What is the difference between a tin and platinum based silicone?Updated 22 days ago
Tin-based silicone (condensation cure) uses tin salts as a catalyst, releases byproducts during curing, and has a shorter lifespan with slight shrinkage. It’s commonly used for general mold-making but isn’t ideal for long-term or food-safe applications. Platinum-based silicone (addition cure) uses platinum as a catalyst, cures without byproducts, and offers superior durability, minimal shrinkage, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and UV. It’s biocompatible, making it suitable for medical, food-grade, and high-end industrial applications but is sensitive to cure inhibition from contaminants like sulfur and latex.
