Silicone elastomers boast thermal, chemical and oxidative stability in many temperatures and environments. This characteristic makes them more versatile and easier to use than rubber or organic elastomers. Silicone rubber elastomer has many industrial applications and is used in the medical, food, automotive, apparel, footwear, sportswear, hardware, electronics industries, just to name a few. Lately, manufacturing processes have made custom silicone elastomers even more affordable and versatile and, as a result, almost every consumer has a home filled with silicone elastomer products.

A silicone elastomers manufacturer must heat, or vulcanise, the silicone rubber elastomer before it can be passed onto a silicone elastomers distributor. This heating is usually a two-step process that first molds the silicone elastomeric material into the desired shape and then takes the silicone elastomeric material through a post-cure process. The material can also be injection molded. If you are looking for a silicone elastomers distributor or supplier, consider:

1. Finding manufacturers who can help you develop custom products.

2. Selecting a silicone elastomers distributor online if you want to buy already molded and shaped products.

3. Opting for suppliers of liquid forms if you need to coat fabrics or other products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact manufacturers for custom silicone elastomers solutions

While silicone elastomers are often sold in sheets and slabs, you may want a custom solution if you need a specific thickness, density, elasticity or size of product. Custom orders generally cost more and require a bulk purchase, but custom are perfect if you have special needs. If your industry requires heavy duty elastomers, custom manufacturing ensures a higher quality and safer product, as well.

I recommend: Polyzen offers a number of services for medical OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), including dip molding for silicone elastomers, so you can get the product or material you need. Stockwell Elastomerics is a custom manufacturer of silicone rubber and elastomeric components. Their website offers plenty of information about their products, which come in sheets and rolls, and their services, which include custom work.

Find a silicone elastomers distributor or seller when you are ready to buy

Many suppliers offer silicone elastomer products in various thicknesses and in sheets and slabs. This is often the most economical way to buy if you do not have special requirements. Most silicone elastomer distributors offer prompt delivery and servicing, as well.

I recommend: Magna Engineering Sales Co. sells silicone elastomers solutions for clients. They work closely with companies and carefully select manufacturers to ensure the best service and quality possible. Aero Rubber Company offers sales of silicone elsatomer products in sheets and slabs.

Choose silicone elastomers in liquid form for some applications

Liquid silicone elastomers coat fabrics, including fibreglass cloth, which is used to create electrical sleeving, airbags, some tapes and other materials. Liquid silicone elastomers don't need a primer. They can withstand high temperatures and many other environmental conditions and are, therefore, commonly used in the LED industry, automotive industry and other industries that produce parts or coated fabrics.

I recommend: Quantum Silicones offers medium viscosity and two component thermally cured liquid silicone elastomers. R.D. Abbott Co. sells liquid silicone elastomers. The company offers same-day shipping at very competitive prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  High quality is important when it comes to silicone rubber pricing. Before you buy from the first silicone elastomers distributor website you find, make sure to check warranties. You want to be able to return your product if you notice signs of poor manufacturing. Silicone elastomers that are too porous or stick, or that have spots or streaks on them may not have been vulcanized correctly.