The SKZ Plastics Center and UNIpace at the University of Kassel launched a research project entitled “ADDmold for LSR” in February 2025. The aim is to enable the injection molding of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) through the use of additively manufactured tool inserts. This opens up new perspectives for the production of prototypes, small series and specialized applications.
Additive manufacturing is now an established part of industrial production, especially when it comes to manufacturing complex or customized components. Resin-based tool inserts in injection molding offer significant advantages over conventional metal tools. In addition to reducing production times, production costs can also be lowered. This makes it possible to economically produce small batches from the desired end material and to make development processes more flexible.
Until now, the use of additively manufactured tool inserts has been limited to the processing of thermoplastics. Liquid silicones, which play an important role in sectors such as medical technology, the automotive industry and electrical engineering, could only be processed using traditional metal molds. This is where “ADDmold for LSR” comes in: The combination of additive manufacturing and silicone processing is intended to create new possibilities for the production of silicone components. The economic advantages of small series production and shortened development cycles can thus also be used for LSR.
This could open up new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. Additively manufactured tool inserts enable a faster response to customer requirements and changing market conditions. As a result, development times can be reduced and customized product solutions can be implemented more economically. At the same time, the quality of the end products is guaranteed.
Ralf-Urs Giesen, Managing Director of UNIpace at the University of Kassel, emphasizes the importance of this research project: “This completely new approach to silicone processing will enable existing companies that already work with silicones to benefit significantly from the advantages of additive manufacturing. The ability to create tools quickly and cost-effectively will significantly increase the innovative strength of this industry.”
Alexander Schulmann, Research Associate Additive Manufacturing at SKZ, adds: “With this project, we are further expanding our expertise in the field of additively manufactured tools. We have already gained extensive experience with thermoplastics and now see great potential in revolutionizing the processing of liquid silicone in the same way.”
Companies can actively participate in the research project and benefit from the results at an early stage. The project committee offers interested companies the opportunity to contribute their own requirements and applications to the development process. Through this collaboration, practical solutions can be developed that sustainably improve the industrial production of LSR components.
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