Blog

Understanding Die Cut Silicone Products

| 2


Die Cut Silicone ProductsIn our April 3, 2018 blog post, we discussed silicone materials and the properties that make them unique. As a quick review, we pointed out that silicones are a large family of elastomers with a unique chemical structure.  This gives them superior high and low temperature capabilities that are unavailable in other families of elastomeric materials. Silicones are very inert and, therefore, resist sunlight, ozone, oxidation, water and various chemicals. They can be customized by using various curing agents, or additives that can enable them to conduct heat, dissipate electrical charges, resist open flame, or be utilized in medical or aerospace applications.

Form Factors

Silicone materials are not just “one thing,” but, rather, an interesting portfolio of options. There are sponge rubbers, solid silicone, reinforced silicones and foam rubber. The durometer, or “hardness,” can be adjusted and specified – depending on whether the material is to be used for gasketing/sealing applications or impact/vibration damping applications.

Adding More Functionality

Silicone foams, sponges, and rubber substrates can be enhanced further by adding adhesive layers for easy bonding and attachment. Silicones exhibit low surface energy, which can make them a bit tricky to laminate with adhesives and achieve good adhesive anchorage. Tom Brown, Inc.. has the know-how to modify the surface permitting lamination with either silicone or acrylic adhesive systems for gasket attachment, or general bonding. Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive exhibit temperature performance similar to that of the silicone elastomers (100°F to +500°F). Acrylic adhesives are a cost-effective option for some applications, but you trade away some of the temperature range. These adhesives will typically work in the -20°F to +350°F range. These options can be delivered as die cut parts by rotary, flat bed, or Waterjet die cutting techniques. Typical applications include heaters, commercial lighting, oven seals, medical equipment, aerospace seals and electronics. different applications of Die Cut Silicone Products Want to know more about die cut silicone materials? Call Tom Brown, Inc. today!
Rick Alexander

About the Author

Rick Alexander is the National Sales Manager for Tom Brown, Inc. His early experience was in R&D, product management, and sales management for both Main Tape and Adhesives Research, Inc. Rick brings over 40 years of pressure-sensitive tape experience and Tom Brown’s world class converting capabilities to help solve customer bonding, assembly, and sealing challenges.

WE ARE ADHESIVE EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST