The silicone extrusion market is growing faster. These rubber items are used in car door seals to tiny medical tubes. More silicone extrusion companies now compete for your business.

Why does extrusion work so well for making these parts? The process lets engineers form complex parts in one smooth step. It produces parts which are flexible and can be used for many years. These parts can resist harsh chemicals, harsh temperatures, and UV rays.

There are some facts to know before you choose a company for your next project. Some silicone rubber extrusion manufacturers in California lead with cutting-edge technology, while others lag. You should check their quality systems, parts-making skills, and support teams. Many know what questions to ask before signing any deals.

What Is Silicone Extrusion?

Silicone extrusion transforms raw silicone into various shapes through controlled heat and pressure. The process starts with mixing silicone compounds and catalysts to make a workable material. This mixture then moves through a machine that heats it to just the right temperature. The soft and warm silicone gets pushed through dies and metal plates with specific openings that give the final product its shape.

Many industries rely on silicone rubber extrusion manufacturers to make industrial parts. These include medical tubing, which resists body fluids, food-grade seals, and parts of the car which are required to resist engine heat.

You'll find extruded silicone in nearly every sector, from healthcare to aerospace. Here are some examples:

• Doctors use silicone tubes for fluid drainage during surgeries.
• Planes use silicone seals to keep moisture out of vital systems. Even your home has silicone strips around windows and doors blocking drafts and rain.

Many often need custom silicone extrusion for projects with particular specifications. The company should be able to adjust the silicone's hardness, colour, and size to fit exact needs. They'll work with you to select the best grade for your situation, to resist UV rays, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

Types of Silicone Used in Extrusion

Silicone extrusion has many material options for various needs in different industries. Here are the main types of silicone extrusion profiles:

Solid Silicone Rubber

This type is the most common choice for many projects. It handles heat up to 450°F without breaking down. You can find it in shore hardness from soft 20A to firm 80A. Its flexibility stays good even in cold temperatures down to -65°F. Most seals, tubes, and gaskets start with this basic form.

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)

LSR flows more freely before curing. The result shows better tear strength than solid types. You'll see LSR in process or projects needing exact shapes with thin walls.

Fluorosilicone Options

It costs more but can easily resist things that break down normal silicone. Many silicone extrusion manufacturers offer this for car parts and plane seals.

Food and Medical Grades

These meet strict rules for safe use in bodies or with food. Medical types pass USP Class VI tests to prove they won't harm cells. Food grades meet FDA rules and don't give off tastes or smells.

How to Pick the Right Silicone Extrusion Company?

The right choice of company can help your project while the wrong one might cause delays. Most silicone extrusion companies differ in what they can offer you. Follow these steps to find the best in the market:

Step 1: Check Their Certificates

You can look for companies with ISO 9001. This shows they follow strict quality rules in their manufacturing process. You can check ISO 13485 or FDA certificates if you want parts for any medical or food projects. You can ask for all the legal documents to know if they are the right partner or not.

Step 2: Ask About In-house Tools

Can they make moulds and dies right in their own workshop? This cuts wait time and helps fix issues fast. You can see if they have skilled engineers who can fasten your product delivery. Their skill with the machine and process can help you know how your final products will be.

Step 3: Know Their Quality Steps

How do they check parts during and after runs? Many silicone rubber extrusion manufacturers test first pieces, random samples, and end batches. They should have the right equipment or process to measure the thousandth of an inch.

Step 4: Study Lead Times

You can find out their typical time from order to ship. Ask how they handle strict deadlines without cutting corners in the process, quality and budget.

Step 5: Test Their Help Skills

You can call with a tough tech question to see how they respond. Do they rush you or take time to solve your problem? The best companies will point out flaws and suggest fixes to your queries or designs.

Custom vs Standard Profiles

When you need silicone parts, you can pick from ready-made shapes which can be used for common needs. Or you can hire a company to execute your projects.

Standard shapes come ready to order with no wait. These include basic tubes in many sizes and wall thicknesses. You'll find simple O-rings that seal round gaps in countless sizes. U-channels grip the edges of metal or glass panels. These cost less since the company manufactures them in bulk.

Many companies keep common silicone extrusion profiles in stock for quick shipping. So some industries can get parts in days not weeks. They also allow testing of the products. You can ask them for certain parts based on your needs. You can verify the specifications and run any test or process to test them. If finalised, the company will ship the order quickly.

However, this might not work in all industries. Some need precise specifications of the parts. Once delivered, the parts can be changed. 

Custom silicone extrusion is the best for your projects. You can design parts according to your needs. This comes with a high cost because of custom design and precision. They reduce installation time, and you will be able to get parts according to your needs, which will result in less production time and quick delivery to your customers.