Airpad HTS 5553 is a fibreglass reinforced silicone rubber that has high reversion resistance and strength. It provides superior performance for manufacture of rubber tooling such as bladders, pressure intensifiers and pressure caul sheets. The physical properties of the material are a composite of the rubber and glass substrate.
• Cured silicone rubber caul sheets can improve part quality on the bag side of moulded parts.
• Avoid cure shrinkage problems by using cured silicone bonded with uncured material.
• Can be used over complex surface to produce smooth finish.
| Properties listed are typical for the fully cured material | Test method |
| Material type | Uncured fibreglass reinforced rubber | |
| Colour | Red | |
| Hardness | 55 +/- 5 Shore A | ASTM D2240 |
| Maximum use temperature | 232°C (450°F) | |
| Tensile strength | 3,10 MPa | ASTM D412 die A |
Shelf life
| 6 months when stored below 4°C
|
30 days when stored at 22°C
from date of shipment when stored in original packaging |
| Thickness | Width | Length | Packaging Type
|
|---|
| 1,52 mm (0,060 inch) | 96,5 cm (38 inches) | 22,9 m (25 yards) | roll |
Bonding and curing procedure for typical caul pad:
• Clean mould or part face with isopropyl alcohol, then apply mould release.
• Cut Airpad HTS 5553 silicone caul pad material to desired size.
• Place on mould surface and gently press out any entrapped air from between the mould and material.
• Place the next layer over the first, alternating the material joints, if any.
• Three layers are recommended for maximum stiffness.
• Place a layer of A4000 release film and a layer of Airweave® N7 breather over surface.
• Vacuum bag and debulk 20 minutes at 0,85 bar at room temperature.
• Cure at 177°C for 3 hours full vacuum minimum 2 bar.
• Alternative out of autoclave cure cycle: full vacuum 0,85 bar 120°C for one hour and 177°C for two hours.
• Allow to cool below 49°C before removal from tool.
• Trim to size if required.
Post cure instructions:
• Place fully cured material in cool oven exposed to air.
• Ramp temperature to 204°C in 30 minutes.
• Dwell at 204°C for 4 hours.
• Cool below 49°C before handling.
• Any silicone rubber has the potential to transfer. Silicone transfer investigation should be done by the user.
• The maximum use temperature is dependent upon the duration at maximum temperature and is process
specific, Airtech recommends testing prior to use.
Last updated : 2024-07-02
As the conditions or methods of use, including storage, are beyond our control, Airtech International, Inc. does not assume responsibility for the performance of this material for any particular use. The material is sold "as is". Airtech International, Inc. disclaims, and buyer waives, any and all implied warranties, including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and of fitness for particular use. The information contained herein represents typical properties and should not be used for specification purposes. Any translation is provided for your convenience only. The official language is English and the official law is California, USA.
