Airpad HTS 5553 is a fiberglass 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 molded 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 fiberglass reinforced rubber | |
| Colour | Red | |
| Hardness | 55 +/- 5 Shore A | ASTM D2240 |
| Maximum use temperature | 232°C (450°F) | |
| Tensile strength | 450 psi (3.10 MPa) | ASTM D412 die A |
| Shelf life | 6 months when stored below 40°F (4°C)
30 days when stored at 72°F (22°C)
from date of shipment when stored in original packaging |
| Thickness | Width | Length | Packaging Type
|
|---|
| 0.060 inch (1.52 mm) | 38 inches (96.5 cm) | 25 yards (22.9 m)
| roll |
Bonding and curing procedure for typical caul pad:
• Clean mold or part face with isopropyl alcohol, then apply mold release.
• Cut Airpad HTS 5553 silicone caul pad material to desired size.
• Place on mold surface and gently press out any entrapped air from between the mold 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 25 in. Hg (0.85 bar) at room temperature.
• Cure at 350°F (177°C) for 3 hours full vacuum minimum 30 psi (2 bar).
• Alternative out of autoclave cure cycle: full vacuum 25 in. Hg minimum (0.85 bar) 250°F (120°C)
for one hour and 350°F (177°C) for two hours.
• Allow to cool below 120°F (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 400°F (204°C) in 30 minutes.
• Dwell at 400°F (204°C) for 4 hours.
• Cool below 120°F (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.
