for solutions.

Emerson steam trap health monitoring solutions help increase the availability of your steam traps by identifying problems for quick replacement or repair.

The process of introducing the energy label for tires continues in the US, and whatever the ultimate outcome, the regulations will clearly have significant implications for tire makers. Computype have been working with manufacturers in Europe to implement the EU energy label and share their experience for making the transition to energy labeling smooth and cost effective.

Turbocharged engines run hotter with high pressures and harsh exhaust gases, and they demand durable hose solutions. New fuels, aggressive transmission fluids and synthetic oils require seals, gaskets, diaphragms and valves with high strength and flex life. Design materials must be specifically engineered to deliver high performance in these extreme applications and continuous improvement is critical for meeting megatrend challenges for increased fuel efficiency, emissions control and reduced cost of ownership.