Silicone Ð manufacturing process On the one hand silicon is the one of the most common chemical element in structure of nature, on the other hand Ð silicon is very useful in many human industries. Silicone as a material is synthesized from pure silicon crystals and variety organic groups as methyl, ethyl and many others. It is one of the most important component of many devices, machines, packages and daily-use items. There are four different ways of manufacturing silicone, which depends from what it would be used. 1.Extrusion molding.. 2.Transfer molding. 3.Compression molding. 4.Liquid injection molding (LIM). Ad. 1 Method based on distortion or flow, under high pressure a small portion of seal into a clearance between two mating parts. By time to time we can watch Òflash effectÓ Ð when some excess of molding material left around silicone part due to two surface mold mating, especially around seals and other round shape parts. Ad. 2 This is a second method of molding silicone. Raw silicone material is placed in larger or smaller pot (depends on manufacture) which is located between the plate (also called the top plate) and a plunger. Then it is squeezed from the pot through small gates (also through sprue cutters) into the main mold cavity. Ad. 3 Third way of manufacturing silicone is called compre-ssion molding. It is a process in which a preload ma-terials of silicone compound is usually placed straight up in cavity where the molding process is starting. After that material is compressed to shape of closure of the mod (of course the it is the best when compressed material is very similar to shape of mold). After properly cured material is removed, mold cleaned and the process can be started again. Ad. 4 It supposed to be the most efficient method of manu-facturing silicone which also offering the lowest costs with high effectiveness and many, many part of volumes. Heated, dual-component silicone in flowable state is injected or forced straight into the mold cavity. Liquid injection molding is quite similar to transfer molding, but manufactured material is supplied on without breaks through injection nozzles. Choosing one of this method of manufacturing silicone is usually related with sort of products which are produced. For example Ð the best method for perform seals is extrusion method, but we have to remember that there is possibility of mentioned flash effect. For the best manufacturing siliconeÕs surgical devices and medical instruments should be used transfer molding, because of fact that it allows for design instruments with unique look and really ergonomic feel. Compression molding is the most suitable method for molding large, fairly com-plicated in structure parts, which needs high-volume and high-pressure process. LIM process allows production with nearly zero waste of using material, so it is the most economical way of producing or manufacturing silicone. As we see manufacturing processes of silicone are very different and high-complicated. But in my opinion in these days life without silicone is not possible, because it use as rudimentary ingredient in manufacturing electronics, such as computerÕs processors, medical devices, such as breast implants, or daily use items, such as seals, rubber gloves or impregnate into parchment paper.