What is Transparent Silicone?

Transparent silicone is an extremely durable material that is often used in applications where visibility is important. Also known as translucent silicone, this version of clear silicone rubber is see-through, allowing for excellent visibility in applications where visibility may be required. Transparent, or translucent, silicone often retain similar operating temperature ranges and environmental resistant properties as well as excellent flexibility as its other colored silicone counterparts, although not exactly the same. For instance, “Transparent silicone materials have outstanding properties including good flexibility, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, dimensional stability, a wide range of service temperatures, high transparency, and minimal moisture absorption” (pubs.acs.org). Translucent silicone retains a slightly smaller operating temperature range of -103 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit whereas most commercial grade silicones’ ranges are -103 to +500 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its lack of color, translucent silicone is a non-marking material, meaning it will not leave any marks or remnants of color if it is dragged across a surface. Take rubber shoe soles for example; black, or any other colored rubber shoe soles, often leave black or colored skid marks when scraped up against a surface. Clear silicone rubber will be unmarking thanks to its lack of color. This along with its wide operating temperature range makes translucent silicone a highly valued material. Translucent silicone is also often used in applications where visibility is important, such as in food service industries. Overall, transparent silicone is an extremely durable material that is often used in applications where visibility is important as well as a sleek, professional experience.

Silicone – Commercial Grade Translucent – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

Silicone – Commercial Grade Translucent – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

• Ideal for use as seals and gaskets
• Great replacement for plastic materials
• Clear silicone features good resistance to various gases and chemicals
• High-temp silicone can function in temperatures reaching up to 450° F
• A transparent rubber that provides the ability to see through the material

Clear Silicone: The most obvious and distinguishing feature of this silicone material is its translucent and almost see-through appearance. While it shares most of the same resistance properties as other silicone rubbers, its translucent appearance is what sets this material apart. This makes the high-temp silicone material a non-marking rubber. It can be used in various applications without leaving any stains or marks on other parts and surfaces. Translucent silicone rubber is used whenever the visual aspect of an application is important. It can give your project a sleek and professional appearance.

Temperature Resistance: Whether your application is low temp or high temp, silicone rubber will have no problem functioning in such conditions. This transparent rubber can endure temperatures that fall as low as -103° F. On the other hand, it can function in temperatures that reach as high as 450° F. Given this excellent working range, this almost clear silicone can survive and function in a great variety of settings.

Does Clear Silicone Yellow Over Time?

Clear silicone will eventually yellow over time due to prolonged exposure to light and other various environmental factors, including humidity and excessive moisture, that may not be ad damaging to dark colored silicone such as black silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is an extremely durable material that is able to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors and abrasive temperatures; however, too much exposure can accelerate the rate of aging. In addition, there are several different causes of decolorization in clear silicone rubber. For instance, “There are many things that cause sealants to discolor, but basically all can be grouped into 2 categories: Mechanical Action or Chemical Reactions” (researchgate.net). Mechanical actions refer to factors, such as wear and tear, staining solvents, or dust and dirt pick up whereas chemical reactions that cause discoloration in clear silicone rubber include external and chemical formulation. One way of discoloration is brought on by outside forces whereas the other depends on the formulation of the silicone rubber material. However, of all these factors that cause discoloration, photo-oxidation and thermo-oxidation are the most damaging. Case in point, “both routes are similar in that they involve generation of free radicals on sealant components that subsequently rearrange or react with oxygen or other components to form color centers or chromophores…Photo-oxidation is initiated by absorption of photons of light by certain chemical groups. Thermo-oxidation is initiated by heat, but this heat can also come from UV light absorption” (researchgate.net). Silicone rubbers are extremely durable and will last for years in the outdoors, but it will eventually yellow over a period of several years due to aging.

Silicone – Commercial Grade Translucent – 50A – 1/32″ x 36″

Silicone – Commercial Grade Translucent – 50A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Moderate commercial chemical resistance
• Four thickness options: 1/32″, 1/16″, 1/8″, 1/4″
• Individual rolls of this translucent silicone come in 36″ x 50ft

Translucent Silicone: This sheet rubber’s physical appearance is perhaps it’s biggest attraction. People like to use these silicone rubber products for both aesthetic and functional reasons. The versatile nature of this semi-clear silicone sheet is useful for use in applications where you might want the specific part to either blend in or stand out in a contrast to everything around it. One can even make out a surface or object through the body of the material. Translucent silicone is particularly popular for food packaging, laboratory, and electronic applications.

50 Durometer Rubber: This commercial grade translucent silicone rubber is moderately flexible due to a durometer rating of 50 Shore A. Durometer measures how resistant against physical abrasions and indentations that a rubber is. 50A is a mid-level rating that indicates that the rubber is suitable for only light commercial grade physical tasks. The kinds of silicone rubber products made from this material will be more suitable as temperature resistant parts that offer some elasticity.

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What is the Difference Between Clear and Translucent Silicone?

The difference between clear and translucent silicone can be seen through the clarity of the material. Clear silicone rubber, as its name implies, is completely absent of color or cloudiness. On the other hand, translucent silicone is generally a see-through material; however, the visibility of the other side will be cloudy and blurred. Due to their lack of color, both clear and translucent silicone are non-marking rubbers meaning they will not leave a mark or stain when it is rubbed up against something; this is a property that is highly valued in these colorless silicone materials. Each variation of silicone rubber is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, but it is not as resistant to high temperatures as white or other colored silicone sheets. For instance, translucent silicone retains the same low temperature resistance, but its high temperature resistance range is reduced from +500 degrees Fahrenheit to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Various fillers may be added to the uncured silicone material to give it better physical strength; however, this will lower its sheerness, thus reducing its clarity. Despite their difference in clarity, both clear and translucent silicone will be able to provide durable and long-lasting applications in extreme temperatures and caustic chemicals.

Silicone – Commercial Grade Translucent – 50A – 1/32″ x 36″

Silicone – Commercial Grade White – 50A – 1/8″ x 36″

• White silicone sheet rubber features a smooth surface texture
• Has a good level of resistance against fungus

Temperature Resistant Silicone: The one signature trait of any silicone elastomer is the ability to withstand the damaging effects of extreme temperature conditions. This white silicone material can operate in temperatures ranging from about -103 F to 450 F without suffering from any immediate damage to it’s body. It can be left exposed to elevated temperatures for very long periods of time. For this reason, people like to use gaskets made out of this material for use in applications involving very hot or cold conditions.

White Rubber Material: When using this temperature resistance silicone as sealing or gasket material, it is sure to stand out to you thanks to its unique white color. The exact shade of white may vary according to different rolls of this silicone elastomer. A very useful trait of white silicone rubber is that it is considered a non-marking material. The body of this material will not cause any marks on the surfaces or objects it comes into contact with.

Medium Durometer Rubber: Durometer is a measure that is used to indicate how physically resistant a rubber is to indentation. The lower the rating, the more elastic and flexible the material will be. The rating of 50 Shore A indicates that this rubber is better suited for applications where physical durability is not required. It is a more pliable material ideal for fabrication into custom cut parts.

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Does Silicone Come in Colors?

Silicone comes in colors such as black, white, gray, brown, blue, red, and even translucent. The availability of colored silicone makes it easy to identify and organize rubber parts for certain industrial applications. Black silicone rubber is most often used for industrial purposes due to its bold and dark aesthetics. Its bold and striking color makes for a clean and industrial aesthetic that is perfect for industrial settings. Premium grade and good grade silicones are able to withstand higher temperatures than other variations, such as commercial grade, and will be better suited for high temperature applications exceeding 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Food grade silicone rubber, or FDA silicone, as well as premium grade black silicone rubber are able to withstand a wider range of temperatures. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as -103 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as +500 degrees Fahrenheit. Most colored silicone sheets can withstand high temperatures, but not to the extent of premium or food grade silicone. They are able to withstand the same low temperature, but its high temperature resistance is reduced to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these differences, colored silicone sheets are all able to remain durable in outdoors settings, industrial settings, and in applications involving caustic chemicals. The different colors of silicone sheets can help organize industrial settings by color matching for applications. For example, using the incorrect rubber part in an industrial application can cause damage to machinery that may be expensive to repair. Furthermore, broken or failed applications can create hazards that may create an unsafe work environment.

The difference between clear and translucent silicone sheets can be seen through their operating temperature ranges. Because clear silicone rubber is a bit more sheer than translucent silicone, it is able to withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Both variations of silicone rubber are highly resistant to damaging environmental factors, such as UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture, allowing them to be versatile materials for both indoor and outdoor industrial settings. Although they will remain reliable applications in outdoor settings, due to aging caused by constant exposure to light and UV rays, translucent silicone, unlike colored silicone, will eventually turn yellow with time. Despite the differences in color and temperature resistance, translucent silicone rubber will offer durable and long-lasting application in industrial settings, whether it be indoors or outdoors.

Silicone Durometer – Silicone 50A

Silicone Durometer – Silicone 40A

Silicone – Commercial Grade Red/Orange – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

• Able to resist fungus, hot and cold gases, and some chemicals
• Commercial grade material ideal for commercial equipment use

Great Temperature Range: When it comes to working in extreme temperature ranges, it is hard to find something that beats high temperature silicone material. It has a working range between -103° F and 450° F, making it ideal for use in a large variety of settings and applications. A silicone sheet makes excellent seal and gasket material when an application can be corrosive.

Moderate Flexibility: This commercial grade silicone product has a durometer rating of 55-65. This medium grade rating means that the silicone rubber sheets feature a moderate level of flexibility and elasticity. This allows for the sheets to be used as seals, gaskets, and other commercial components with relative ease. While they can be manipulated easily for specific jobs, they also have a moderate degree of durability against physical indentation, ensuring that their finish remains smooth.

Customized Options: Our high temperature silicone sheets are among the most versatile products we have. We appreciate the fact that your application requires a unique part tailored to your specifications. We offer our silicone rubber sheets in various widths and lengths. But no matter what dimensions you get your commercial silicone, it will still possess the unique physical and chemical properties that it is known for.

Silicone – Commercial Grade Red/Orange – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

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