Silicone rubber extrusion is one of the most essential processes in the rubber manufacturing industry. It allows manufacturers to create continuous, custom-shaped silicone products that are flexible, heat-resistant, and durable—perfect for applications in automotive, electronics, construction, and more.
What is Silicone Extrusion?
Silicone extrusion is a process in which raw silicone rubber—either solid or liquid—is forced through a custom-designed die using an extruder machine. The material takes the shape of the die and is then cured, cooled, and cut into the final product.
Common products made by silicone extrusion include:
- Silicone sealing strips
- Silicone tubes and hoses
- Silicone gaskets
- Electrical insulation profiles
- Automotive weatherstrips
Step-by-Step Guide to the Silicone Extrusion Process
Step 1. Material Preparation
Depending on the application, manufacturers choose solid or liquid silicone rubber. Additives like pigments, flame retardants, and UV stabilizers are also mixed to meet specific requirements.
Step 2. Die Design & Equipment Setup
Custom dies are essential to achieve precise profiles. The extruder, typically consisting of a hopper, barrel, screw, and die, must be calibrated to ensure consistent product dimensions.
Step 3. Extrusion & Heating
The silicone compound is pushed through the heated extruder and molded into shape. The heat softens the silicone for smooth flow and accurate forming.
Step 4. Cooling
The extruded profile is cooled using air, water, or a conveyor system. This step stabilizes the shape and solidifies the silicone material.
Step 5. Post Curing
To enhance thermal stability, elasticity, and mechanical strength, some products undergo post-curing in high-temperature ovens.
Step 6. Cutting & Surface Finishing
After cooling and curing, the profiles are cut to length or rolled up. Surface treatments like trimming or coating can improve appearance and performance.
Step 7. Quality Control
Strict inspection ensures dimensional accuracy, surface smoothness, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. Products often comply with FDA, ISO, or RoHS standards.
Step 8. Packaging & Shipping
Profiles are carefully packaged to avoid deformation during transit. Quality certificates and user guides are included to ensure customer satisfaction.
Why Choose Custom Silicone Extrusion?
Off-the-shelf profiles don’t always meet unique industrial needs. That’s where custom silicone extrusion shines.
Benefits of custom extrusion include:
- Unique shapes and dimensions
- Wide color and material options
- Enhanced performance (e.g. flame resistance, flexibility)
- Lower installation and assembly costs
Custom Silicone Extrusion by Okin Rubber
At Okin Rubber, we specialize in high-precision, custom silicone extrusion solutions. Whether you need complex multi-cavity profiles or industry-grade sealing strips, our team can design, prototype, and manufacture based on your drawings or ideas.
Get in touch today and let’s build the perfect silicone solution for your project!