Liquid injection molding (LIM) creates precise, high-performance parts from liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Incorporating process automation, LIM injects a two-part compound of liquid silicone into the cavity of a heated mold, where the material quickly cures in the shape of the mold cavity.

Compared to conventional molding methods, LIM achieves consistent, superior quality and precision while producing less waste for products like custom-molded hydraulic seals. Durable liquid injection molding seals are ideal for hydraulic systems as they will perform better and more reliably than alternatives produced through compression or transfer molding.

At Pneu-Draulics, Inc., we pride ourselves on offering some of the most dependable hydraulic sealing solutions on the market today. Read on to learn more about the benefits of LIM seals and how the experts at Pneu-Draulics can support your operation.

Why Use LIM in Seal Manufacturing?

LIM is an adaptable production technique that’s compatible with multiple silicone durometers and can create tight-tolerance seals with precision, even for those with complex designs. It offers many benefits over traditional molding processes, enhancing efficiency through shorter cycle times.

Key Advantages of LIM

LIM lends seals an array of distinct advantages, such as:

  • Better durability under pressure. Liquid injection molding seals are a great option for hydraulic applications because they provide exceptional compression set resistance, and high-pressure operating conditions won’t negatively impact their integrity.
  • Consistency in complex geometries. As a low-viscosity material, LSR easily flows into intricately designed seal molds during the LIM process. This not only enhances seal uniformity but also minimizes the potential for defects regardless of the complexity of a seal’s geometry.
  • Faster production and lower scrap rates. As an automated production method offering shorter production cycles and fast part-curing times, LIM enables higher throughput and lower costs and scrap waste.

LIM vs. Traditional Molding Methods

LIM’s distinctive advantages make it the proper technique for many projects over more traditional methods like compression and transfer molding.

Compression Molding

Compression molding is sufficient for creating products with simplistic designs. The process inserts a pre-measured amount of LSR into the cavity of a heated, two-part mold. Upon closing the mold, the material will cure to form the desired shape. Cycle times for this technique are longer than those of LIM, however, and the process may increase scrap waste generation.

Transfer Molding

Forcing your material into a closed mold cavity utilizing a plunger, transfer molding achieves greater dimensional control compared to the compression molding process. That said, this technique still can’t reach the level of precision you can attain when using the LIM method.

Applications Across Key Industries

LIM is useful for a broad range of applications, such as:

  • Aerospace and defense. LIM seals are a good choice for mission-critical systems in aerospace and defense applications because of their supreme reliability. They’re capable of withstanding various environmental conditions through properties like LSR’s high thermal stability.
  • Heavy equipment and mining. Machinery and systems for the heavy equipment and mining sectors rely on rugged components that can handle the harsh environmental conditions to which they’ll be exposed. Resilient, durable LIM seals are up to the task.
  • MRO and aftermarket repair. LIM-made seals are ideal for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects for their consistent quality as well as their ability to minimize downtime and required maintenance. In turn, this leads to lower costs.

Final Thoughts on Using LIM Seals

Many engineers choose LIM over conventional molding methods because it reliably generates durable, high-quality liquid injection molding seals with uniform precision. LIM provides an efficient production solution while still delivering the versatility necessary to handle diverse hydraulic seal designs with applications across myriad industries.

Partner With a Trusted LIM Seal Supplier

When you partner with the Pneu-Draulics team as your LIM seal supplier, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience, multi-industry expertise, dependable supply chains, and a commitment to quality assurance that’s second to none. Contact us today to learn more about our LIM seal offerings and how custom-molded hydraulic seals from Pneu-Draulics can meet the specific needs of your next project.