The Best and Cheapest Sources for Liquid Silicone Rubber

When it comes to manufacturing high-quality liquid silicone rubber (LSR) parts, many factors converge to determine the ultimate cost. Unlike traditional rubber, LSR is known for its excellent properties, making it a sought-after material in sectors such as healthcare, electronics, and automotive. However, the question often arises, where can one find the best and cheapest LSR options without compromising on quality?

Methods to Reduce Costs in LSR Manufacturing

Here are some effective strategies, backed by industry insights, to help you manage production costs without sacrificing product quality:

Adding Calcium Carbonate to the Formula

One common method used by manufacturers to reduce raw material costs is to add calcium carbonate to the original formula. Calcium carbonate, being a naturally occurring inorganic salt, serves as a filler, improving cost efficiency while maintaining most of the properties of the base rubber. This addition can significantly lower production costs while retaining a good level of performance.

Incorporating Recycled Rubber into the Formula

Another cost-effective technique involves using reclaimed rubber. Reclaimed rubber falls between pure rubber and filler, and its incorporation into the mixed rubber results in a considerable cost reduction with minimal impact on performance. Specifically, mixing rubber with 30 to 50 parts of reclaimed rubber does not significantly alter the overall performance, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious manufacturers.

Replacing Expensive Plasticizers with Cheaper Ones

Silicone rubber formulas often include plasticizers to enhance flexibility and other properties. To reduce costs, it is common practice to replace expensive plasticizers like DOS (Di-octyl sebacate) with cheaper alternatives like DOP (Di- orthocresyl phthalate). While some may question whether cheaper plasticizers can match the performance of their pricier counterparts, many manufacturers have found that the effects are similar. The key is to balance the use of these plasticizers to achieve the desired outcome without compromising on quality.

Optimizing Raw Material Grades and Supplier Choices

Another cost-efficient strategy is to adjust the grade of raw materials or source them from low-cost suppliers of the same brand. For example, substituting high-grade silicone rubber raw materials that meet stringent standards like LFGB (Limit for Germanic testing) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) with lower-grade raw materials can significantly reduce costs. However, it’s important to ensure that these lower-grade materials still meet the necessary quality requirements to avoid potential issues down the line.

Enhancing Mixing Efficiency

Reducing the mixing time without sacrificing quality is another practical approach. For example, by leveraging advanced mixing technologies, the mixing time can be cut in half from 20 minutes to 10 minutes. While the formulation remains the critical factor, process optimization plays a crucial role in achieving this reduction. Efficient mixing ensures consistent quality and cost savings.

Ensuring Quality: A Crucial Consideration

While cost-saving measures are essential, they must not compromise the quality of the final product. Cheap LSR options available from suppliers with robust quality assurance systems are generally more reliable. Manufacturers with strong production capabilities and well-established quality controls can produce high-quality LSR parts even when using cost-reduction methods effectively.

Custom Silicone Molding Silicone Parts Manufacturer: NEWTOP

For those looking to find the best sources for liquid silicone rubber, NEWTOP is a reputable name in custom silicone molding and silicone parts manufacturing. We offer cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality, ensuring that our clients get the best value for their investment. Whether you are in the healthcare, electronics, or automotive industry, NEWTOP can provide tailor-made LSR solutions to fit your specific needs.