The scientific name of silicone is polysiloxane, which is a general term for a class of polymers whose main chain is alternated by silicon and oxygen atoms. In this class of materials, silicone rubber is an important member, which is made from liquid silicone rubber or solid silicone rubber through various cross-linking reactions. The main components of silicone rubber are silicone polymers, cross-linking agents, reinforcing fillers and catalysts, which form rubber after cross-linking reactions with high-viscosity mixtures. No organics or copolymers are used, and the finished product is real rubber (100% silicone), not a "rubber-like" material. Furthermore, this crosslinking reaction is a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction with no by-products or residues.

Silicone Properties

1. Normally, silicone rubber is biocompatible and meets the requirements of food applications. Because of its own stability, it does not need any additives and stabilizers; 2. Compared with PVC materials, silicone materials can achieve a very soft effect without adding plasticizers; 3. Compared with latex materials, silicone materials The material has no risk of sensitization; 4. Compared with thermoplastic elastomer materials, silicone materials have more reliable temperature resistance and pressure resistance; 5. Silicone materials themselves have two forms of solid and liquid, suitable for a variety of 6. Silicone also has the following characteristics: flexibility and elasticity, weather resistance, wide application temperature range, radiation resistance, biological inertness.

Industrial Principles

Based on the "drop-on-demand" printing principle. The printhead deposits silicone microdroplets (voxels) drop by drop on a work platform, where the droplets fuse with each other, then briefly expose them to UV radiation to permanently bond them together. After curing, a homogeneous layer is formed, and then the next layer is printed on the homogeneous layer. By using support materials to create complex structures such as cornices or holes, three-dimensional objects can be printed layer by layer. After printing, remove the object from the work platform and rinse the support material off with water. The object is then post-vulcanized to remove volatiles and achieve final mechanical properties. The polymer's high viscosity means that each layer is typically 0.4mm thick. As a result, the printed object consists of four distinct surfaces: the bottom surface on the work platform, the top surface formed by the last layer, the side walls of the layered structure, and the surface in contact with the support material. To achieve different roughnesses, two support materials are used. In principle, after printing, a film can be applied to the surface of the part to enhance its appearance.

Application field

Widely used in many key industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, equipment industry and mechanical engineering. Anatomical Models: Silicone elastomers have excellent flexibility and elasticity, and are easy to cut and suture, making them ideal for replicating soft tissues such as blood vessels, heart, muscle or skin. Dentistry: The properties of silicone are similar to those of gums. They are impermeable and medically classified IIa tested, and they come in different hardnesses and colors, so 3D printed parts look and feel realistic. Biological models: 3D printed biological models can be used to create organic structures with complex internal structures and have a wide range of applications. Silicone is elastic, deformable and easy to cut and stitch.