Key Considerations When Choosing a Silicone Molder
Optimizing Optical Silicone Molding for Performance and Efficiency
When selecting a silicone molder for your optical components, several critical factors can impact quality, production speed, and overall cost-effectiveness. A.L.P. brings industry-leading expertise and cutting-edge technology to optical silicone molding, ensuring high precision and rapid turnaround. Here are key considerations to guide your selection process.
Capacity
A.L.P. LexaLite® offers an extensive lineup of seven Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding machines to accommodate projects of various sizes and complexities:
• 80-ton
• 180-ton
• 220-ton
• Three 240-ton
• 660-ton
Advanced Technology
Our state-of-the-art injection molding equipment includes essential production enhancements:
• Built-in conveyor systems for streamlined handling
• Electro Servo injection technology for superior control
Unique Molding Capabilities
With the capacity to mold parts up to approximately 200 square inches, our equipment is ideal for a wide range of optical applications. The low viscosity of Liquid Silicone Rubber requires molds built with extremely tight tolerances to prevent leaks, ensuring the highest precision in molded components.
In-House Tooling Resources
A.L.P. maintains high-speed machining centers and advanced surface grinding capabilities, allowing us to produce critical tooling in-house. This capability significantly reduces lead times and enhances quality control throughout production.
Rapid Prototyping
Speed to market is crucial in today’s competitive environment. Our precise machining processes minimize the need for extensive polishing, allowing us to produce production-ready inserts in weeks rather than months. This streamlined approach ensures faster prototype iterations and accelerated product development.
Materials Expertise
With over a decade of experience in optical silicone molding, our team has extensive knowledge of LSR materials. We understand the unique molding requirements of optical-grade silicones and engineering molds with the precision necessary to prevent leakage and maintain part integrity.
In-House Testing for Quality Assurance
To guarantee superior product performance, we offer:
• Photometry Lab: Enables real-time evaluation of first-run samples
• Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM): Ensures molded parts meet precise design specifications
Partner with A.L.P. LexaLite® for Optical Silicone Molding Excellence
With our cutting-edge silicone molding technology, in-house tooling expertise, and commitment to quality, A.L.P. is your ideal partner for bringing optical silicone molding projects from concept to production—quickly and efficiently.
A.L.P. Monterrey Earns ISO 9001:2015 Certification, Enhancing Quality and Value for Customers
A.L.P. is proud to announce that our Monterrey, Mexico manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, a globally recognized benchmark for quality management systems. This certification underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality products and services to our customers. For customers across lighting, medical, automotive, appliance, and mass transportation industries, the certification offers added assurance that A.L.P. Monterrey meets rigorous international standards for quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
“This is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of our team’s dedication to operational excellence and our strategic focus on being a trusted partner to OEMs,” states Adam Mayse, A.L.P.’s President and COO.
The Monterrey facility is strategically located in one of Mexico’s key manufacturing corridors, offering proximity to major customers and suppliers. Capabilities at this location include injection molding, compression molding, optical silicone molding, and metal fabrication.
Congratulations to the entire Monterrey team for their hard work and focus in achieving this important certification—another step forward in strengthening A.L.P.’s value to our customers.
Why Silicone is Revolutionizing Optical Molding
In the world of precision optics, choosing the right material for your molding project can significantly impact performance, durability, and efficiency. Optical silicone molding is emerging as a game-changer, offering advantages that surpass traditional thermoplastics. A.L.P. provides industry-leading expertise in optical silicone molding, combining advanced equipment, tooling, and optical engineering to deliver high-quality solutions. Our in-house photometry lab enables real-time evaluation of first samples, ensuring optimized results from concept to production.
The Advantages of Optical Silicone Molding
When selecting materials for optical applications, Moldable Optical Silicone (MOS) stands out due to its unique properties. Here’s why optical silicone is revolutionizing the industry:
Superior Optical Clarity and Light Transmission
• Optical silicone provides greater than 91% light transmittance, ensuring maximum efficiency in lighting and optical applications.
• A refractive index of 1.41, it enables high-performance optical designs.
Exceptional Moldability and Precision
• Its low viscosity allows for excellent mold replication, capturing fine details with precision.
• Unlike thermoplastics, silicone requires low clamp tonnage, reducing production costs and complexity.
• Negative draft (undercut) features can be achieved with optical silicone, making it highly versatile for complex geometries.
Unmatched Durability and Environmental Resistance
• Silicone offers an exceptional continuous service temperature range from -45°C to +200°C, maintaining stability in extreme conditions.
• Most optical silicone grades are immune to UV degradation, ensuring long-lasting performance without yellowing or material breakdown.
• Exceptional impact resistance makes it ideal for rugged applications.
Versatility in Molding and Integration
• Insert molding capabilities with plastic, metal, and glass allow for integrated component manufacturing.
• Silicone expands when molded, allowing for thicker wall sections with no sink marks, a common issue with thermoplastics.
• Its ability to provide self-gasketing and self-mounting functionalities reduces the need for additional components and assembly steps.
Why Choose A.L.P. for Optical Silicone Molding?
A.L.P. stands at the forefront of optical silicone molding, leveraging cutting-edge equipment, innovative engineering, and a dedicated in-house photometry lab. Our expertise ensures:
• Rapid prototype development and testing
• Precision molding with complex geometries
• Reliable, high-performance optical solutions for demanding applications
If you’re considering optical silicone molding for your next project, A.L.P. is your trusted partner. Contact us today to learn how we can help bring your vision to life with industry-leading silicone molding solutions.
2025 Trade Show Calendar
A.L.P. will be participating in many major lighting industry events in the coming months. Be sure to stop by to discuss your requirements and applications with our expert team!
IES25 | The Lighting Conference
August 21-23, 2025
Anaheim Marriott
Anaheim, California
IES Street & Area Lighting Conference
September 21-24, 2025
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
New Orleans, LA
LEDucation
April 14-15, 2026
New York Hilton Midtown
New York City, NY
Light + Building 2026
March 8-13, 2026
Frankfurt am Main
Press Release: A.L.P. Appoints Jeff Schirm as Southern Region Manager to Drive Growth in Custom Molding
[Niles, IL] — A.L.P. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Schirm as Southern Region Manager, based out of the company’s ISO9001-certified manufacturing facility in Dickson, TN. Jeff brings over 20 years of experience in engineered plastics, with a strong background in working directly with some of the world’s largest manufacturers and their mechanical design engineering teams across the globe.
Throughout his career, Jeff has developed deep expertise in a wide range of base materials with precise specifications for form, fit, and function. He has actively supported 17 diverse markets that demand strict manufacturing standards and has managed both direct and independent sales representatives throughout North America. His experience also includes overseeing customer-driven capital equipment projects in manufacturing and distribution environments, handling complex requirements from system design to project management and implementation.
In his new role at A.L.P., Jeff will focus on generating and serving custom molding business, targeting markets outside of lighting, including automotive, medical, appliance and HVAC.
Located in the thriving Nashville Metropolitan area, Jeff is well-positioned to engage with some of the country’s fastest-growing companies. His extensive plastics industry knowledge and local market insight will play a pivotal role in expanding A.L.P.’s reach into these high-growth sectors.
“We are excited to welcome Jeff to the A.L.P. team,” said Tom Barnes, Vice President and Business Manager at A.L.P. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we broaden our custom molding capabilities and strengthen our presence in new markets.”
Meet A.L.P. at 2025’s Top Lighting Trade Shows!
See You at the Show!
A.L.P. is excited to showcase our extensive catalog of lighting components and custom manufacturing capabilities at several premier U.S. lighting industry trade shows in 2025.
We understand the importance of in-person interactions. Before investing in components for your fixture design, it’s essential to see them, test them, and ensure they meet your exact objectives. Similarly, when selecting a partner for custom-molded optical components or fabricated metal parts, sitting down with manufacturing experts is key to building trust and confidence.
With corporate travel budgets tighter than ever, making the most of your time and resources is critical. That’s why the A.L.P. team is committed to maximizing the value of your trade show visits. We’re bringing our best innovations and brightest experts to these industry-leading events:
LEDucation | March 18–19, 2025 | New York, NY
Lightfair International | May 4–8, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV
IES25—The Lighting Conference | August 21–23, 2025 | Anaheim, CA
IES Street and Area Lighting Conference | September 21–24, 2025 | New Orleans, LA
We’d love to connect with you at these shows! Visit our booth to explore our products, meet our team, and discover how we can support your projects. To ensure dedicated time with us, contact your regional sales manager to schedule a one-on-one appointment. If you’re planning to attend, let A.L.P. help make your trip worthwhile!
A.L.P. is a leading global supplier of lighting components, providing a diverse portfolio of products and services tailored to the needs of lighting OEMs and the aftermarket. From LED to legacy applications, A.L.P. delivers the industry’s most comprehensive range of optical components, LED fixture kits, custom services, and more. With over 40 years of experience, A.L.P. continues to set the standard for quality and innovation. The company’s premier brands, including LexaLite® and Steel Craft, are trusted worldwide for their performance and reliability.