What is liquid injection molding?

Liquid injection molding is an industrial fabrication method that molds stock materials into a range of components and products. It differs from the standard reaction injection molding process in that it relies on mechanical mixing rather than pressurized impingement mixing, and it focuses specifically on liquid silicone rubber and similar elastomeric materials. It is capable of efficiently producing a large number of versatile items, including seals, o-rings, isolators, and electronic contacts.
 
A large part of liquid injection molding’s versatility derives from the material properties of liquid silicone materials. These silicones exhibit a high degree of heat and flame resistance, tensile strength, and flexibility. In addition, silicones provide beneficial formability characteristics, allowing for coloring or transparency in the finished product. Depending on their chemical composition, these materials can also serve as insulators or conductors. The liquid injection molding process used to fabricate liquid silicone is a precise and distinct method, capable of producing highly accurate results.
 
The Liquid Injection Molding Process
Liquid injection molding focuses on the apportioned mixing and dispensing of plastic-based materials via a series of plungers. Usually, one plunger contains the base forming plastic, which can be reinforced with additives and fibers, while the other plunger holds a catalyst that will activate the mixing reaction. The compounded material is then injected directly into a sealed mold, and after hardening, the nearly finished component is ejected from the molding machine.
 
Silicones and acrylics are the materials most commonly involved in liquid injection molding. To help prevent machine hardware from becoming clogged with liquid plastic, a spring-loaded pin nozzle can be used for the injection stage. Spring-loading allows the injection pressure to be higher than that of the extruder barrel, thus keeping the channel unblocked. Computer-aided design tools are also helpful for making the molding process more efficient. Computer programs can run simulations to determine the most effective processing conditions, as well as evaluate results and monitor integrated devices. Thermal imaging technology also has potential for identifying production errors, such as molding flaws or design inconsistencies.
 
Liquid Injection Molding Machines
A standard liquid injection molding machine relies on a metered pumping device and an injection unit with a dynamic or static mixer attached. Ideally, these systems are integrated in as compact and precise a fashion as possible, while peripheral components are configured to meet the needs of a particular project. The essential parts of a typical liquid injection machine include:
 
• Injectors: The injection device pushes forming material, such as liquid silicone rubber, into the pumping section under pressurized force. The operator can usually adjust the pressure and injection rate, which vary according to project parameters.
• Metering Units: The metering unit pumps the two liquid materials in careful proportions, releasing them simultaneously at a constant ratio.
• Supply Drums: The material supply containers, or plungers, connect to the machine’s pumping system. Besides drums of the mixing materials, there is often an additional container for pigment.
• Mixers: After passing through the metering unit, the liquid forming materials are combined using a static or dynamic mixer. This mixture is then pressurized and forced into the mold.
• Nozzle: The nozzle that feeds the liquid mixture into the mold often comes equipped with an automatic shut-off valve that prevents the compound from leaking or the mold from overfilling.
• Mold Clamp: The mold clamping device is triggered in coordination with the injector, pump, and supply unit. It secures the mold in place, and opens it when the process is complete.
 
Molding Considerations
There are numerous concerns taken into account in the assembly and operation of liquid injection molding systems. Preventing leaks is one of the major issues, as liquid molding compounds can seep through gaps in the machine and impede operations. For this reason, seals and sealant material are important elements in a molding device, especially for moving or rotating parts. Inorganic filters are found in some molding compounds, and because they can cause equipment to deteriorate at a faster rate, corrosion resistance treatments or increased maintenance may be required to compensate for wear.