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Lessons in medical-grade silicone processing at MD&M West
Two exhibitors will showcase liquid silicone molding at the world’s largest annual medtech event next month in Anaheim, CA.
Norbert Sparrow
January 18, 2017
2 Min Read
The processing of liquid silicone for medical applications will be in the spotlight at two booths at the forthcoming MD&M West trade show, which is co-located with PLASTEC West in Anaheim, CA, next month. At booth 1532, Momentive Performance Materials (Waterford, NY) will mold a medical valve using its proprietary liquid silicone rubber (LSR) on the show floor. Just a few aisles over in booth 2196, Wabash MPI and Carver (Wabash, IN) will showcase the hybrid servo-pneumatic Microlim liquid silicone injection molding machine suitable for cleanroom use.
Momentive will run its Silopren LSR 4655 SL material in a Boy injection press using a Kipe four-cavity LSR mold and 2KM dosing system to produce a one-way access valve with slit.
Many more advances in materials and processing technologies will be showcased at the co-located MD&M West and PLASTEC West trade shows in Anaheim, CA, on Feb. 7 to 9, 2017. For more information on these events, part of the largest annual design and manufacturing show in North America, go to the MD&M West or PLASTEC West websites. |
The two-component, self-lubricating LSR for injection molding processes imparts a lubricious surface on the molded part following vulcanization. This property enhances lubricity for specialized applications requiring a high-slip surface not typically achievable by means of traditional silicone molded parts, explains Momentive, adding that Silopren LSR 4655 SL LSR may eliminate the need for secondary lubrication processes to reduce the coefficient of friction.
The Microlim liquid silicone injection molding machine achieves repeatable shot sizes up to 15 cubic centimeters. |
The material is available in a range of custom durometers and lubricant load levels to meet specific performance requirements.
The cleanroom-compatible hybrid servo-pneumatic Microlim liquid silicone injection molding machine on display at the Wabash MPI and Carver booth is designed for shot sizes up to 15 cubic centimeters. The machine features a patented plunger design with a center shutoff nozzle for accurate shot size control. The injection head is easily removable for quick cleaning and changeover.
Wabash MPI offers standard and custom compression molding, transfer molding, vacuum molding, ASTM, composite molding, laboratory and R&D presses, as well as a series of hydraulic and pneumatic compression presses. Its equipment is used in a variety of medical and general molding applications.
Carver Inc. presses are available in manual or automated versions in clamping capacities from 12 to 100 tons. The presses are suited for materials research related to pharmaceuticals and silicones and other elastomers.
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