The advancement of manufacturing technology has significantly impacted industries that rely on the production of silicone products. One of the vital tools in this process is the silicone extruder machine, particularly the 90mm version, which is widely used for creating various silicone-based products.
The main function of the extruder is to heat, mix, and force the silicone material through a die to create a consistent, continuous shape. The 90mm size denotes the diameter of the screw that drives the material through the system. This size is particularly suited for medium to high-volume production runs, providing a balance between efficiency and versatility.
The silicone extrusion process begins with feeding raw silicone material, typically in the form of a rubber compound, into the extruder's hopper. The material can be in various forms, including pellets, powder, or liquid silicone. The 90mm extruder is equipped with a large screw mechanism that is responsible for feeding the material into the barrel of the machine. As the material moves through the barrel, it is mixed and heated to achieve the desired viscosity.
In this stage, the 90mm screw ensures that the material is consistently fed into the machine, providing even mixing. The size and configuration of the screw are optimized to handle the unique characteristics of silicone, ensuring it is thoroughly mixed and ready for extrusion.
Silicone is typically processed at high temperatures to make it pliable and easy to extrude. The 90mm extruder machine is equipped with heaters along the barrel that raise the temperature of the silicone material to a specific level. The heat helps soften the material, making it flow smoothly through the die. This heating process is essential because silicone, in its raw form, is usually solid or semi-solid, and must be brought to a specific temperature range to ensure it can be extruded into various shapes.
The temperature control systems within the extruder are crucial to maintaining the consistency and quality of the silicone being produced. These systems are often integrated with sensors and controllers that monitor and adjust the temperature automatically.
One of the primary functions of the 90mm silicone extruder is to shape the heated material into a continuous form. After the material reaches the correct viscosity, it is forced through a die—an opening or mold that defines the shape of the final product. The 90mm diameter screw is designed to handle higher material flow rates, making it suitable for large-scale production of silicone products like seals, tubing, and custom profiles.
The die can be customized depending on the required profile, such as circular, square, rectangular, or more complex shapes. This flexibility is a key advantage of the silicone extruder, as it allows manufacturers to produce a wide range of products with different dimensions and specifications.
Once the silicone material is extruded through the die, it needs to be cooled and solidified to retain its shape. In a 90mm silicone extruder machine, this cooling process typically takes place in a cooling chamber, where the extruded product is cooled by air or water. The cooling process is crucial because it helps the silicone maintain its structural integrity and finish. If not cooled properly, the product may warp, shrink, or lose its desired characteristics.
Cooling systems in the machine are designed to ensure that the extruded silicone product solidifies uniformly, which is essential for high-quality output. Manufacturers can adjust the cooling time and method based on the type of silicone used and the complexity of the extruded shape.
After the silicone has cooled and solidified, the final step involves cutting the product into the desired lengths or shapes. In many 90mm silicone extruder machines, cutting devices are integrated into the system to automatically slice the extruded material as it exits the machine. This is especially useful for producing products like silicone tubing, gaskets, and seals, which need to be cut to specific lengths for further use.
Once cut, the products are typically packaged for shipment or further processing. The automated nature of this process helps reduce labor costs and increase production speed, ensuring a more efficient workflow in manufacturing environments.