When businesses invest in silicone rubber molds for their devices, they can feel confident in their ability to protect equipment under all types of circumstances. Why’s that? This peace of mind comes from the laundry list of resistive qualities that silicone rubber molds possess.

7 Stresses That Silicone Rubber Molds Are Designed to Resist

Extreme Temperatures

Silicone rubber molds stand strong in the face of temperature fluctuations. Whether the needle moves in the direction of extreme cold or extreme heat, these types of molds can withstand the shifts and remain stable — much more so than their organic counterparts. For instance, while organic rubber usually becomes brittle between -20℃ and -30℃, that range increases to -60℃ and -70℃ for silicone rubbers.

Water

When water interacts with silicone rubber, the material doesn’t absorb the moisture; it repels it. This means that in the face of a rainstorm or snowstorm, silicone rubber molds can wick away moisture and maintain a watertight seal for devices. To take this one step further, research shows that silicone rubber can be fully immersed in water of various temperatures for extended periods of time with only about 1% absorption and no significant impact on material properties.

Oxygen

Like most elastomers, rubber can undergo changes in its physical and chemical composition due to oxygen exposure. Silicone’s innate oxygen resistance balances out this equation. This resistance can be attributed to the silicone-oxygen bonds and the strong energy between them.

Ozone

Traces of ozone in the air are known to cause degradation of natural rubbers. That’s because the double bonds within these unsaturated polymers react quickly when in contact with ozone. Silicone rubber, on the other hand, experiences almost no effect when it comes into contact with ozone due to its silicone-oxygen bonds (versus a carbon-carbon backbone).

UV Light

How materials react to UV radiation (most often from the sun) is directly tied to their molecular makeup. In materials that aren’t resistant to UV light — natural rubber is one — degradation can occur in the form of color loss, reduced strength or cracks. This is one of many reasons that this material is not suitable for outdoor applications. In contrast, because silicone bears a natural resistance to all types of weathering, silicone rubber can withstand exposure to UV radiation.

Shock

Shock can come in many forms, from vibrations to accidental drops. While rubber and plastic parts can provide some degree of protection against these impacts, it is more manageable to ensure shock resistance with silicone. This can be attributed in part to the durability of silicone, as well as the flexibility in modifying its properties to ensure the proper degree of reinforcement.

Bacteria

Bacteria are known to grow and divide at a rapid rate. With a chemically robust backbone, silicone is equipped with antimicrobial properties that defend against bacteria’s presence. Mold, mildew and other hazardous substances are unable to grow on the surface of silicone, which in turn keeps products protected from damage and avoids the risk of potential health problems.

Consider Silicone Rubber Molds for Your Devices

Tablet devices. Thermal imaging equipment. Heart monitor sensors. Silicone rubber molds can be used to protect a variety of devices — no matter the external stresses they’re exposed to.

At Cases By Source, we can work with you to design, engineer and manufacture the ideal silicone rubber mold for your device. With customization capabilities that stretch from skin color and thickness to logos and patterns and ports and windows, we can deliver the exact solution to meet your needs.

Learn more about our custom silicone solutions here.