Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR):
The foundation of silicone oven gloves lies in the use of a specialized material called liquid silicone rubber (LSR). LSR is a two-component system composed of a base material and a curing agent. These components are carefully mixed together, typically in a ratio of 10:1, forming a homogeneous liquid.
Injection Molding Process:
The most common production method for silicone oven gloves is injection molding. This process involves injecting the LSR mixture into a mold cavity under high pressure. The mold design incorporates the desired shape and texture of the final glove product.
The LSR material is injected into the mold through a nozzle system. It then fills the cavities, taking the shape of the mold and creating the desired thickness of the glove. The pressure applied during injection ensures the material reaches all corners of the mold, creating a uniform and consistent product.
Curing and Vulcanization:
Once the LSR has been injected into the mold, it needs to be cured to transform it into a solid and heat-resistant silicone material. While the term "vulcanization" is commonly associated with rubber, it is not applicable to silicone. Vulcanization is a process that involves strengthening rubber by forming cross-links between polymer chains. However, silicone is a thermosetting material and cross-linking happens naturally without the need for additional chemical processes.
Curing of the LSR occurs through a thermal process within the mold. The mold is heated, usually in an oven, to a specific temperature and held there for a set duration. This temperature activates the curing agent, causing the LSR to cross-link and solidify. The curing time depends on the size and thickness of the gloves but usually ranges from several minutes to a few hours.
Demolding and Quality Assurance:
After curing, the mold is opened, and the now-solidified silicone glove is removed. The demolded glove undergoes quality assurance checks to ensure it meets the required standards. These checks may include visual inspection for any defects or imperfections, testing the heat resistance, and checking the thickness and dimensions.
Additional Processes:
Once the silicone oven gloves have passed quality control, they may undergo further processes such as trimming excess material, adding anti-slip textures or patterns, and applying additional features like inner linings or insulation.
Silicone oven gloves are manufactured using liquid silicone rubber and an injection molding process. Through careful mixing and precise injection, the LSR is transformed into a solid and heat-resistant glove. The thermal curing process ensures the silicone sets and becomes a durable tool for handling hot cookware. Emphasizing quality assurance, the production of silicone oven gloves ensures optimal performance and safety in every kitchen.