A brand new, super strength material is set to change the face of solar power, aircraft and vehicle production.

The revolutionary KSil™VAC silicone sheeting has been developed to meet the high demand for a more robust material in solar and composite production.

Developed in Silicone’s Engineering’s in-house laboratory, the specially formulated material is the result of extensive market research and vigorous testing.

According to the international silicone manufacturer’s detailed research, many ‘vacuum membranes’, which are essential for smooth running production, are of poor standard.

A number of manufacturers have experienced problems with vacuum membrane durability, most of which last for, on average, only 15-20 working days before having to be replaced.

Puncture damage is a common problem, causing halted production and increased downtime.

KSil™VAC’s incredible elongation and high tear properties are proven to increase the production lifecycles of the vacuum or lamination process significantly longer than organic polymers.

Steve Hadlington, Technical Innovations Director, said: “KSil™ VAC has been trialed globally in three different industries with positive performance feedback, tested over the last six months.

“Test results have shown that KSil™ VAC, when subjected to a number of production cycles, has less change in its key physical characteristics than other materials currently being used on the market today.”

“It has more than doubled the life of the cycle period currently being experienced in the marketplace.”

KSil™ VAC, with its high tear, improved abrasion resistance and high elongation properties, performs to the highest specifications, withstanding puncture damage without causing catastrophic failure.

These high elongation properties allow the material to be stretched over extremely intricate profiles and design structures – for a tight, precise fit – maximising quality of output.

KSil™VAC sheeting is perfect for the production process of solar panels and other renewable energy sources, as well as industries in the composite sectors such as Aerospace and Automotive.

Silicone Engineering’s new sheeting line, highlighted in April’s newsletter, means KSil™VAC can be produced in 1.8m wide sheets.

The sheeting line enhances the firm’s capabilities to the point where it can offer the highest quality products on the market at the most competitive prices – with plans already in place to further increase capabilities.

Download KSil™VAC brochure

 

Silicone Engineering’s innovations have resulted in a marked improvement in dairy production in the United Kingdom.

The cutting-edge silicone manufacturer has now perfected dairy tubing to the point so that its superior performance maximises productivity of milking parlours.

Jim Holden, a dairy farmer from Lancashire, UK, used conventional rubber tubing before switching to Silicone Engineering’s SuraSil™ DS Dairy Tubing.

After continuous use twice a day, his old conventional rubber became hard and corroded inside.

Mr Holden said: “There was a buildup of milk in the cracks and particles of rubber started to enter the milk supply, affecting the quality of the milk and increasing bacteria.”

“On average we used to change the tubing every six months.”

“We began using Silicone Engineering’s specialised dairy tubing and found the quality of the tubing far superior to the rubber.”

As well as being highly flexible, resilient and reliable, dairy silicone tubing must be hygienic – in order to satisfy international food standards.

suraSil™ tubing provides the high tear resistance and rebound properties it takes to stand up to rough treatment by cattle.

It can also withstand temperatures as high as 220°C and as low as -60°C, performing for sustained periods without becoming brittle.

An extremely smooth inner surface prevents the build-up of solids and bacteria.

Mr. Holden said: “When the hygiene clean is completed the silicone allows a thorough clean every time and does not leave any milk residue in the tube at all.”

“This has improved our milk ‘bactoscan’ results – which tests for bacteria in the milk.”

“The surface doesn’t crack or develop perished areas and, therefore, is easy to clean and sterilise, helping to reduce total bacteria counts.”

“Silicone retains its properties so it does not crack. No particles enter into the milk, which increases the quality of our milk supply.”

“The tubing also lasts at least four times longer than the rubber tubing so in the long-term helps to reduce the costs for milking production.”

“Silicone Engineering’s dairy tubing is excellent quality and has outstanding longevity.”

In addition to suraSil™, Silicone Engineering has developed an anti-microbial silicone called neutraSil™, perfect for the food and drink http://silicone.co.uk/materials/surasil/industry, which actively prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Products made from neutraSil™ are raising the standards of safety across the industry.

Dairy tubing from Silicone Engineering is easy to install, maintain and replace.

Silicone is over nine times more hygienic after 12 month’s use than either conventional black rubber or PVC tubing and is four times more durable.

With tighter dairy regulations black rubber now has a much shorter operational life, needing frequent replacement.

Despite higher initial costs, its longevity, along with all the other hygiene and maintenance benefits, makes silicone tubing highly efficient and cost effective.

All dairy tubing can be made to order within 10 working days.

Find out more about suraSil™ and neutraSil™

 

UK-based silicone manufacturer, Silicone Engineering, is opening a brand new office across the Atlantic.

The firm is setting up the new sales office in the state of California, complete with a dedicated sales team specialising in the North American silicone rubber market.

The expansion into North America is a result of recent developments in new silicone products, designed to benefit the North American market.

As the largest dedicated silicone manufacturer in Europe, Silicone Engineering says the North American market will benefit hugely from its silicone products, especially its innovative new materials – such as the anti-microbial neutraSil™ and our exciting and competitive kSil™ sheeting range.

“Our expertise in the various food and beverage industries is unrivalled, especially in dairy, with 25 years’ experience producing our silicone suraSil™ DS dairy tubing.

“All manufacturing will take place in the UK and our high-quality silicone products will be exported direct to North American clients.”

Silicone Engineering is currently in the process of establishing a number of strategic partnerships for future developments.

 

Several North American company executives have recently visited Silicone Engineering to get a feel for the manufacturer’s capacity and capabilities to produce silicone solutions in growth markets.

After visiting Silicone Engineering in the UK, the CEO of a large American gasket and seals company said: “Silicone Engineering’s manufacturing facilities are some of the cleanest and best equipped I have ever seen.”

With over 50 years’ specialised expertise in the silicone industry, and one of the largest research and design laboratory and manufacturing facilities in Europe, Silicone Engineering has the infrastructure capability and technical resources to develop the highest quality silicone solutions.

These application solutions are supplied in a wide range of product formats including calendared sheeting, extrusions, gaskets, hoses, moulding and insulated cables.

Paul Kinsella, Managing Director, added: “We are all very excited to be expanding into North America, taking with us our vast knowledge, experience and our innovative range of quality and competitive products.”

Silicone rubber products and services can be customised to the specific needs of your industry and all our silicone rubber products are supplied cost-effectively and efficiently.

Find out more about silicone solutions from Silicone Engineering