Rapid Prototypers, Small businesses, Special Effects Artists, and Inventors of all kinds rely on silicone molds to shape their creations thanks to their versatility and ability to produce parts quickly! To meet the needs of craftspeople and small-scale manufacturers in a various fields, silicone producers offer a variety of materials, each with their own attractive properties. The two most popular are Tin (Condensation Cure) and Platinum (Addition Cure) silicones, either of which might be ideal for your application.

Benefits of Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are flexible, so you don’t have to worry about breakage when removing the cast object. They’re also known for their resistance to high heat, extreme cold, and a wide range of corrosive chemicals. Thanks to their remarkable durability, silicone molds can be used repeatedly with consistent results in many applications.  Silicone molds can be made in a matter of a day or two, allowing you to go from concept to casting parts in a very short time period.

Qualities of Tin Silicone Molds

Silicone needs a catalyst to start the transition from its liquid state to a solid form suitable for mold-making. Tin salts are a popular choice due to its low cost and relatively fast cure times.

These molds tend to be more pliable and tear-resistant, although they may not be suited for applications requiring high heat. Because tin silicone can shrink during the curing process, it’s usually used in projects that don’t require precise accuracy.  Tin Silicone is known to be user friendly and can be cast against a wider variety of substrates like certain artist clays and organic materials that may be used in Taxidermy.

Qualities of Platinum-Cured Molds

When platinum is used to create silicone molds, the resulting rubber is generally more resistance to high heat and harsh conditions compared to Tin SIlicone.

The material is also very dimensionally stable and doesn’t shrink during the curing process, which makes platinum an ideal process for producing molds for aerospace parts, manufacturing prototypes, and prosthetic limbs. Platinum silicone can cost more on average than Tin silicone, but the mold life is typically better with Platinum Silicone so any cost difference may be offset thanks to this benefit.

No matter what field you’re in, BJB Enterprises in Tustin, CA, offers high-quality silicone mold materials for your mold making needs. Since 1970, they’ve provided excellent service and superior products to businesses across the country. Visit their website to learn more about their comprehensive range of silicone products, or call (714) 734-8450 to see how they can help with your project today.