LSR Injection Molding

da | Dic 24, 2025 | Injection Molding | 0 commenti

Real Cost of Injection Molds in China

Why It Makes Sense to Source LSR Injection Molding and Production in China

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding is one of the most advanced manufacturing technologies available today, widely used across industries such as automotive, medical & healthcare, baby products, industrial sealing, and consumer goods.

In recent years, an increasing number of European companies have been moving not only LSR part production, but also LSR mold manufacturing, to China. This shift is no longer driven by cost alone, but by a combination of technical expertise, scalability, and industrial maturity.

In this article, we explain why sourcing LSR molds in China is convenient, which industries benefit the most, and which key factors must be controlled to achieve reliable, compliant, and high-quality results.

What Is LSR Injection Molding and Why It Is Strategic

LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) injection molding uses a two-component silicone (A + B) that is mixed and injected into a heated mold, where it vulcanizes and forms a finished elastic part.

Key advantages of LSR injection molding include:

  • Excellent thermal resistance (–50°C to +200°C)

  • High elastic recovery and durability

  • Outstanding chemical and aging resistance

  • Biocompatibility (medical & food-grade materials)

  • Ideal for overmolding with thermoplastics (2K molding)

These characteristics make LSR the preferred solution for critical functional components where reliability and consistency are mandatory.

LSR Injection Molding

Why China Is Highly Competitive for LSR Injection Molds

China has developed a strong and specialized industrial ecosystem for LSR Injection Molding and production, supported by years of collaboration with European and international customers.

LSR Injection Molding LSR Injection Molding
LRS Injection Molding
LSR Injection Molding

1. Proven Technical Know-How

Many Chinese mold makers specializing in LSR work daily with European automotive, medical, and consumer standards. Their expertise includes:

  • LSR cold runner and valve gate systems

  • Precision mold tolerances

  • Proper steel selection (H13 / 1.2344 / S136)

  • Integration with dedicated LSR injection machines

This know-how extends beyond mold manufacturing to process stability and repeatability.

2. Significant Reduction in Tooling Investment

Compared to Europe, the cost of LSR molds manufactured in China can be 30–50% lower, with equivalent technical specifications and mold lifetime — provided the project is professionally managed.

For complex 1K or 2K LSR molds, this difference can represent a substantial saving in upfront investment.

3. Mold Manufacturing and Production Under One Roof

One of the strongest advantages of China is the ability to:

  • build the mold,

  • test it,

  • and start serial production
    within the same manufacturing site.

This reduces:

  • project lead time,

  • logistics risks,

  • communication issues,

  • and total industrialization costs.

LSR 1K and 2K Molds: What to Evaluate

When sourcing LSR molds in China, it is essential to assess:

  • mold type (1K LSR or 2K LSR + thermoplastic),

  • injection system (cold runner / hot runner LSR),

  • mold steel and surface treatment,

  • expected mold lifetime,

  • compatibility with available injection machines,

  • supplier experience with the specific application.

Without proper technical control, the benefits of offshore tooling can be lost.
With the right partner, they are maximized.

LSR Applications: Industries That Benefit the Most

Automotive Industry

In automotive applications, LSR is commonly used for:

  • sealing and gaskets,

  • vibration-damping components,

  • plastic–silicone overmolded parts (2K),

  • interior functional elements (dashboards, buttons, covers).

In this sector, LSR 1K and 2K molds sourced in China allow OEMs and Tier suppliers to reduce tooling costs while maintaining strict performance requirements.

LSR Injection Molding

Medical and Healthcare

LSR is widely adopted for medical and electromechanical devices such as:

  • valves and membranes,

  • masks and wearable components,

  • skin-contact and biocompatible parts.

China hosts several LSR-specialized manufacturers capable of working with medical-grade materials, clean processes, and full traceability.

LSR Injection Molding

Baby Products and Childcare

Baby products require materials that are non-toxic, safe, and certified.
LSR is ideal for:

  • teats and pacifiers,

  • soft-touch components,

  • gaskets and seals,

  • plastic–silicone overmolded parts.

Producing both molds and parts in China enables cost-efficient large-scale production with strict quality control.

LSR Injection Molding

Industrial and Consumer Applications

LSR is also widely used for:

  • technical seals,

  • industrial vibration isolators,

  • functional consumer components,

  • electrical and mechanical protection parts.

Here, China offers a strong combination of tooling capability, production capacity, and cost efficiency.

LSR Injection Molding

DG NARD1 Service Limited: Your Technical Partner in China

DG NARD1 Service Limited supports European companies throughout the entire LSR project lifecycle:

We operate as a technical extension of our clients in China, minimizing risks, misunderstandings, and hidden costs.

Conclusion

Sourcing LSR injection molds and production in China is no longer just a cost-driven decision — it is a strategic manufacturing choice.

When properly managed, it delivers:

  • high-quality results,

  • lower tooling investment,

  • faster industrialization,

  • access to advanced LSR expertise.

The real differentiator is not where the mold is built, but how the project is managed and by whom.

Contact our engineering team today for a confidential consultation on your next project.