Silicone is used in all sorts of industries and for a variety of types of products. Although silicone isn’t biodegradable, it can be recycled and so is deemed to be reasonably environmentally friendly. As such, the silicone manufacturing market is predicted to grow by six per cent up to 2021. But how is it made?
How Silicone Is Made
Essentially, making silicone is a bit like baking. The raw ingredients are placed into huge mixing bowls and turned until they’re thoroughly blended. This blending process is crucial to ensure the stability of the rest of the manufacturing process and that any colours added, for example, are evenly distributed.
Once the initial mix is created, it can then be transformed into end products, and this is achieved by the use of machinery which convert the mix into the shape or size required. There are two main types of machines: extruders and calenders.
Calenders convert the silicone mix into sheets, while extruders remove any air from the mix and force it through a premade mould to create a specific shape.
These specific shapes, or parts, can then be joined together using a vulcanisation process to create extremely strong seams, which allow silicone products to be used under pressure.
What Is Silicone Used For?
It is often used by a silicone hose manufacturer, and companies like https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture/ can produce them in all manner of shapes and sizes.
If you’re looking for a supplier of silicone, or indeed any type of product, it’s always worth checking whether they have ISO certification. According to the International Organization for Standardization, the benefit of a company having ISO certification is that they are conforming to what is widely agreed to be the best of way of doing something. This standardisation covers everything from road and toy safety to the quality of air and soil and ensures the products we buy are of good quality and manufactured using best practices.
But silicone products are used in all sorts of industries. Because silicone is resistant to bacteria and does not irritate the body, it is used for all manner of medical appliances. It’s easy to sterilise too, so products can be reused.
Many bakeware products are now also made from silicone, as it creates a non-stick and flexible product which is easy to use and clean.
