Silicone Extrusions
Silicone extrusions are rubber compounds with organic and synthetic properties that have been heated and forced through a die to make many different shapes, such as tubes, cords, sheets and profiles, and products for the electrical, electronics, automotive, food processing and medical industries. These extruded parts are non-toxic, and therefore often used in food and hospital grade applications. Silicone extruded tubing are components of vending machines, food processing equipment and electrical sleeving. Profiles are used in lighting, refrigeration, appliances and door sealing. The medical industry makes use of silicone extrusions in peristaltic pump systems, surgical drains and catheter systems. Silicone extrusions can come in any color and take a solid or sponge form.
Silicone differs from conventional rubber because the molecule structure of the polymer consists of long chains of alternating silicone and oxygen atoms, thus making silicon a material with inorganic and organic components. The inorganic aspects of silicone give it a high temperature resistance, electrical insulation and chemical inertness, while the organic part makes silicone very flexible. Perhaps the most defining characteristics of silicon extrusions are their color and temperature resistance. While normal rubber is black because of the added carbon, silicone uses fine silica instead, producing a transparent material that may be colored easily. Silicone can easily withstand temperatures between 302 and -58 degrees F. It also has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, high tensile and tear strength, oil and chemical resistance and a long life span.