Liquid Silicone (LSR): The rise of 3D printing expands the LSR parts market!

Generally, the large-scale production of LSR components is mainly injection molding through specific injection molding machines. Because the process requires more time and cost, small-scale production and prototype production are usually hand-cast by using mold plates, RTV rubber or soft metal molds.

Although machining molds overcome these challenges, they are more expensive, time consuming, and labor intensive than RTV molds. In addition, de to the complexity of LSR component design, machining has its limitations.


In this case, using 3D printing to make LSR is an attractive option because 3D printing is cheaper, faster, and capable of making more precise parts.
Customized footwear projects using LSR3D printing technology

In recent years, Dow has made new progress in 3D printing liquid silicone technology. The company reached a cooperation with ECCO to launch a breakthrough 3D printable liquid silicone rubber for footwear customization projects.

ECCO, Dow and Dassault Systèmes introduced the QUANT-U footwear customization project at the ECCOShoes Spring-Summer Preview Press Conference held in Tokyo, Japan, January 29-30.

It is reported that QUANT-U is an experimental footwear customization project of the Innovation Lab (ILE) of the independent interdisciplinary design studio of ECCO.

This pioneering service combines the customer's personal biomechanical data, Dow SILASTIC3D3335 Liquid Silicone (LSR), and 3D printing (additive manufacturing) technology to produce a silicone intermediate layer suitable for consumer foot shapes and natural movement.

Developed by Dow, this material is specially formulated to combine the performance advantages of silicone elastomers, liquid additive manufacturing design and processing advantages. It has low viscosity characteristics, can achieve smooth printing, and has unique rheology. Can achieve high resolution and high accuracy.

This middle layer is odorless, does not breed bacteria, and is waterproof.

Charlie Zimmer, Global Marketing Director of Dow Performance Silicones, said: "QUANT-U collaborated to showcase the manufacturing characteristics and performance advantages of SILASTIC 3D printed liquid silicone, providing a new option for designers seeking flexibility in part design and additive processing advantages. . "