Silcotech developed a new multi-shot processing system capable of simultaneously molding nine discrete substrates or shapes that exhibit a broad range of durometers
Silcotech, is showcasing with Dow Corning at MD&M West 2015, a step-change in liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing made possible, in part, by Dow Corning’s LSR technology. Through a close collaboration between the two companies, Silcotech developed a new multi-shot processing system capable of simultaneously molding nine discrete substrates or shapes that exhibit a broad range of durometers, textures and colors utilizing the Dow Corning QP1 Silicone Elastomer product family.
“In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, medical device manufacturers need to innovate designs with increasingly varied yet closely integrated functionality – while maintaining tight control over production costs,” said Roger Hendrick, application engineer, Dow Corning Healthcare.
“Our portfolio of QP1 LSRs gave Silcotech a solid materials foundation on which to build its new processing technology to meet this competitive demand. Our close collaboration has delivered results for high-output molding of intricate medical device designs.”
Silcotech’s multi-shot silicone system simultaneously molds nine discrete shapes, while maintaining costs comparable to a single shot system. It is uniquely capable of leveraging the full range of durometers offered across Dow Corning’s versatile QP1 product family within a single application. Dow Corning QP1 elastomers help Silcotech’s technology further contain processing costs due to their fast-cure and easy processing.
Both companies are featuring the cutting-edge capability of their collaborative breakthrough at MD&M West. Silcotech is actively producing multi durometer phone covers at its booth, that seamlessly integrate eight discrete QP1 Silicone Elastomer grades in one of nine different colors. Dow Corning’s booth features finished samples of Silcotech’s covers accompanied by an in-depth technical video of Silcotech’s innovative molding process. Dow Corning materials experts are also on hand at its booth to discuss the adaptable capabilities of the company’s industry-leading growing QP1 portfolio.
“Radically new processing technologies don’t come along every day, but our new process changes the paradigm by allowing medical device manufacturers to design with an entirely new template that adds a whole new dimension of options,” said Michael Maloney, president of Silcotech.
“Our customers can now cost-effectively produce finished, highly differentiated components in a single process that integrates materials with different durometers, chemical functional groups, surface textures, colors and other properties. The potential combinations for designers are virtually endless, and introduce a bold new chapter for competitive differentiation and success in today’s fast-growing global healthcare sector.”
Dow Corning
www.dowcorning.com
