Silicone Rubber in the Electronics Field

Silicone rubber may not seem too fascinating a topic to learn more about. However, people are often surprised at how versatile and strong it is. That versatility makes it a top choice throughout many industries and fields.

A great example of this is the field of electronics. Few of us think too much about how electrical gadgets and devices work, yet there is a lot going on underneath the shiny exterior of such items. You can bet there is some silicone rubber underneath too, hidden from view yet performing in ways that keep these electrical items safe and in use.

Insulating properties

Insulation is essential in the electronics field. An electrical item will have a current passing through it. It is likely to contain many wires or cables that help make it work as it should. Each wire or cable must be insulated though. The idea is that the current can pass through the wire or cable but not the insulating material.

Since silicone rubber has excellent insulation properties, it is the ideal material to use in these circumstances. It also lasts longer than standard rubber. It is more flexible and versatile in other ways too, which means it is more reliable – ideal when live current is in use.

Protective properties

Insulation seems a sensible role for silicone rubber parts to have. However, its power within the electrical field does not stop there. There are various conditions that could harm some of the delicate parts used in many electrical items. Moisture is an obvious one, but heat can be just as damaging.

Since silicone rubber stands up well against such circumstances, you can expect it to make plenty of appearances in these situations. It acts as a protective and robust layer, making sure the delicate parts inside do not come into contact with water, excess heat, and even friction. All these things could cause damage and reduce the lifespan of the item.

Silicone rubber parts can be created to withstand specific conditions too

Some people assume that all parts made from silicone rubber are identical. That’s not the case, though. There are many ways to create silicone rubber, and while the process is much the same in each case, the outcome may not be.

For example, different formulas and additives can ensure the finished item is stronger under certain conditions than standard silicone rubber. Alterations could be made to ensure the rubber performs better under higher temperatures, for example. This could be more important for some electrical items than others. If the item is designed for use outdoors, it would certainly fare better if tweaks were made when the silicone rubber parts required were being made. And of course, its waterproof nature is another reason why silicone rubber is often found somewhere within outdoor electrical items.

The electrical world would not be the same without silicone rubber parts. Even when you cannot always see them, they’re there, working hard to make sure the item has a longer and safer life.