Did you ever wonder how toys and other types of things are made? It can be quite interesting! As an example, they can be formed via a process known as LSR injection molding. LSR is short for liquid silicone rubber. This material is special in that it can become a variety of objects and forms. In this article, we will explore LSR injection molding, its advantages, and the difference it is making in the medical device industry.
So, what is the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding process? It begins with the injection of liquid silicone rubber into a mold. A mold is typically something you make out of metal. In other words, it has as a hollow space (aka a cavity) in the form of the object we want to create. After the liquid silicone is injected into the mold, it undergoes one of two crucial processes: heat curing or room temperature curing.
Resistant to chemicals and soft, the rubber makes LSR injection molding popular for soft and flexible items. The liquid silicone rubber can be molded so that the final product is flexible and stretchy. This must be supple to design products which can be used repeatedly without cracking or changing their shape. As an example, consider a soft toy or flexible medical device. Both have to be made of materials that can bend and stretch.
Well, now lets move on and discuss how LSR injection molding is aiding in the advancement of medical devices. Catheters and masks are examples of medical devices and are truly critical to keeping people alive. Patients can use these devices without worrying about the materials because they are safe and reliable. Because it is biocompatible, liquid silicone rubber is an ideal choice for medical devices. That means that it is body-safe to use in contact with an human body
Moreover, LSR injection molding gives way for manufacturers to make medical devices that customize with the shapes and functions that better suit the individuals' needs. A catheter, for example, can be customized to a patient’s unique body shape. This customization will help minimize the effects of complications and improve the functionality of the medical equipment for the patient.
However, as with part design from any process, there are key considerations if you are designing LSR injection molded components. The hardness of the material is one of these factors. Various hardness levels of liquid silicone rubber affect the stiffness and flexibility of the finished object. Some things want to be soft and bendy, some things want to be hard and rigid.
Liquid silicone rubber materials vary: something that you must consider when it comes to lsr injection molding. So picking the right material for your needs is critical. Many factors should be considered when choosing a material. Such as its hardness, how long it will last, and its heat resistance. For a medical device, whether the item would be used in a medical device makes it even more imperative that the material of construction be biocompatible.