1. Flame Retardant Silicone Sheets

    Flame retardant silicone sheets from ElastaPro resist the spread of flame and fire. They are used in applications that require a UL 94 V0 solid silicone sheeting. Because these elastomers produce low smoke density, they are used for sealing and insulation in in rail cars, airplane interiors, and with marine transport applications.

    Flame retardant silicone sheeting can be fabricated into rubber gaskets through die cutting or water jet cutting. This solid silicone sheeting comes in thicknesses from .010” to .500” and are available in widths up to 60”.  ElastaPro’s flame retardant silicone sheets have different hardnesses and come in 60 durometer and 65 durometer (Shore A).

    Importantly, this specifications grade material from ElatsaPro has a UL 94 V0 Yellow Card on file with Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It also meets FAR 25.853 flammability requirements for aircraft compartment interiors. FAR 25.853 is a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test to determine the flammability of materials used in airplane interiors, including both cabin and cargo compartments.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  2. Medical Silicone Sheets

    Medical grade silicone sheets from ElastaPro are safe, clean, solid materials that meets USP Class VI, European Pharmacopeia, ISO 10993, and FDA CFR 177.2600 specifications. This healthcare silicone sheeting  can be used in medical implants that remain in the human body for up to 29 days. Applications for USP Class VI silicones include sanitary or hygienic gaskets for medical devices, enclosure gaskets for medical equipment, and rubber gaskets for medical wearables and diagnostics.

    ElastaPro supplies medical silicone sheets in thicknesses from 0.10″ to .500″ and widths up to 60″. Gasket fabrication methods include die cutting and water jet cutting. At a time when silicones are in short supply, it’s important to choose a supplier that delivers on its promises and meets key standards. Plus, all of ElastaPro’s medical silicone sheeting is Made in the USA. FDA grade white silicone and FDA grade translucent silicone is available.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  3. Silicone Demand is Rising. Now What?

    Silicone demand is rising at a time when major suppliers are warning customers about longer lead times and tightening supply constraints. The causes include an end to COVID-related slowdowns, a shortage of steel, and a rising tide of shipping delays. Whether these delays occur on land because of bad weather or at sea because there aren’t enough personnel in port to receive cargo, silicone buyers are concerned.

    During my two decades in the silicone rubber business, I’ve seen many supply chain issues. What we are experiencing in 2021 will pass as well. The factors that are driving today’s supply constraints are different than in 2018, a shortage you may recall. Back then, there wasn’t enough capacity to meet global demand for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the basic building block of silicone rubber.

    The good news in 2021 (and we’d all like some good news, wouldn’t we?) is that we expect silicone supply to stabilize this year. In fact, we can anticipate some supply chain normalcy beginning in Q3. In the meantime, however, silicone buyers can anticipate longer lead times and potential price increases as major suppliers look to meet a post-COVID rebound in demand.

    Here’s some more good news, especially if you remain concerned about silicone demand. Current silicoine demand levels are not, in my opinion, significantly higher than they were before COVID-19 (other than demand for healthcare elastomers). Therefore, the major suppliers are simply playing catch-up rather than trying to add significant capacity. These suppliers do a great job at managing flow, but the current situation is like a long and heavy train. Once stopped, it takes a while for everything to start moving again.

    What does this mean for you? Please know that ElastaPro continues to work very closely with our supplier partners to secure raw materials for solid silicone sheeting and silicone compounds. At the same time, we’re doing all we can to control costs. Silicone may be in short supply today, but that won’t last forever. What’s built-to-last, however, are supplier relationships based on trust.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order.

  4. Silicone Gasket Materials for Die Cutting

    Silicone gasket materials for die cutting come in these grades and types.

    At ElastaPro, thicknesses for silicone gasket sheets range from .010″ to .500″ and in widths up to 60″. The silicone gasket materials for die
    cutting that we supply also support water jet cutting and other gasket fabrication methods.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  5. Silicone Gasket Sheets: 010″ to .500″ Thick, Up to 60” Wide

    Silicone gasket sheets from ElastaPro are available in many different grade and types.

    At ElastaPro, thicknesses for silicone gasket sheets range from .010″ to .500″ and in widths up to 60″. The silicone gasket sheeting that we supply supports die cutting, water jet cutting, and other gasket fabrication methods.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  6. Silicone Market Highlights

    Have you seen what they’re saying about the silicone market? If you need solid silicone sheeting or uncured silicone compounds, it’s time to know ElastaPro.

    “Manufacturers should invest in making regional and global Silicone Rubber Sheet supply chains reliable for maximum gains in the foreseeable future. Players should also . . . focus on customizing their products”. – Source: Worldwide Market Reports

    As the silicone market for solid sheeting gets tighter, it’s time to tighten your supply chain, too. Otherwise, loose links won’t provide the strength you need – especially from suppliers with long lead times, high MOQs, and a narrow selection of products.

    ElastaPro has the solid silicone sheeting and uncured silicone compounds that you need, when you need them, and in both standard products and custom compounds.

    Contact us for more information about the silicone market, or to place an order with ElastaPro. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  7. Silicone Manufacturing Made in USA

    Looking for Made in USA silicone manufacturing? Then ElastaPro is the silicone manufacturer that you need to know. If you’re thinking about reshoring or concerned about quality and lead times, it helps to know the experts. ElastaPro is a group of silicone industry veterans, including many former employees of Diversified Silicone Products, who got together and start an innovative silicone company.

    This new silicone company, ElastaPro Silicone Sheeting, LLC, has made significant investments in equipment, personnel, and materials – all at our Made in America manufacturing facility in Santa Fe Springs, California (USA). Even more importantly our team of silicone industryveterans understands your business. We’ve worked with you before and would welcome the chance to serve you again.

    Are you looking for a silicone manufacturer? Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  8. Silicone Prices and Availability

    Concerned about silicone prices? Back in 2018, silicone prices had risen by as much as 25%. Today, demand is high, supply is tight, and everyone is worried about pricing and availability.

    But what about value? The cheapest materials aren’t the best and you can’t settle for cut-rate compounds that won’t meet tough specifications and application requirements. In other words, don’t just focus on silicone prices.

    If you’re looking for solid silicone sheet you can count on, ElastaPro is the name to know. Our team of silicone industry veterans is creating value with service, quality, and technology – and through long-term partnerships with companies like yours. Plus, our silicone sheeting is proudly Made in the USA.

    Factors influencing availability
    • Supply chain improvements: 
      Some sources have noted a general improvement in the availability of elastomers since 2022 and predicted continued improvements. 

    • High demand: 
      Demand for silicone is high across various sectors, including electric vehicles, energy storage, and construction, which can create bottlenecks. 

    • Geopolitical factors: 
      Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical events or issues in major production regions, particularly China, can still cause localized or temporary shortages. 

    • Logistical and labor issues: 
      Shipping, rail, and trucking disruptions, as well as labor shortages, can still impact the movement of materials. 

    • Market uncertainty: 
      Increased raw material costs and wages are still a factor, contributing to higher prices and keeping supply tight in certain areas. 

    • Cost: 
      The cost of silicone remains high compared to other rubbers due to the expensive manufacturing process needed to convert sand into silicone. 

    What to expect
    • Availability is significantly better than in the peak of the crisis in 2021-2022. 
    • Market conditions can still fluctuate based on global events, supply chain issues, and labor availability. 
    • High demand continues to be a factor, so some product categories or regions may experience shortages or delays. 
    • Pricing is likely to remain elevated due to factors like raw material costs. 

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order. Follow us on LinkedIn, too.

  9. Silicone Reshoring

    Silicone reshoring is popular in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as more manufacturers want to reshore their supply chains. According to the latest Thomas Industry Survey, 69% of companies are looking at bringing production back to North America. That’s up from 54% in February.

    Made in USA and Made in Canada are powerful slogans, but will silicone reshoring really reduce your costs and your risks? If you’re skeptical, the Total Cost of Ownership Calculator from the Reshoring Initiative is a tool that’s worth trying.

    When it comes to silicones, ElastaPro is the name you can trust. Our silicones are Made in America with speed, quality, flexibility and economics in mind. For solid silicone sheets and uncured silicone compounds, ask our industry veterans about silicone reshoring.

    Contact us for more information, or to place an order.

  10. Silicone Samples You Can Hold in Your Hand

    Silicone samples are small pieces of silicone material used for testing, evaluation, and product development. They can be simple sheets demonstrating texture and flexibility or molded parts replicating a final product design.  We can offer you some in the form of a convenient keychain. Here’s why.

    Why silicone samples are needed

    Material evaluation

    • Testing properties: Samples are used to evaluate material properties such as shore hardness (the material’s resistance to indentation), elasticity, tensile strength, and durability.
    • A tactile experience: Manufacturers may send out samples, such as keychain sheets, so clients can physically see and touch the material to make informed decisions for their products.
    • Comparing options: In manufacturing, samples allow designers and engineers to compare different grades and formulations, including electrically conductive, medical-grade, or food-grade silicone, to select the right material for a specific application.

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