At Flykeyboard, we frequently receive inquiries from our clients about the shelf life of our silicone rubber keyboards and components. While this may seem like a straightforward question, determining the true shelf life of silicone parts involves a range of variables that manufacturers must consider. The storage conditions play a vital role in maintaining the performance, quality, and longevity of silicone rubber products. In this post, we will explore the key storage practices and industry recommendations to help you maximize the shelf life and reliability of your silicone components.
Understanding Shelf Life and Service Life
Before diving into the specifics of how to store silicone products, it’s essential to clarify two terms that are often misunderstood: shelf life and service life. Although these terms may seem similar, they refer to different aspects of a product’s longevity:
– Shelf Life refers to the period a product can be stored while still maintaining its quality and usability. It’s the time span during which the product remains viable for use, without degradation, when stored in optimal conditions.
– Service Life, on the other hand, defines how long the product performs effectively in its intended application. The service life is influenced by various operational factors such as environmental conditions, physical stress, and wear over time.
Both shelf life and service life are affected by a combination of environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, light exposure, and even the handling and application of the silicone parts.
Key Storage Factors to Extend the Shelf Life of Silicone Products
The Society of Aerospace Engineers (SAE) provides industry-standard guidelines, specifically ARP5316, that focus on best practices for storing elastomers like silicone rubber. Following these guidelines ensures the long-term functionality and viability of silicone components. The three primary factors that significantly impact the shelf life of silicone rubber parts are temperature, humidity, and exposure to light. Let’s dive deeper into each of these.
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Temperature Control
One of the most critical aspects of storing silicone rubber products is maintaining the right temperature. The SAE guidelines recommend storing silicone elastomers within a temperature range of 59°F to 100°F, with an ideal temperature of 68°F.
– Why Temperature Control is Vital: Extreme temperatures—whether excessively high or low—can change the physical properties of silicone rubber. High temperatures can cause silicone to soften, while freezing temperatures may make it brittle. Both extremes lead to degradation in material properties such as flexibility, elasticity, and overall durability.
– Best Practice: Ensure that silicone components are stored in a climate-controlled environment to minimize temperature fluctuations. Avoid direct exposure to intense heat or freezing cold, as these can accelerate material degradation.
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Humidity Management
Humidity is another major factor that can affect the longevity of silicone components. Excess moisture in the storage environment can lead to contamination, mold formation, and premature breakdown of the silicone material.
– Ideal Humidity Levels: The relative humidity in the storage area should ideally remain below 75%. If silicone parts are not stored in sealed, moisture-resistant bags or containers, careful monitoring of humidity levels becomes crucial.
– Why Moisture Is Problematic: Excess moisture can cause silicone rubber to swell, soften, or lose its flexibility. In addition, any adhesives or coatings on the silicone may also be compromised, leading to potential performance failures once the parts are in use.
– Best Practice: Store silicone parts in a dry, well-ventilated, and climate-controlled space where moisture is minimized. To further protect components, consider sealing parts in moisture-proof packaging whenever possible.
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Protection from Light Exposure
Silicone rubber, like many elastomers, is highly sensitive to UV radiation and intense artificial light. Extended exposure to light can cause the silicone to lose its mechanical properties, discolor, or even degrade structurally.
– Why Light Exposure Is a Concern: UV rays can break down the molecular structure of silicone, weakening its elasticity and causing cracks or brittleness over time. Similarly, prolonged exposure to bright artificial light can have similar negative effects, especially with colored or coated silicone parts.
– Best Practice: Store silicone components in opaque, sealed containers or bags to shield them from direct sunlight and artificial lighting. This will help maintain the material’s integrity and extend its useful life.
How Long Can Silicone Components Be Stored?
Under optimal storage conditions, silicone rubber components can theoretically have an unlimited shelf life. The material itself, when properly stored, can maintain its properties indefinitely. However, while the material is stable, industry practices typically recommend using silicone components within 20 years of manufacture to ensure their optimal performance.
Several factors influence the actual shelf life, including:
– The specific formulation of the silicone.
– The type of coatings or additives used in the silicone parts.
– The design and intended application of the components.
Even with proper storage, it’s recommended to periodically inspect silicone parts for signs of wear and degradation. Look for cracks, discoloration, changes in flexibility, or any other signs that may indicate the part’s deterioration.
Flykeyboard’s Commitment to Quality and Long-Term Storage Solutions
At Flykeyboard, we specialize in producing high-quality silicone rubber keypads and components designed for a variety of industries. With years of experience in manufacturing liquid silicone rubber (LSR) products, we understand the importance of proper storage and handling to maintain the integrity of silicone parts.
Whether you’re storing components for the long term or preparing them for immediate use, our expert team at Flykeyboard is here to guide you through the best practices for silicone storage. We offer tailored storage strategies that maximize the shelf life of your silicone products, ensuring that they remain reliable and effective when you need them most.
Our commitment extends beyond manufacturing; we are dedicated to helping you optimize the storage and longevity of your silicone products to ensure they perform as expected throughout their service life.
Conclusion
Proper storage practices are essential for maintaining the durability and performance of silicone rubber keyboards and components. By controlling key environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your silicone parts. At Flykeyboard, we are committed to providing our clients with the expertise and guidance necessary to preserve the quality of their silicone products.
If you have any questions about the best methods for storing silicone rubber components or need assistance with your silicone products, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to discuss your specific storage needs and to receive expert advice from our team. We are always happy to assist you with all of your silicone storage and manufacturing requirements.