Silicone Casting VS Rotocasting

Silicone Casting and Silica Gel

Silica gel is a material and silicone casting is a manufacturing process. 

Silicone casting, also called silicone molding, is a production process used to transform uncured silicone rubber(silica gel) into a predefined shape. Our suture pads and injection pads are made with this technique. And silicone products can be divided into three categories according to the different molding processes, molded silicone products, extruded silicone products, and liquid silicone products. For example, our suture pads and injection pads are molded silicone products and liquid silicone products, and also special silicone products, which are made of food-grade silicone material, fully compliant with US FDA standards. 

See how our suture pads are manufactured with silicone casting technology.

Highlight features of food-grade silicone products:

• Non-toxic, non-smelly
• Cold and high-temperature resistance, durable.
• Soft, good elasticity, kink resistance, and no deformation
• It will not turn yellow or fade when placed at room temperature. 

Rotocasting(rotational molding)

Rotocasting is also known as rotomolding or centrifugal casting, since the product is formed in a rotating mold, which is a method for forming thermoplastic resins where the molten material solidifies in and conforms to the shape of the inner surface of a heated, rapidly rotating container. You may find "vinyl" is also called "rotomolding". The high-temperature, low-pressure manufacturing method is widely used in industries for the production of hollow castings with free surfaces. Typical molded parts from rotocasting can include containers, tanks, children’s toys, medical and industrial equipment, etc. 

To order to maintain a uniform thickness across the entire part, the mold rotates continuously throughout the heating and cooling phases to avoid sagging or deformation.

Since the middle of the rotomoulded product is hollow, it points to low production costs and unlimited design possibilities. Also, it is lighter in weight than an injection molding product of the same shape and size. Moreover, it is soft, elastic in hand, good in shape, and no parting line can be seen in the product. Therefore, it is a competitive alternative to blow molding, thermoforming, and plastic injection molding. 

Winning product development means picking the right manufacturing process. 

For example, our pediatric scalp IV head, pediatric IV arm, and infant simulated leg are roto casting, which avoids heavyweight, and meanwhile, it is super soft and has good elasticity, highly simulated to the head, hands, and feet of real babies. It looks and touches more realistically than other pediatric IV heads, arms, or legs on the market. Perfect for practicing pediatric IV catheter, IV injection, phlebotomy, venipuncture, and palpation skills.