What is the difference between silicone molding, injection and extrusion? Comparison of cost and lead time for different processes

Three common silicone molding processes: compression molding, injection, extrusion

Different processes dictate that:

• What kind of shapes can you make?
• Upper limit of accuracy and consistency
• Unit price and mold cost structure
• Capacity and delivery

This article explains the "how to choose" approach, making it easy for customers to make quick decisions.

1) Compression Molding (Compression Molding)

Fit: Most conventional silicone parts, gaskets, shaped parts

• Advantages: mature technology, wide range of adaptability
• Focus: Burr control, efficiency and consistency depend on mold and process parameters
• Cost structure: relatively controllable mold costs, suitable for small and medium batches to mass production

2) Injection Molding (Injection Molding)

Fit: Projects with more complex structures, higher requirements for dimensional consistency, and higher production volumes

• Benefits: Higher efficiency, more automation, better consistency
• Concerns: Higher mold costs, more stringent design and exhaust requirements
• Cost structure: higher upfront investment, the larger the volume, the more obvious the advantages

3) Extrusion molding (Extrusion)

Fit: Long, tubular, continuous cross-section products

• Advantages: continuous production, high efficiency
• Concerns: can only make shapes with "no change in cross-section", which may require subsequent cutting/secondary processing.