High-precision 2-component silicone part in micro format

A team of experts from starlim extends an invitation to the Wittmann Battenfeld trade fair stand

Seals for hearing aids, the smallest buttons for mobile phones or mini switches on automotive panels are important components that provide protection against dust and damp in sensitive applications. However, the challenge here is to ensure that these tiniest of parts can be manufactured in a reproducible and accurate format.  Starlim Spritzguss GmbH from Marchtrenk in Austria specialises in solutions of this nature, and they will be exhibiting their expertise to the public through the fully automated production of micro components using silicone on Stand C06 of the Wittmann Group in Hall 15.

Mold construction and the development of recipes and processes for the manufacture of high-precision components from liquid silicone are among the specialities of the starlim Group. As the recognised market leader, the Group today produces around 14 billion high-quality components annually. It assists and advises its customers during product development, from the original idea to the finished component. 2-component parts are, of course, part of this repertoire, both as thermoplastic and silicone and silicone/silicone components. Components weighing less than 10 mg have also been part of the product portfolio for some years now. Alexander Ammer, Team Leader for Micro Molding at starlim, acknowledges this fact. “We provide micro-structured components, microform parts and micro-precision components with tolerances in the µ range, thus covering a very broad spectrum. Naturally enough, we’d like to demonstrate our know-how in this area during the K trade fair through the production of high-quality loudspeaker membranes, and a team of experts will be on hand on the Wittmann Battenfeld stand to answer any questions and encourage dialogue”.

Small and smallest parts and correspondingly small injection unit shot volumes in particular demand a maximum degree of precision. The LSR dosing pump designed especially by EMT Dosiertechnik and the MicroPower 15/10H/10H Combimould injection molding machine from Wittmann Battenfeld exhibited in the production process on show at K ensure that these exacting results are achieved. Precision was also demanded by sterner during mold production to ensure the perfect reproduction of the smallest of structures.   Visitors to the trade show can experience how impressively such precision can be implemented through examination of the 2-component loudspeaker membrane created in a turntable mold with a cavity. Despite the minimum size involved, precision dimensions and the closest of tolerances are assured, including in the vicinity of the bead. The micro component consists of polyamide (PA) and a self-adhering silicone, thus dispensing with the need for bonding agents and making the entire process even more efficient. Consequently, the cooperating partners will be presenting a process together through which the smallest components can be reproduced and manufactured to a high precision level, dispensing with further assembly steps or additional handling costs.