What is the process for silicone mold production?

Learn about the step-by-step process of silicone mold production, from material selection and mold design to curing and final quality checks. Understand the key stages involved in creating durable, precise silicone molds for various applications.

Core Production Process of Silicone Molds: Prototype Making → Frame Assembly → Silicone Mixing → Pouring/Brushing → Curing → Demolding and Trimming → Inspection, completed in 8 steps, with key steps being the ratio and venting:

  • 1. Prototype Processing: Fabricate/Refine Product Prototypes (Resin/Gypsum/Metal), ensuring smooth surfaces free of burrs, and apply release agent when necessary;
  • 2. Mold Frame Assembly: Enclose the prototype with wooden/acrylic boards, leaving a space for silicone thickness (typically 5-10mm);
  • 3. Silicone Mixing: Mix the base silicone and curing agent (common ratios of 10:1 or 20:1) in proportion and stir thoroughly;
  • 4. Vacuum degassing: Place the material in a vacuum machine to remove air bubbles (to prevent sand holes in the mold). If no equipment is available, pour slowly to minimize air bubbles;
  • 5. Pouring/Brushing Molds: Simple shapes are directly poured, while complex shapes require multiple brushing sessions (to enhance mold toughness);
  • 6. Room Temperature/Heat Cure: Cure at room temperature (25°C) for 4-8 hours, or reduce to 1-2 hours with heat (60°C);
  • 7. Demolding and Trimming: Remove the mold frame, take out the prototype, and trim the mold burrs and excess silicone;
  • 8. Trial Inspection: Verify the integrity of the mold cavity by producing 1-2 trial pieces to test demolding performance and precision.
Process of  vacuum casting.

Core conclusion: The conventional ratio of silicone gel to curing agent is 10:1 (weight ratio), and the curing time depends on the temperature – room temperature (25 ℃) for 4-8 hours, heating (60 ℃) for 1-2 hours. The adjustments for special scenarios are as follows:

Adjustment of silicone mold

1. Mainstream ratio (by silicone type)

Food grade mold (soft, Shore 00-30~A-20): base glue: curing agent=10:1, suitable for baking, ice tray, etc., soft and easy to demold;

Handmade/industrial molds (hard, Shore A-30-60): Base adhesive: curing agent=10:1 or 20:1, suitable for resin and gypsum parts, with stronger toughness;

Low temperature environment (<15 ℃): can be adjusted to 8:1 to accelerate curing (avoid sticking to the mold); High temperature environment (>30 ℃): Maintain a ratio of 10:1 to prevent rapid curing and the formation of bubbles.

2. Curing time (depending on temperature)

Room temperature curing (20-25 ℃): fully cured in 4-8 hours, do not touch the mold during this period;

Heating curing (50-60 ℃): takes 1-2 hours, suitable for rush work, and the hardness of the mold is more uniform after curing;

Attention: Ratio deviation (such as too much curing agent) will shorten the service life, while too little will prevent complete curing (sticky hands).

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