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., In-house Tooling, injection molding, LexaLite, Liquid Silicone Rubber, LSR, Moldable Optical Silicone (MOS), Optical Silicone, Rapid Prototyping, Silicone Molder
New Silicone TIR Optic for Outdoor Lighting is Virtually Indestructible
Delivers 91% light transmission without sacrificing durability or performance.
A.L.P. is pleased to introduce the new 1100 Series, a Type V Total Internal Reflection (TIR) optic optimized for COBs with a Light Emitting Surface of up to 18mm. Designed for use in outdoor lighting or other high-power applications, the optical-grade Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) optic provides excellent transmittance, impact resistance and high temperature operation while being immune to UV degradation. The 1100 Series offers 65-degree beam distribution, allowing for greater spacing while maintaining uniformity.
Its flange provides mounting features that are compatible with off-the-shelf frames, and bottom side of the optic includes mounting alignment features.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS:
“18-V-W”: 18mm LED / type 5 (V) / Wide beam distribution
Designated LED size: 18
Light distribution type: V (5)
Beam description: Wide
FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Excellent uniformity
- Unlimited service lifetime
- Mounting features matching other off-the-shelf optics
- Greater than 91% light transmittance
- Continuous service temperature range -45 to +200º C
- Impact, chemical and UV resistant
In addition to manufacturing the innovative 1100 Series, A.L.P. has unsurpassed capacity and expertise in optical silicone molding. We can produce custom silicone components quickly and cost effectively, in either Charlevoix, MI or Monterrey, MX, with 80-ton, 180-ton, 220-ton, 240-ton and 660-ton press capacities.
Contact your Bill Brown Sales regional manager for more information.
1100 Series, 18mm, A.L.P., COBs, LexaLite, Liquid Silicone Rubber, LSR, optical-grade, Outdoor Lighting, Silicone Optic, TIR Optic