The Complete Guide to Silicone Rubber Extrusions: Types and Uses
Silicone rubber extrusions play a critical role in a wide range of industries across the UK, offering sealing, protection, and insulation in everything from ovens and enclosures to food processing and pharmaceuticals. Thanks to their versatility, flexibility, and high performance in extreme conditions, they’re used in countless commercial and industrial applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore what silicone rubber extrusions are, how they’re made, the different types available, and how to choose the right profile for your application.
What Are Silicone Rubber Extrusions?
Silicone rubber extrusions are continuous lengths of silicone rubber that have been shaped using a high-precision extrusion process. The silicone is pushed through a shaped die, resulting in a consistent profile that can be used for sealing, cushioning, or insulating applications.
They’re available in many shapes, sizes, and grades—off-the-shelf or fully customised.
At Silicone Rubber Products, we manufacture and supply both standard and custom silicone rubber extrusions, serving a wide range of sectors throughout the UK.
How Are Silicone Rubber Extrusions Made?
The process of creating silicone rubber extrusions involves:
- Mixing and Compounding – Silicone is blended with curing agents and additives to achieve specific properties (e.g. food safe, flame retardant).
- Extruding Through a Die – The compound is forced through a precision die that shapes the material into a continuous profile.
- Curing – The shaped profile is heat-cured, solidifying its structure.
- Cutting or Coiling – Profiles are then cut to size or wound into rolls, depending on the application.
The result is a strong, flexible silicone extrusion tailored to fit tight tolerances and perform reliably over time.
Common Types of Silicone Rubber Extrusions
Different shapes serve different purposes. Here are the most widely used types of silicone rubber extrusions:
1. Silicone Rubber Profiles
General-purpose shapes such as P, D, E, and U profiles for sealing and cushioning. Common in doors, windows, and control panels.
2. Silicone Sealing Strips
Flat or bulb-shaped strips used for creating airtight and watertight seals. Ideal for oven doors, cleanrooms, and enclosures.
3. Silicone Rubber Cords
Round cross-section extrusions often used for O-ring making, gasketing, or flexible joints.
4. Extruded Silicone Gaskets
Custom-cut sections designed for compressive sealing in machinery, food processing, or pharmaceutical systems.
5. Food Grade Silicone Extrusions
Made from non-toxic, FDA-compliant compounds suitable for contact with food or drink.
6. High Temperature Silicone Extrusions
Formulated for heat resistance up to 230°C or more—perfect for ovens, heating systems, and industrial equipment.
Where Are Silicone Rubber Extrusions Used?
Silicone rubber extrusions are found in a vast array of UK industries:
- Food & Beverage – Seals for mixers, conveyors, and ovens using food grade silicone extrusions.
- Medical & Pharma – Non-reactive profiles for sterile environments.
- Construction & Glazing – Silicone rubber profiles for windows, curtain walls, and weather seals.
- Automotive & Transport – Gaskets, trim seals, and vibration dampening profiles.
- Electronics & Enclosures – Insulating silicone sealing strips for IP-rated cabinets.
- Aerospace & Defence – Lightweight, high temperature silicone extrusions for performance-critical parts.
Key Benefits of Silicone Rubber Extrusions
Why choose silicone over other elastomers?
- High Temperature Resistance – Performs reliably from -60°C to +230°C
- Non-Toxic and Inert – Safe for sensitive applications including food and pharma
- Weather and UV Resistant – Long-lasting in outdoor and exposed environments
- Compression Recovery – Maintains shape and seal integrity
- Flexible & Lightweight – Easy to install and shape around corners or curves
- Customisable – Supplied in endless custom silicone rubber extrusion formats
What to Consider When Choosing Silicone Rubber Extrusions
When selecting a silicone rubber extrusion, consider the following:
1. Profile Shape and Size
Choose from common shapes or request a bespoke die to match your application’s dimensions.
2. Material Grade
Opt for food grade, flame retardant, or high temperature silicone extrusions depending on the environment.
3. Colour
We offer clear, red, blue, white, and custom colours for easy identification or compliance.
4. Hardness (Shore A)
Soft profiles for flexible seals or firmer ones for structural applications.
5. Quantity and Format
Available as coils, pre-cut lengths, or joined to form complete extruded silicone gaskets.
Why Choose a UK Supplier?
Working with a trusted UK silicone extrusion manufacturer like Silicone Rubber Products means:
- Access to local design and technical support
- Faster lead times and shipping
- Strict compliance with UK and EU standards
- Fully customisable production capabilities
Whether you need a one-off prototype or a high-volume production run, we’ve got the tools and expertise to deliver.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Silicone Extrusion Needs
We offer technical advice and custom solutions for all industries. If you’re unsure what profile suits your application, our team is ready to help.
Phone: 01903 732088
Email: sales@silcoproducts.co.uk
Explore our full range of silicone rubber extrusions online or request a custom solution today. Visit the Silicone Extrusions product page to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the difference between silicone rubber profiles and cords?
A1: Profiles come in shaped cross-sections (e.g. P, U, D) for sealing or edge protection, while cords are round and used for general gasketing or sealing applications.
Q2: Can silicone rubber extrusions handle high temperatures?
A2: Yes, high temperature silicone extrusions can withstand temperatures up to 230°C or more, making them ideal for ovens, heating equipment, and automotive use.
Q3: Do you offer custom silicone rubber extrusions?
A3: Absolutely. We provide custom silicone rubber extrusions tailored to your exact profile, material, colour, and hardness requirements.