Have you ever seen or heard about silicone membranes?

What are they used for?

Well, compared to consumer electronics and medical products, a silicone membrane may sound be a very unfamiliar item.

However, thin silicone membranes are increasingly being used in a variety of applications, including furniture manufacturing, kitchen cabinet doors, and photovoltaic panel lamination.

The membrane is composed of silicone and offers flexibility for custom design needs, making it an ideal choice for many uses. Its durability and thermal stability make it especially useful for vacuum forming and thermoforming machine manufacturers all over the world.

To some extent, silicone membranes often go unnoticed, yet they can be found all around us, playing an important role in our daily life.

In today’s blog post, we will be sharing the Top 5 uses of our silicone membranes, as well as the advantages that are making them a great solution for various applications.

What Are Silicone Membranes?

Silicone membranes are flexible, durable and heat-resistant materials made of high strength quality silicone rubber. Due to its tear resistance and versatility, it can be used as a re-usable vacuum membrane material for a variety of purposes, such as in the woodworking, composites, sublimation, solar, and glass industries.

Deer Hunter specializes in silicone membranes designed to deliver unparalleled flexibility, durability, and quality. Our silicone membranes are supplied and tailored to meet the needs of each and every customer for their specific applications. With a commitment to providing innovative solutions, Deer Hunter creates products that exceed expectations.

Now, I’d like to lift the veil of our silicone membranes and discuss some essential information with you.

Let’s go ahead!

Silicone Membrane for Woodworking

Deer Hunter has been producing and supplying durable silicone membranes for woodworking applications for over a decade. Our products are specially designed to guarantee reliability and excellent quality in the manufacturing of wood veneer pressing and thermofoil cabinet door panels in the woodworking industry. Our membranes have gained the trust and confidence of many prominent companies in the cabinet manufacturing and veneering sector, so you can count on our silicone rubber membranes for all your woodworking needs.

Silicone membranes play an essential role in vacuum presses that are used for “Finishing” or “veneering” wood. Finishing is a process that involves applying a thin sheet of wood to panels, doors, and other wooden objects. Similarly, veneering involves applying a thin layer of plastic film such as PVC or PP to the object to be coated. These operations are facilitated by vacuum membrane presses which keep the pieces pressed together until the glue has completely dried out.

1. What are the advantages that silicone membranes must have?

(1) Higher Mechanical Properties:

Tear and perforation resistance, are surely two predominant features for this application, in fact, un-smooth corners or unshaped edges can lead to a break-up of the membrane itself. High elongation at break allows perfectly to follow the shape of the molded parts and in the meanwhile to fill depressions up.

(2) Elastic Recovery:

Other fundamental characteristics these types of plates must possess, allow reproducibility and avoiding any lack of pressure, in case of pieces’ deformation, no required pressure will be granted.

(3) Uniform Heat Conductivity:

Silicone membranes have excellent thermal insulation properties that allow them to evenly spread and transmit heat over their surfaces. This makes them a great option for many common thermal applications.

(4) Temperature Resistance:

Obviously, the more thermal resistance they are, the longer they last. Different to natural rubber membranes, silicone membranes are with high temperature resistance up 250°C.

(5) Smooth & Flawless Surface:

A very important feature, both in the thickness defects’ absence on the surface, otherwise they will be reported on the veneered pieces.

2. Duration and break-up causes

• Silicone membranes are delicate and prone to perforation when mishandled by the operator. Over time, the features of the membrane will become degraded due to thermal decay which can also result in a tear or hole in the membrane, ultimately ending its lifespan.

• Silicone membranes are highly durable, but the life and performance of these materials can be extended by further treatment. For example, a coat of fine powder can be applied to the membrane surface, making it smoother and providing improved elasticity and resistance to wear in localized areas.

• A mismatch in support’s design can lead to the breakdown of the membrane, illustrating how even small issues can have significant consequences.

• The swelling of the membrane during oil contact is a major downside that can occur when oils are improperly used or exhausted.

The membranes are generally produced with the below technical specifications.

3. Technical Data

4. Areas of applications:

(1) Vacuum laminating and vacuum forming using a single mold

• Furniture components

• Interior finishing and fit out components, cabinetry

(2) Wrapping profiles and panelling

(3) Forming of 2D & 3D thermoplastic materials

(4) Soft Forming

• Veneering of raised door panels and suitcase fronts

(5) Veneering applications & Laminating

• Veneer application/most materials to shaped elements

(6) Foil laminating of shaped boards and various materials

For more knowledge about vacuum forming silicone membranes, click here on a new page.

Silicone Membrane for the Lamination of Composite Materials

As the composites industry matures, manufacturers continue their search for vacuum membranes that will maximize production and minimize cost.

Silicone membranes, especially made of high-strength compounds that are postcured for higher heat resistance, have been used for decades as sheets, diaphragms and envelope bags in forming of composite materials in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Currently, DH2211 silicone membranes are often used in processes related to composite materials shaping and forming. These thin silicone membranes facilitate detachment and various types of processing, enabling the manipulation of composites into a variety of forms.

1. Features and benefits

• High physical and mechanical properties at required working temperatures;

• Resistance to thermal ageing, physical and mechanical characteristics decay in time when in contact with areas at high temperatures;

• High elasticity, silicone membrane must not deform also after many work cycles;

• Low superficial coefficient of friction;

• Mechanical resistance to perforation, laceration, tear, elongation and compression;

• Even distribution of heat;

• Uniformity of pattern and even thicknesses of membranes, each superficial defect on the membrane will be transferred on the composites.

2. Applications materials:

(1) Acrylic solid surface ( Corian, Hi-Macs, Staron, Hanex, Avonite, Krion, etc.)

(2) Thermoplastic ( Acrylic, ABS, PVC, PET-G, etc.)

(3) Resysta materials, Polyester felt, etc.

Silicone Membranes for Dye Sublimation Industry

The vacuum heat transfer machine adopts the vacuum heating principle to make the processed products smooth, no spots, no bubbles, and clear lines, to achieve these effects, the key is to use the appropriate conductive medium, which is the silicone membrane, an important part of the transfer printing machine.

At present, our company’s product is made of high-strength industrial fabric as the skeleton layer, and the surface is coated with imported high-resistance silicone rubber. The produced silicone fabric has good elasticity, high tensile strength, and good coating, which is widely used in aluminium profiles, steel doors, and panel sheet surface decoration.

1. Main Advantages

good elasticity, good applicability, large pulling force, hard to break, long lifetime, high temperature resistance.

The white color silicone membrane lifetime for 6000 times under 230°C working temperature.

2. Appearance

one side silicone, the other side for elastic fabric

Standard thickness: 1.2mm, width can be customized.

3. Keywords

thin silicone membranes, trolley membrane, silicone cloth, silicone elastic cloth, sublimation machine membrane, and vacuum membrane for the dye sublimation process

4. Application

membrane form press for 3D sublimation vacuum heat press

Silicone Membrane for Solar Panel Lamination

In the busy and ever-growing solar industry, solar laminators have become more important than ever when it comes to maximizing profits. These machines are designed to quickly and effectively laminate large quantities of solar panels with short laminating times for a fast production rate. With these machines providing better efficiency, solar companies can keep up with demand while reducing waste and costs.

The laminating machines used for high-volume production rely heavily on their silicone membranes. These membranes must be strong enough to withstand the intense output and cycles required of them in order to complete the task efficiently.

Deer Hunter’s top-selling Solar Silicone Membrane is the S5 Generation. After positive feedback from customers, it is replacing the S5+ Gen in 2013. Through diligent research and development, the membrane continued to undergo optimization composition until 2015. Since then, the membrane has been sold globally. The S5 is available in widths over 3500mm and thickness 4mm.

The S5 Gen silicone membrane was designed with a special layer for chemical resistance during the lamination process of photovoltaic modules. This protective layer increases the overall life cycle of the silicone membrane, compared to other membrane materials on the market.

1. Structure

Layer 1 – Black EVA resistant FKM – working layer

Layer 2 – 1 Ply premium aramid fabric reinforcement

Layer 3 – Grey silicone – buffering layer

The black special covering layer combined with the gray silicone backing material ensures good eva resistance ability and good life cycle performance even in the most critical applications.

During the PV panels lamination process, module makers seal all components with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) adhesive film to ensure that module layers remain secure. High heat levels are needed to melt the EVA (typically 145-155 degrees C). These temperatures call for a flexible, durable silicone membrane for use in the solar panel laminator to provide compression on the module in repeated cycles.

It is usually with below technical details:

2. Technica Data Sheet

The technical data have been formulated under normal environmental conditions. They are subject to alteration without notice.

Additionally, natural rubber rolls are not suggested in photovoltaic lamination. For further details, please click solar membranes to learn more.

Silicone Membrane for Glass Lamination

Silicone membrane is an integral part of a silicone vacuum bag, which is specially designed for making safety laminated glass.

A silicone vacuum bag is made up of 2 layers of high tear resistant silicone membranes, sealing strips, vacuum ports, and tubes. Vacuum tubes are the bridge linking the bag with the vacuum pump. Functionally speaking, the whole system is used to pack the glass sheets and EVA/PVB interlayer films, and decorative inserts and create the vacuum inside for the proper laminating process.

The 2-part vacuum bag and our membranes are offered in different sizes and thicknesses (3mm and 2mm). We manufacture our products to meet your application requirements and we like to consult you on-site. Even a stockage in our warehouse is possible.

For further details, please refer to the table below:

For more information about silicone vacuum bags, you can click here.

How Can You Order Silicone Membranes?

The simplest way to order silicone membranes is to find a supplier that specializes in producing and selling them. Be sure to compare prices, shipping times, and customer reviews before making your purchase. Once the order has been placed, you can expect your membranes to arrive according to the timeline specified by the supplier.

If you’re looking for tear resistant rubber silicone membrane sheets, look no further! Here at Deer Hunter, we offer a purchase order process that is simple and efficient. Whether you are an end user, distributor or wholesaler, ordering from our selection of quality products is a breeze – just read the following 17 steps in our purchase order process flow!

1. Initial Inquiry:

You start by sending us an initial inquiry regarding your silicone membrane needs, providing any specific application requirements or preferences.

2. Application Assessment:

Our experts analyze your application requirements in-depth, considering factors like size, thickness, temperature resistance, and other specifications. We may also check our stock status.

3. Product Selection:

Based on our analysis, we recommend suitable silicone membrane products that align with your woodworking application. We provide detailed information about the recommended products.

4. Quotation:

You’ll receive a formal quotation that includes product pricing, delivery terms, and payment conditions.

5. Contract Negotiation:

We engage in contract negotiations to finalize terms, including quantities, delivery schedules, and any customizations required.

6. Purchase Order Confirmation:

Once contract terms are agreed upon, you submit a purchase order (PO) to confirm the order.

7. Proforma Invoice:

We issue a proforma invoice, which you verify for accuracy in terms of products, quantities, and pricing.

8. Advance Payment:

After your verification, you authorize and make an advance payment as per the invoice terms.

9. Production Commencement:

Production begins upon receipt of the advance payment. We ensure the manufacturing process aligns with your specific requirements.

10. Quality Control:

We implement stringent quality control measures throughout the production process to maintain product integrity.

11. Production Completion:

Upon successful production, we notify you and prepare the order for delivery.

12. Balance Payment:

You are required to settle the remaining balance as per the agreed terms.

13. Packing and Shipping:

We meticulously pack your order to ensure safe transportation, and arrange for shipping to your specified destination.

14. Delivery Tracking:

We provide you with tracking information so you can monitor the delivery progress.

15. Goods Receipt:

You receive the goods and conduct a thorough inspection to ensure they meet your expectations.

16. Documentation:

All relevant documents, including invoices, packing lists, and quality certificates, are provided for your record-keeping.

17. Customer Support:

Our customer support team remains available to address any post-delivery inquiries or issues.

This comprehensive process ensures a seamless and efficient procurement experience for silicone membranes, tailored to your specific needs.

In Conclusion

In today’s article, we are not talking about PDMS membranes, which are mainly supplied for laboratory experiments and medical research, and there’s little to no outgassing. These kinds of thin silicone membranes meet application requirements for a very thin silicone gasket or seal made from FDA or USP grade material.  They are commonly available in sheets or continuous rolls with thicknesses ranging from 0.1mm to 1.0mm.

Compared to FDA or USP grade material, thin silicone membranes are peroxide cured silicones, not using platinum cure catalyst system, for what we produce are mainly for industrial uses.

There is no barrier between you and me. Our thin silicone membranes are sold in continuous rolls in Europe, America, the Middle East, etc. The quality of our products is highly rated in some countries, like the USA, Germany, Turkey and India.

Deer Hunter is committed to providing a wide range of silicone membranes in rolls to meet the varying needs of our customers and their industries.

Now it’s your turn. I want to hear from you.

Which kind of silicone membranes do you think you want to try?

Are you going to test this material first or place a trial order from us?

You also can send an inquiry directly from the right table sheet.

For more information, please contact us via your sales associate, our contact form, our mobile/WhatsApp number +86-13823789007, or email us at sales@cndeerhunter.com