5 uses of Silicone in Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics are incredibly complex to manufacture. Not only are they constantly evolving in functionality, but they continue to become smaller, lighter and more powerful which in turn creates more heat. This means each component used in electronics manufacturing must be constructed from reliable, robust materials to ensure they cope with heat and constant usage over the devices’ lifespan.
Thanks to its many specialist qualities, silicone rubber and sponge is used in multiple applications in electronics manufacturing, from sealing the inner circuits and processors to protecting them from heat, corrosion, moisture, and other conditions.
Why is silicone used in electronics?
Silicone rubber is widely used in electronics due to its many favourable qualities. Silicone is:
- Flexible and easily shaped to fit uneven surfaces
- Durable and robust
- Flame and heat resistant
- Able to withstand extreme temperature
- An electrical insulator
- Lightweight
- UV, ozone and weather resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use
The material can also:
- Protect electronic equipment from cold, heat, moisture and accidental damage
- Withstand extreme temperatures
- Bond well with metals
- Reduce vibration and noise
- Offer consistent electrical insulation and high dielectric strength
What is silicone used for in electronics?
Silicone can be used for a wide range of applications in electronics manufacturing, including:
Display protection
In today’s digital world, devices need to be increasingly portable. This poses a host of challenges for manufacturers as they consider fluctuating temperatures, waterproofing, thinner profiles, and drop tests.
Silicone foam can be used to protect displays and back pads from vibrations and temperature fluctuations. It can also absorb shocks and distribute energy from impacts.
Gasketing and sealing
Gaskets and seals in electronics must be equipped to withstand challenging conditions and conform to industry standards.
Silicone sponge is often used to seal electronic systems, protecting them from water, dust, and moisture, as well as accidental damage.
LCD gaskets
Thin, silicone LCD gasket solutions can be used to protect LCDs in TVs, computer monitors, laptops, mobile phones and other portable devices.
Silicone can be used in a variety of LCD-related applications. These include dust and moisture sealing, gap filling, shock absorption and load distribution.
Thermal solutions
Electronic devices, circuits and systems all generate heat. As a result, effective thermal management is required to avoid overheating and component failure.
Silicone is resistant to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, so it lends itself perfectly to these applications. It is often used to provide thermal insulation capabilities, limiting the transfer of heat between objects.
Vibration Management
Silicone foams are ideal for use as vibration isolators. They can deflect vibrations over extended periods, exhibiting high resilience along with effective vibration dampening and impact absorption.
Silicone Engineering is equipped to service all of your silicone requirements. For more information on our silicone products and how they can be used in electrical manufacturing, please get in touch. Download our Electronics Materials Solutions brochure for more information.