Silicone Tube

Extrusion Process
The extrusion process is preferred because it is cost-effective and can produce large batches of products in a very short lead time. This part-forming process is generally performed by rubber fabricators. The process is initiated when a heated and cured silicone-formulated compound is preformed into a slab or strip.
The next step is to feed the formed silicone into a screw extruder. The screw extruder forces the compound through the hardened steel die. The extruder head holds the die in place, and the die shapes the silicone tubing once the silicone has been forced through. The silicone profile then exits the die and is cured by being continuously pulled through a heated and cured oven.
Several ovens are used to circulate hot air vertically and horizontally: salt bath cures, steam vulcanization, and infrared cures. Some fabricators prefer to perform the vulcanization of the silicone after it has been extruded into a long trough filled with salt water. However, this technique has the main challenge of choosing the right raw materials that are capable of performing best in their specific temperature and mechanically controlled processes and will enable the final products to meet specifications.

Difference Between the Extrusion and Injection Molding Processes of Silicone Tubing
The difference between these two processes starts from the shape of the product, application field, and production direction. The extrusion process produces regular round shapes in any number of lengths, while the molding process is capable of producing irregular shapes in restricted lengths.
With the extrusion process, after passing over a length greater than 50 feet, the vulcanization of the tunnel used for drying must be re-sulfurized. Theoretically, the silicone tubing of the extrusion process is infinitely long without having a stop at the inlet. The other process used is the solid-liquid injection process, which utilizes liquid glue production. This method of production is a bit similar to plastic injection. It is initiated by injecting the liquid glue into the mold after high-temperature sulfurization.

Silicone has good properties of resistance and insulation, which is why it is preferred in the power industry. The solid-liquid injection produces fixed and irregular shapes, while the extrusion process produces long round tubes. Both methods can withstand ultra-high voltage characteristics and are used in power transmission lines and terminals.

The silicone tubing extrusion process is mostly utilized in the medical field for cooperation with the solid-liquid injection process. The extrusion process is mostly responsible for producing drainage pipes. The liquid injection process mainly functions to produce irregular pipes. The extrusion process produces regular pipes, but the raw materials of the liquid process and the cost of all aspects of the equipment will be more than the cost of the extrusion process. Therefore, when producing regular pipelines, the lower-cost extrusion process can be utilized.

Silicone Tubing Sizes
The size of a silicone tube determines its use. For example, small silicone tubing is commonly used for electrical sleeving because of its thin walls and flexibility. Medium-sized silicone tubing is utilized for carrying liquids and powders. Finally, large silicone tubing is mostly utilized in applications involving air ducts and dielectrics.

Medium silicone tubing is often employed in the pharmaceutical and food industries, mainly in applications where hygiene is critical. Platinum silicone tubing is a common all-rounder tubing free of ketones and peroxide. This makes it ideal for the medical, food, dairy, and vending industries. This type of silicone tubing ensures taste preservation and does not taint the product it carries. Cured silicone tubing is also utilized as a general-purpose tubing that can be used with food.

Quality: The quality of the silicone tubing plays a significant role in its lifespan. Higher-quality tubing with better manufacturing processes and materials will generally last longer.

Intended Use: The specific purpose for which the silicone tubing is being used can impact its lifespan. If the tubing is used in applications with abrasive fluids, extreme pressures, or constant flexing, it might experience more wear and tear.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight (UV radiation), humidity, and chemicals can affect the durability of silicone tubing. High temperatures and exposure to harsh chemicals might cause degradation over time.

Maintenance and Care: Regular maintenance and proper care can extend the lifespan of silicone tubing. Cleaning the tubing according to manufacturer guidelines and ensuring that it's not subjected to excessive stress or bending can help prolong its usability.

Installation: Proper installation techniques, including avoiding kinks, sharp bends, and unnecessary stretching, can prevent premature wear and damage.

Aging: Over time, even high-quality silicone tubing can experience aging, which might lead to changes in its physical properties and performance. This can include increased stiffness, reduced elasticity, or a change in color.

Specific Grades: Different grades of silicone tubing are available for various applications, such as medical, industrial, and food-grade. The properties of the tubing can vary based on the intended use.