Silicone in Mechanical Engineering

Our Expertise – High-Quality Silicone Products for Mechanical Engineering

Modern mechanical engineering faces unprecedented challenges. Industry 4.0, increasing efficiency requirements, and stricter environmental standards are driving the demand for innovative materials and technologies. In this dynamic environment, silicone has established itself as an indispensable material, impressing with its exceptional properties and offering reliable solutions for the most complex machine applications.

Mechanical engineering is characterized by exceptionally complex and versatile applications that place diverse demands on the silicone material used. From high-precision machine tools to robust industrial plants and sensitive measuring devices – every application requires tailor-made solutions. Lindemann Silikon GmbH & Co. KG has established itself as a competent partner in mechanical engineering and has been developing specialized silicone solutions for the diverse requirements of this demanding industry for years.

Key Application Areas of Silicone in Mechanical Engineering

Precision Machine Construction: Highest Demands on Accuracy and Reliability

Precision machines require components that function reliably even under the most extreme conditions. Our silicone hoses have been specially developed for use in high-precision applications and offer exceptional dimensional stability and long-term durability.

The unique property of silicone to maintain its mechanical properties consistently over a wide temperature range makes it the ideal choice for precision applications. While other materials change their properties with temperature fluctuations, silicone ensures consistent performance and precision.

Especially in metrology and calibration devices, the advantages of silicone become clear. Its low thermal expansion and excellent aging resistance ensure long-term stable measurement results and significantly reduce maintenance intervals.

Vibration Damping: Protection for Sensitive Components

Modern machines generate complex vibration patterns that can damage sensitive components. Our silicone molded parts offer optimal solutions for vibration damping and isolation. They protect sensitive electronics, measuring devices, and precision components from harmful vibrations.

The viscoelastic properties of silicone enable effective damping over a wide frequency range. At the same time, the long-term stability of the material ensures constant damping properties over the entire machine lifespan.

Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Reliable Sealing Under Pressure

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems are the heart of many machines and place the highest demands on sealing materials. Our silicone fabric hoses offer the optimal solution for high-pressure applications in these critical systems.

The textile reinforcement enables safe use at high operating pressures, while the silicone matrix simultaneously ensures chemical resistance and temperature stability. This combination makes them the first choice for demanding hydraulic and pneumatic applications.

Automation Technology: Precise Solutions for Intelligent Systems

Automation technology requires components that not only function reliably but are also precisely controllable. Our silicone profiles offer tailor-made solutions for guides, seals, and protective components in automated systems.

Our silicone solutions have proven particularly effective in robotics and CNC machines. They ensure precise movements, protect against contamination, and significantly reduce maintenance efforts.

Product Portfolio for Mechanical Engineering

Silicone Hoses: Versatile Solutions for All Areas

Our silicone hoses for mechanical engineering are manufactured to the highest quality standards and offer exceptional mechanical properties. They are used in cooling systems, lubricant lines, and compressed air systems. Various wall thicknesses and diameters allow for optimal adaptation to specific requirements.

Special formulations offer additional properties such as increased abrasion resistance, improved chemical resistance, or optimized electrical properties for special applications. The flexibility of our production processes also allows for the smallest batch sizes for prototypes and special applications.

Molded Parts by Injection Molding: Precision for Complex Requirements

Complex machine applications often require tailor-made solutions with precise geometries. Our state-of-the-art injection molding process enables the production of precise silicone molded parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances. These are used as seals, dampers, membranes, and protective components.

Our in-house toolmaking and design department can meet even the most demanding customer requirements. From the initial concept idea to series production, we accompany our customers through the entire development process.

Profiles for Special Applications

Our silicone profiles are specially developed for machine applications and offer optimal solutions for sealing applications, edge protection, and guides. They can be supplied in various hardnesses from 5° Shore to 90° Shore to meet specific mechanical requirements.

Frame-welded silicone profiles enable the realization of complex geometries and closed contours. This technology opens up completely new possibilities for innovative machine designs.

Inflatable Seals: Innovative Solutions for Variable Requirements

For applications with variable sealing requirements, our inflatable silicone seals offer innovative solutions. These intelligent systems enable, for example, the variable sealing of machining centers or the temporary isolation of machine areas.

Their precise controllability makes them the ideal choice for automated production facilities. They can be activated or deactivated as needed and offer optimal adaptation to different operating conditions.

Typical Applications in Practice

Machine Tools: Precision and Reliability

Machine tools place the highest demands on all components used. Our silicone solutions ensure precise guides, reliable sealing, and effective vibration damping. In CNC machines, they ensure precise movements and protect sensitive components from chips and coolants.

Spindle seals made of silicone ensure optimal smooth running and long service lives. Their resistance to cooling lubricants and mechanical stresses makes them a durable solution for this demanding application.

Packaging Machines: Hygiene and Efficiency

Packaging machines in the food and pharmaceutical industries require materials that meet the highest hygiene requirements. Our food-grade silicone solutions ensure safe packaging processes without contamination of the products.

Conveyor belts, guides, and seals made of silicone enable high packaging speeds while maintaining optimal product quality. Their easy cleaning and disinfection contribute to compliance with strict hygiene regulations.

Printing Machines: Precision for Perfect Results

Modern printing machines require the highest precision and reliability. Silicone components play a crucial role in ink transfer, paper guiding, and print quality. Silicone roller covers ensure even ink distribution and optimal printing results.

Their resistance to printing inks, solvents, and mechanical stresses makes them a durable solution for this demanding application. At the same time, their precise surface structure enables optimal print quality.

Textile Machines: Flexibility for Complex Processes

Textile machines require components that function reliably even at high speeds and complex movements. Silicone solutions ensure precise thread guiding, reliable sealing, and effective vibration damping.

Their flexibility and abrasion resistance make them the ideal choice for moving components in looms, knitting machines, and other textile processing equipment.

Innovation and Future Technologies

Industry 4.0: Silicone for Networked Production

The digitalization of production brings new requirements for sensors, actuators, and control systems. Silicone-based seals and protective components ensure reliable functioning of sensitive electronics even in harsh industrial environments.

Intelligent production facilities, IoT sensors, and automated systems benefit from the reliability and longevity of our silicone solutions. They enable precise process control and contribute to increased efficiency.

Additive Manufacturing: New Possibilities Through 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing opens up completely new possibilities for the production of complex silicone components. Our development department continuously works on innovative manufacturing processes that enable even the most complex geometries to be realized economically.

Sustainability Through Durability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in mechanical engineering. Silicone contributes to sustainable production concepts through its exceptional durability. The long service life of our products reduces maintenance efforts, material consumption, and downtime over the entire machine lifespan.

At the same time, the recyclability of silicone enables environmentally friendly disposal at the end of its life. This makes our products an economically and ecologically sound investment.

Material Variety and Customization Options

Hardness Range: From Soft to Hard

Our own silicone compounds cover a hardness range from 5° Shore to 90° Shore and allow for optimal adaptation to specific application requirements. Very soft materials are ideal for damping applications, while hard formulations are used for structural components.

Foamed silicone grades offer additional damping properties while simultaneously reducing the weight of the components. This property is particularly important in aerospace and lightweight construction.

Special Formulations for Special Requirements

For special application requirements, we develop special silicone formulations with optimized properties. Electrically conductive variants enable EMC shielding, while flame-retardant formulations offer increased safety in critical applications.

Chemically resistant special grades withstand aggressive media and enable use in chemical and process engineering. Each formulation is developed and optimized according to specific customer requirements.

Quality and Certification

International Standards for Mechanical Engineering

All our products for mechanical engineering comply with the relevant international standards and norms. Regular tests and certifications ensure that our silicone solutions meet the highest quality and safety requirements.

Continuous Quality Control

Our comprehensive quality management system ensures consistently high product quality. From raw material selection to final inspection, all processes are subject to strict controls. Modern testing methods enable the precise characterization of mechanical and physical properties.

The Silicone Advantage

• High mechanical properties over a wide temperature range
• Exceptional flexibility and wide Shore hardness range
• Food conformity for packaging and processing machines
• Excellent aging resistance and UV resistance
• Chemical resistance to oils, greases, and solvents
• Precise tolerances and geometries through modern manufacturing processes
• Long-term stability and low maintenance
• Individual customization through in-house compound development

Important Standards

• EU 1935/2004 – Materials in contact with food
• BfR XV – German recommendations for silicone elastomers
• FDA §177.2600 – US food approval
• DIN EN 681 – Elastomer seals for pipelines
• ISO 3601 – O-rings for hydraulics and pneumatics
• ASTM D2000 – Classification of elastomers
• DIN 53505 – Shore hardness of elastomers

Typical Applications

• Vibration dampers and vibration isolators
• Protective profiles and edge protection profiles
• Frame-welded silicone profiles
• Membranes for pumps and valves
• Spindle seals for machine tools
• Guides and plain bearings
• Hydraulic and pneumatic seals
• Roller covers for printing machines
• Conveyor belt seals
• EMC shielding for electronic housings

Contact Us Now

Are you interested in our products or have a special request for your machine application? Our experienced team is happy to assist you and develop the optimal silicone solution for your specific requirements together with you.

Use our contact form or call us directly. We look forward to supporting you in the development of innovative machine solutions and demonstrating the advantages of our high-quality silicone products. Together, we shape the future of mechanical engineering.