Molds have been a constant figure in manufacturing. From the artisans who made weaponry during the Bronze Age to the modern-day consumer products manufacturers, they use molds to shape them. While the early molds are made from stone, modern science gave birth to materials that are easier to work with, like silicone.
Today, many industries depend on silicone molding while product designers, engineers, DIYers, and even chefs are using silicone molds to create small quantity parts.
Why is Silicone Perfect for Creating Molds?
Silicone is the top choice in creating molds because it offers endless possibilities. You can easily create a customized design with silicone molding. These molds are durable, so you can use them repeatedly without breaking. It is inorganic, therefore it is resilient to heat or cold, chemical exposure, and even pathogens.
Baby tableware
Here are some of the benefits of using silicone molding
- Flexibility: Silicone offers flexibility, which makes it easy to work with. It is lightweight and pliable compared to other stiff materials like plastic. This makes it easier to remove the parts when they are fully formed. And because of its flexibility, the mold and part do not easily chip or break. You can also customize silicone into any shape possible.
- Stability: You cannot find any other molding material that can withstand temperatures from -65 to 400 degrees Celsius other than silicone. It can also have a stretch tolerance of 700% depending on its formulation. Because it is highly stable in a broad range of conditions, you can put silicone in the oven, or freezer, and stretch them during removal.
- Durability: You can use silicone molds in many runs but their life span can greatly vary. If you have more frequent runs with complicated designs, the mold can degrade faster. You have to clean, dry, and store it properly to maximize its value.
Common Applications of Silicone Molding
Many professionals and even hobbyists rely on silicone molding because of its versatility and ease of use. Here are some examples.
Prototyping
Silicone molding is used in rapid prototyping and product development in many industries because its cost is far lower than traditional manufacturing processes like injection molding. Vacuum casting in silicone molds is ideal for prototyping and creating units for testing with the market for response and feedback for new products.
Jewelry
Many jewelers use silicone molds to replicate handcrafted or 3D printed patterns in wax. It allows them to eliminate the labor-intensive process of creating wax-carved patterns for every piece. It is a major leap in mass-producing a certain design and because the silicone molds can capture the finer details, they can produce pieces with intricate designs.
Consumer Goods
Manufacturers use silicone molds to create artisanal crafts like soaps and candles. Even the makers of school supplies use silicone molds to form basic items like erasers and chalk.
Food and Beverage
Confections like chocolate, ice pops, and lollipops use silicone molds. Since it can withstand the heat of up to 400 degrees, you can use the molds for cooking too. Bakers use silicone molds to make muffins and cupcakes.
DIY Products
DIYers and independent artists are using silicone molding to make their beautiful creations. They create bath bombs, dog treats, and anything under the sun. Kids can have fun creating a life cast of their hand using silicone too.