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Silicone & Automotive: How Are Silicones Used in Auto Manufacturing?

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How Is Silicone Used In CarsThe challenging demands of laminated components in the automobile industry depend on high-quality silicone membranes that can function under high temperatures and repeated uses. Whether dashboard panels or door components, the construction of automotive components tends to incorporate rounded shapes that can complicate the veneering and pressing process.

 

 

 

At Smartech, we offer a wide range of silicone membranes that are used in the automobile industry. The automotive industry depends on high-elongation silicone sheets to create products that improve interior ambiance, along with developing automobiles that are lighter and more eco-friendly. All our silicone membranes at Smartech offer high resilience, and the consistently high quality makes laminating with our products cost effective.

 

What Is the Difference between Silicone and Rubber?

Both rubber and silicone are elastomers, which means they can withstand irreversible deformity due to their flexibility and durability. The key difference between silicone and rubber involves the chemical makeup of the two. Rubber contains carbon-carbon bonds, while silicone contains silicon and oxygen. This key difference makes silicone slightly more durable with higher heat resistance properties than rubber. The specifics of your application will determine whether silicone or natural rubber membranes will work best for you because both offer extreme flexibility and durability across multiple applications used in the automotive and transport industries.

 

Why Is Silicone Used More than Rubber in Auto Component Manufacture?

As consumers continue to demand an increase in both power and performance from their vehicles, the automotive industry has had to step up its game and improve efforts from manufacturing through application. Rubber is used less than silicone in cars in a variety of ways due to the high flexibility and heat resistance of silicone membranes. The pressing and lamination processes for manufacturing various automotive parts require the use of different adhesives that can only be enabled at high temperatures, like interior paneling. Silicone continues to perform at high-quality throughout extensive uses and with continuous exposure to high temperatures and other pressures. Rubber membranes work best in operating temperatures below 120°C or 248°F; otherwise, you will likely need to go with silicone membranes.

 

How Steinbach Silicone Membranes Are Used in Car Manufacturing

The heat increase involved in current lamination processes and their adhesives must be managed effectively by products like silicone membranes. Automotive manufacturers depend on high-quality silicone membranes and materials for durability and performance in lamination processes. Our silicone membranes can withstand sustained temperatures of 200°C for thousands of cycles. This lowers overall production costs.

 

Contact Us

To find out more about the best silicone membrane options for your specific applications, contact our experts at Smartech. Our silicone membranes can help improve the efficiency and reliability of your manufacturing processes for the automotive industry. Smartech and Steinbach have partnered to provide you with silicone membranes and 3D lamination applications, including interior auto components. We keep hundreds of membranes in stock and provide fast delivery to help ensure you get the products you need in the right timeframe. We offer individualized consultation online or over the phone and can help you determine the best products to meet your needs.