Unveiling the Power of Silicone Gaskets and Seals: Benefits, Uses & Innovative Applications

Silicone rubber is versatile materials made from a synthetic polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Silicone rubber can be molded, extruded or calendered. Calendering silicone rubber allows fabricators to cut a multitude of configurations from the Calendered silicone sheet. The silicone sheet can be provided in either cured or uncured forms.

ElastaPro Silicone Sheeting stands at the forefront of calendered silicone technology, and works closely with many of the largest producers of silicone rubber globally. . We are committed to being your first-choice provider of silicone sheeting, offering a range of high-quality products proudly made in the USA. Whether you are in healthcare, manufacturing, or any other sector, our products are designed to meet your specific needs!

Key Advantages of Silicone Sheets

Silicone sheets offer a range of benefits, contributing to their widespread use across different applications. Here are their advantages:

  • Versatility: This material exhibits remarkable flexibility, allowing it to adapt to different shapes and contours. It is suitable for applications with varying geometric requirements.
  • Temperature resistance: Silicone maintains structural integrity across a broad temperature spectrum (no other elastomer performance as well as silicone across a broad temperature range – from -180F – 600F). This makes silicone invaluable in applications where exposure to extreme temperatures is common such as aerospace, automotive, rail and others.
  • Durability and longevity: Silicone can withstand regular wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan than many other materials.
  • Biocompatibility: Silicones are well-tolerated by living tissues, providing a safe and effective solution for promoting optimal healing.
  • Stability: Being an inert material, silicone does not react with most substances. This makes them suitable for applications where material interactions need to be minimized.
  • Hygienic: The smooth surface of silicone resists the buildup of contaminants, contributing to a clean and sterile environment.

Versatile Applications Across Industries

Silicones boast a wide array of applications across various industries. Here are some of them:

Healthcare

Silicone sheeting is extensively utilized in the medical field for scar management. They provide a protective layer over scars, aiding in hydration and creating an optimal environment for healing. The non-invasive nature of silicone sheets also makes them a preferred choice for minimizing the appearance of scars.

In addition to scar management, this material is employed in wound dressings due to its biocompatibility. The sheets conform to the body’s contours, offering a comfortable and effective solution for wound care.

Consumer Goods

Silicone sheeting is widely used to manufacture bakeware and kitchen tools. The non-stick properties of silicone make these products easy to clean and ensure the effortless release of food residue.

Furthermore, their flexibility and safety are used in baby products such as pacifiers and teething toys. Their hypoallergenic nature adds an extra layer of assurance for infant care.

Industrial Sector

One notable use of silicone sheets in the industrial sector is gaskets and seals in machinery and equipment. Their resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and UV radiation makes them suitable for creating durable and reliable seals, ensuring the integrity of industrial processes.

In addition, their thermal stability allows them to act as effective insulators in electrical components and systems. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of industrial equipment.

Automotive

Silicone sheets are used for gaskets and seals in engines and other critical components in the automotive industry. Their ability to withstand high temperatures and resist chemicals contributes to the reliability and longevity of automotive systems. And most recently has become a critical component in EV thermal management.

In addition, these sheets are employed for vibration dampening in vehicles, reducing noise and enhancing the overall comfort of the driving experience.

Electronics

Silicone sheet serves as thermal interface materials in electronics. Due to their excellent thermal conductivity, they help dissipate heat generated by electronic components, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. Moreover, the material’s flexibility and resistance to temperature extremes make it suitable for creating durable and versatile flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) in electronic devices. Some examples include smartphones and wearables.

Construction and Architecture

Due to their ability to resist moisture and extreme temperatures, silicone sheet is suitable for construction processes, providing a reliable barrier against the elements. For instance, this material is used to create weatherproof seals for doors, windows, and other building components.

Silicone sheeting is also used in structural glazing systems and the production of roofing membranes and coatings. They provide weather-resistant protection while contributing to the overall energy efficiency of buildings.

Innovative Uses That Are Transforming Industries

The use of silicone sheeting has evolved, and several innovative applications have emerged across various fields. These advancements leverage the unique properties of silicone to address new challenges and enhance existing technologies. Here are some of its latest uses:

Flexible Electronics

Silicone sheet is being used in the development of flexible and stretchable electronics. These circuits can conform to irregular shapes, paving the way for wearable devices, flexible displays, and even electronic skin for robots.

Soft Robotics

These sheets are integral to soft robotics, where robots are designed to mimic the flexibility and adaptability of living organisms. Silicone-based soft grippers and actuators are used in applications where traditional rigid robots may be impractical, such as in delicate object handling or medical procedures.

Automotive Advancements

Silicone sheets are being explored for self-healing applications in automotive components. They could potentially repair minor damages, extending the lifespan of automotive parts and reducing maintenance needs.

Green Building Materials

Solar roofing tiles, embedded with silicone-based solar cells, can seamlessly integrate into building structures. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient alternative to traditional solar panels.

Smart Textiles

Silicone sheet is integrated into smart textiles to create wearable technology. From health monitoring to interactive clothing, these silicone-based sensors and circuits provide a comfortable and flexible platform for incorporating technology into everyday attire.

ElastaPro Silicone Sheet Solutions

ElastaPro takes pride in delivering a comprehensive range of solid silicone sheets meticulously engineered to cater to diverse applications. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that each grade of silicone sheet meets and exceeds industry standards. Explore our extensive selection:

  • Commercial grade: This grade is designed for extreme temperature applications, providing superior gasket and sealing solutions. It is available in various thicknesses and widths, with durometers ranging from 20-90.
  • General purpose grade: Ideal for general-purpose silicone specifications, this grade features a good compression set and excellent resistance to extreme temperatures. It comes in a range of durometers from 25-85, with versatile thickness and width options.
  • FDA grade: This grade is specifically designed for food contact applications, ensuring superior gasket and sealing performance. It is available in white and translucent variations, with durometers ranging from 30-85.
  • Electrically conductive: This silicone sheet features low-amperage and semi-conductive properties suitable for applications in electrical cabinets, PC boards, and RMI/EFI gaskets. It is available in black, with thicknesses ranging from .020” to .375”.
  • Fiberglass reinforced: This grade is developed for demanding applications requiring added tensile and tear strength, such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial seals.
  • Fluorosilicone: This silicone sheet offers excellent chemical resistance to dilute acids and alkalines, making it suitable for aerospace, military, and automotive applications.
  • Healthcare (USP Class VI & ISO 10993): This grade is tailored for medical devices and applications requiring additional certification for up to 29 days in the human body. We offer it in durometers ranging from 30-70.
  • High- and medium-strength grade: These types are designed for applications needing higher physical properties than general-purpose silicone. They come in durometers ranging from 25-85 durometer
  • Extreme flame retardant: This grade has high flame resistance with a UL 94VO Yellow Card listing. It is suitable for interior applications in rail, air, and sea. We have it in various thicknesses and widths.

Get Unrivaled Silicone Solutions and Expertise at Elastapro

If you are looking for a trusted provider of top-notch silicone sheet products, look no further than ElastaPro! Backed by a team of industry veterans with over two decades of expertise, we are dedicated to providing unmatched service and industry solutions. We offer an extensive line of solid silicone sheets, uncured silicone compounds, and specification grade options.

Contact us today for personalized assistance!