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Shin-Etsu
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Shin-Etsu
Shin-Etsu Silicones has introduced its silicone skin with tough performance properties to the market, potentially rivaling CGI as a way for movie-makers to make their creations more life-like.
Select-Skin RTV Elastomers are aimed at applications requiring skin-like materials and come as both a 'super soft' series SES22330 (1:1 ratio) and 'tough skin' series SES22230 (10:1 ratio).
Both series are two-component, heat-cured and addition- cure-type silicone rubber compounds featuring low hardness, high tear strength, low viscosity, high elongation and low tackiness.
The series offer three Shore 00 hardness options. The 'super soft' SES22330 (10, 20, and 30) and the 'tough skin' SES22230 (45, 55, and 65).
All of these products are "extraordinarily soft", according to Shin-Etsu, explaining the texture of this silicone skin is more dry than oily to the touch.
The materials utilised in making this skin are uniquely engineered and ideal for applications such as special effects masks in movie-making, liners for orthopedic prosthetics, cushioning and animatronic skins for use in theme parks - and other kinds of entertainment requiring both a realistic aesthetic and durability.
Shin-Etsu Silicones's North America Marketing Manager Eric Bishop said: "The unique skin-like feel provides numerous performance advantages and creative aesthetic possibilities across a myriad of applications. The Select-Skin RTV Elastomer series' resiliency and toughness delivers unparalleled durability across this span."
A notable advantage for Select-Skin in prosthetics is the ability to insulate longer by distributing peak socket pressures. When used in liners, the materials are ideal for protection from shear forces to reduce compressive stresses and the suspension of the prosthetic device. The materials can also be used to accommodate unique limb shapes and volume fluctuations.
For film animatronics, Select-Skin has a key advantage over CGI and stop motion because a simulated creature has a more natural, physical presence moving in front of the camera in real time.
Being translucent, Select-Skin can be readily pigmented for a customised appearance. The series' fast cure time at room temperature reduces cycle time and improves productivity. Additionally, the material has an extended pot-life of up to 160 minutes.