Silicone 3D Printing
3D-printed silicone comes in a variety of shore-A hardnesses, is biocompatible, and functional in a range of temperatures
True silicone is 100% pure silicone that is available in different shore-A hardness as detailed below. The material is suitable to produce both functional prototypes and end-use products, which can be used in a temperature range of -30°C to +180°C (-22°F to +356°F).
The material shows high resistance to harsh environments conditions, various acids, bases and nonpolar solvents. Silicone parts are water repellent, insulating, and have a high gas permeability.
Silicone has passed the following tests for biocompatibility: ISO DIN EN 10993-05 (tests for in vitro cytotoxicity) and ISO DIN EN 10993-10 (tests for irritation and skin sensitization).
The material is offered in:
- Translucent white: Available in all durometers
Primary benefits include:
- high temperature and wear resistance
- elasticity and high reproducibility after deformation or stress
- a range of durometers (20A to 60A)
Silicone 3D Printing Properties
| Property | Test Method | Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore-A Hardness | ISO 7619-1 | 20 | 35 | 50 | 60 |
| Density | ISO 1183-1 A | 0.038 lb/in3 | 0.039 lb/in3 | 0.040 lb/in3 | 0.041 lb/in3 |
| Tensile Strength | ISO 37 Type 4 | 711 psi | 798 psi | 1,052 psi | 1,233 psi |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 37 Type 4 | >1,000% | 650% | 530% | 360% |
| Tear Strength | ASTM D624 Type C | 33 lbf/in. | 57 lbf/in. | 63 lbf/in. | 97 lbf/in. |
| Rebound Resilience | ISO 4662 | >80% | >80% | >80% | >80% |
| Compression Set | DIN ISO 815-1 Type B | <25% | <20% | <20% | <20% |
| Property | Test Method | Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore-A Hardness | ISO 7619-1 | 20 | 35 | 50 | 60 |
| Density | ISO 1183-1 A | 1.05 g/cm3 | 1.08 g/cm3 | 1.11 g/cm3 | 1.13 g/cm3 |
| Tensile Strength | ISO 37 Type 4 | 4.9 N/mm2 | 5.5 N/mm2 | 7.25 N/mm2 | 8.5 N/mm2 |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 37 Type 4 | >1,000% | 650% | 530% | 360% |
| Tear Strength | ASTM D624 Type C | 5.8 N/mm | 10 N/mm | 11 N/mm | 17 N/mm |
| Rebound Resilience | ISO 4662 | >80% | >80% | >80% | >80% |
| Compression Set | DIN ISO 815-1 Type B | <25% | <20% | <20% | <20% |
True Silicone Comparison to Common Elastomers
Design Considerations
Our basic guidelines and design considerations for 3D-printed silicone will help ensure a manufacturable part and overall quality.
| US | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | 4.7 in x 2.8 in. x 3.9 in. | 119.38mm x 71.12mm x 99.06mm |
| Minimum Feature Size | X-Y Plane: 0.01 in. Z Plane: 0.016 in. |
X-Y Plane: 0.25mm Z Plane: 0.40mm |
| Minimum Thickness | Supported Walls: 0.012 in. Unsupported Walls: 0.02 in. |
Supported Walls: 0.30mm Unsupported Walls: 0.50mm |
| Tolerances | The tolerances for well-designed parts in the X / Y / Z direction are +/- 0.004 in. for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length | The tolerances for well-designed parts in the X / Y / Z direction are +/- 0.1mm for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length |
Applications for 3D-Printed Silicone
True silicone is well-suited for small prototyping runs before investing in tooling for injection molding or manufacturing silicone parts with complex, organic geometries. Typical parts include:
- Custom, patient-, or customer-specific parts
- Seals, gaskets, and grommets
- Keypads and buttons
- Surgical models
- Dental liners
- Wearables
