Articles posted by Jehbco Silicones

High-performance silicone extrusions are playing an increasingly important role across Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. As equipment becomes more advanced, buildings more energy-efficient, and compliance requirements more demanding, engineers and procurement teams are placing greater emphasis on materials that deliver long service life, reliability, and consistent performance.

Silicone rubber stands out due to its exceptional temperature stability, UV and weather resistance, chemical inertness, flexibility, and durability. Unlike many conventional elastomers, silicone maintains its properties in extreme environments and under continuous operation, making it an ideal choice for critical sealing, insulating, and protection applications.

The following industries represent the key drivers of silicone extrusion demand in Australia in 2025-2026, and highlight where high-quality, Australian-made silicone extrusions provide the greatest operational and commercial benefit.

1. Construction and Architectural Glazing

The construction and architectural glazing sectors are among the largest consumers of silicone extrusions in Australia. Silicone profiles are widely used for window and door seals, façade gaskets, expansion joints, and fire-rated sealing systems, particularly on exposed commercial buildings and infrastructure.

Market demand in this sector is driven by:

• rising use of energy-efficient glazing and façade systems
• stricter National Construction Code (NCC) performance requirements
• bushfire-resistant construction standards
• Australia’s high levels of UV, ozone, heat and weather exposure

Silicone is ideally suited to these applications because it retains flexibility across a wide temperature range, resists UV/ozone degradation, and maintains elasticity and dimensional stability in harsh outdoor conditions. This durable performance helps maintain watertight and airtight seals for decades without cracking, hardening or shrinking.

A notable example of silicone applications in this sector is Quickjoint by JEHBSIL, Jehbco’s purpose-engineered solid silicone expansion joint seal designed specifically for architectural gap sealing. Unlike traditional wet sealants, Quickjoint is a pre-cured silicone extrusion that delivers:

• Guaranteed factory finish on every joint, ensuring consistent quality and appearance without defects at project completion
• Quick installation, with no tooling off required and no need for specialised caulking skills
• No early expansion and contraction issues typical of site-applied sealants
• Colour matching to façade panels and custom sizes to suit project requirements
• No backing rods, masking tape or clean-up work
• All-weather installation, including the ability to install even if rain is forecasted

Figure 1. Applications of Quickjoint by Jehbsil, a custom engineered solid silicone solution for architectural gap seals.

Quickjoint’s solid silicone construction means it is already temperature and weather resistant, and it expands and contracts with a building more reliably than conventional wet sealants. It can be installed in very hot temperatures without specialised labour, saving both time and cost on site and eliminating the installation constraints and mess associated with liquid sealants.

Typical construction applications for Quickjoint by JEHBSIL include:

• façades and exterior cladding systems
• curtain wall joints
• expansion and control joints in precast concrete, marble, granite and timber panels
• weather sealing of aluminium composite and coated metal panels
• expansion joints on pavement and podium slabs

By combining silicone’s inherent durability and flexibility with a pre-formed extrusion solution, Quickjoint provides a long-lasting, visually clean and mechanically reliable sealing option that protects buildings from water ingress, weathering, and structural movement more effectively than traditional sealants.

2. Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Australia’s food and beverage industry is large and diverse, covering meat processing, dairy, beverage bottling, commercial kitchens, and potable water systems. Manufacturers typically require food-contact-safe silicone that can withstand heat, frequent cleaning, and continuous operation. Common uses include:

• clean tubing for liquid transfer and potable water systems
• oven and equipment door gaskets
• seals for filling and packaging lines
• mixers and conveyor equipment

Jehbco supplies high-quality silicone tubing and sleeves that are odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and chemically resistant, making them suitable for hygienic fluid transfer applications, including potable water applications in food and beverage environments. Jehbco’s silicone tubing is made from pure silicone elastomers and can be manufactured in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses to suit specific systems, including hot and cold drinking water delivery equipment such as Zip Water HydroTap installations, where reliable potable water-safe tubing is essential for seamless operation and compliance with health standards.

Silicone’s heat resistance and compatibility with cleaning chemicals give it long-term performance advantages in food processing environments. Its flexibility and high-temperature stability also help seals maintain integrity over extended production cycles, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while supporting compliance with hygiene and food safety requirements.

3. HVAC, Refrigeration and Building Services

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems continue to be a major source of silicone extrusion demand as Australia focuses on energy-efficient buildings and climate control.

Common silicone applications include:

• duct and panel gaskets
• high-temperature seals for heaters and boilers
• vibration-damping profiles
• rooftop weather seals
• refrigeration door gaskets

Silicone performs exceptionally well in HVAC systems because it maintains flexibility in both hot and cold conditions, seals effectively under low compression forces, and resists degradation from UV exposure on rooftops.

Reliable sealing improves system efficiency by preventing air leakage, directly contributing to lower energy consumption and improved building performance.

4. Medical, Pharmaceutical and Biotech

Medical and pharmaceutical environments demand materials with high purity, stability and repeatable performance. Silicone extrusions are widely used in medical devices, laboratory equipment, cleanrooms, and fluid-handling systems.

Typical applications include:

• tubing for fluid transfer
• gaskets for medical equipment
• seals for diagnostic and laboratory systems
• profiles for cleanroom doors and panels

Platinum-cured silicone is particularly important in this sector due to its low extractables, biocompatibility and sterilisation resistance. Silicone withstands repeated autoclave, chemical and radiation sterilisation without losing mechanical properties.

For medical manufacturers, silicone provides confidence in material safety, consistency and regulatory compliance.

5. Automotive, EV Charging and Heavy Vehicles

Australia’s automotive and heavy-vehicle sectors-including EV infrastructure, mining vehicles, agricultural machinery and aftermarket 4WD products-continue to drive demand for silicone extrusions.

Silicone profiles are commonly used for:

• high-temperature engine bay seals
• dust- and weather-resistant gaskets
• cable and sensor protection
• LED lighting seals
• EV charging enclosure gaskets

Silicone’s resistance to heat, vibration, UV and environmental contamination makes it ideal for demanding vehicle applications. Unlike conventional rubber, silicone maintains sealing integrity in engine compartments and outdoor environments over long service lives.

As EV infrastructure expands, silicone is increasingly used to protect sensitive electronics from moisture and heat, supporting long-term reliability.

6. Industrial Ovens, Plastics and Materials Processing

Manufacturers operating high-temperature or chemically aggressive processes rely on silicone extrusions for oven seals, conveyor systems, insulation strips and chemical-resistant gaskets.

Silicone is particularly effective in:

• industrial ovens and kilns
• plastics and rubber processing equipment
• composite curing systems
• hot-zone insulation applications

Its ability to withstand continuous high temperatures while maintaining flexibility helps minimise heat loss, improve process control, and reduce maintenance. Silicone’s durability under aggressive cleaning regimes further supports uptime and productivity.

7. Mining, Oil and Gas

Australia’s mining and resource sectors operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, creating strong demand for robust sealing materials.

Silicone extrusions are used in:

• electrical cabinets and switchgear
• engine and equipment enclosures
• panel and housing seals
• fire-resistant safety systems

Silicone’s resistance to heat, dust, vibration and chemicals makes it well suited to remote and high-stress applications. Its long service life reduces the need for frequent maintenance-an important advantage in locations where downtime is costly and access is limited.

8. Rail, Transport and Defence

Australia’s rail, transport and defence sectors demand materials that deliver long service life, safety compliance and reliable performance in harsh operating environments. Silicone extrusions are widely used across these sectors due to their resistance to heat, UV exposure, vibration, moisture and environmental degradation.

Typical applications include:

• passenger compartment and door seals
• lighting and signage gaskets
• cable insulation and protection
• vibration- and noise-control profiles
• fire-retardant sealing components

Silicone is particularly valued in transport and defence applications because it maintains flexibility and sealing integrity across extreme temperature ranges, while also offering excellent weathering and ozone resistance. These characteristics are critical in assets exposed to Australia’s challenging climate conditions, including high UV levels, heat, dust and coastal environments.

Jehbco Silicones continues to manufacture silicone seals for Defence, supporting applications where long-term reliability and material stability are essential. Defence operators rely on silicone rubber’s superior durability, resilience and resistance to environmental stress to ensure critical equipment remains operational over extended service lives, with minimal maintenance.

By supplying Australian-made silicone extrusions, Jehbco helps support sovereign capability while delivering sealing solutions trusted in transport fleets and defence assets where failure is not an option.

Figure 2. Sydney Metro Trains, one of the many applications of Jehbco’s silicone extrusions.

9. Water Treatment, Pumps and Irrigation

Silicone extrusions are widely used across potable water, wastewater, filtration and irrigation systems.

Key benefits include:

• resistance to chlorinated and treated water
• suitability for hygienic and potable applications
• durability in continuous operation
• resistance to cleaning chemicals and disinfectants

As Australia continues to invest in water security and infrastructure, silicone provides a dependable sealing solution that supports long service life and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Across Australia’s key industries, silicone extrusions are no longer a niche solution – they are a critical engineering material. The combination of temperature stability, durability, chemical resistance and long-term performance makes silicone an investment in reliability, safety and reduced lifecycle costs.

As industries continue to modernise in 2026 and beyond, demand for high-quality, custom silicone extrusions manufactured in Australia will continue to grow.

Jehbco Silicones supports these industries with locally manufactured silicone profiles, custom tooling, and technical expertise. Whether you require a standard extrusion or a fully custom design, our team works closely with customers to deliver solutions that perform in real-world Australian conditions.

For technical advice, samples or a quotation, contact Jehbco Silicones (https://jehbco.com.au/contact/) and discover how high-performance silicone extrusions can support your next project.

References

1. Dow Silicones – Silicone Rubber Properties and Applications
   https://www.dow.com/en-us/market/mkt-industrial/silicone-elastomers.html
2. Wacker Chemie – Silicone Rubber: Properties and Applications
   https://www.wacker.com/cms/en/products/product-groups/silicone-rubber.html
3. Momentive – Silicone Elastomers Technical Overview
   https://www.momentive.com/en-us/categories/elastomers
4. AZoM – Properties of Silicone Rubber
   https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=9205
5. Architectural Glass & Aluminium Association (AGGA) – Sealant and Gasket Materials
   https://www.agga.org.au
6. Dow – Silicone in Building and Construction
   https://www.dow.com/en-us/market/mkt-building-construction.html
7. National Construction Code (NCC) – Performance Requirements
   https://ncc.abcb.gov.au
8. FDA – Silicone Rubber for Food Contact
   https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-177.2600
9. Australian Standard AS 4020 – Products for Use in Contact with Drinking Water
   https://www.saiglobal.com
10. Wacker – Silicone Rubber in Food Processing
    https://www.wacker.com/cms/en/industries/food/food-processing.html
11. USP Class VI – Biological Reactivity Tests
    https://www.usp.org
12. ISO 10993 – Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices
    https://www.iso.org/standard/68936.html
13. Dow – Medical Grade Silicone Elastomers
    https://www.dow.com/en-us/market/mkt-healthcare.html
14. SAE International – Silicone Elastomers in Automotive Applications
    https://www.sae.org
15. EN 45545 – Fire Protection on Railway Vehicles
    https://www.en-standard.eu
16. Momentive – Flame-Retardant Silicone Rubber
    https://www.momentive.com/en-us/products/silicone-rubber
17. AZoM – Silicone Rubber in Industrial Applications
    https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=15037
18. Wacker – Silicone Rubber for Energy and Power Applications
    https://www.wacker.com/cms/en/industries/energy/energy.html

Silicone materials are rapidly becoming a crucial part of aquaculture infrastructure and conservation— from cage coatings to sealing systems — with their unique characteristic features. With Jehbco Silicones’ proven expertise in high-quality silicone extrusions and components, the aquaculture industry stands to benefit from materials that improve sustainability, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

Advantages of using Silicone

Silicone rubber possesses a variety of properties that are well suited for harsh aquatic environments;

Chemical inertness & non-toxicity -Silicone is inert to water, making it safe for aquatic organisms when used in compatible application as it does not leach any harmful compounds.

Hydrophobic surface- Silicone repels water and minimizes adhesion forces for biological matter. Many biological organisms such as algae, bacteria, and biofilms require water to attach and grow, silicone surfaces make it harder for them to establish a strong bond due to its hydrophobic nature making it an advantage for aquaculture.

UV and weather resistance: long-term durability and minimal degradation, even after prolonged outdoor exposure makes it reliable than other elastomers.

Stability across temperatures — Maintains elasticity in both cold and warm environments, ideal for open-ocean or pond systems. Elasticity is maintained across extreme temperatures ranging from -50°C to 250°C.

Key Applications in Aquaculture

1) Anti-Biofouling surfaces

Silicone-coated netting decreases biofouling compared with raw nets and makes cleaning significantly easier. (Biofouling- the unwanted accumulation of organisms like algae, barnacles, and bacteria on nets and cages)

2) Cage & containment Seals

Resistance to saltwater corrosion, long-term watertight performance, and low maintenance requirements make silicone ideal for floating cages, ponds, and flow-through systems. Its flexibility in being tailored to desired shapes also makes it perfect for dependable seals.

3) Structural Components & Accessories

Silicone tubing, sleeves, and shapes are also valuable in:

Water handling systems — Flexible silicone tubing performs consistently in pumps, filters, and transfer lines due to its chemical inertness and non-toxic nature.

Sensor & instrumentation protection — Silicone’s weather resistance guards electrical and monitoring devices used in water quality testing.

Conclusion

Jehbco Silicones are the manufacturers of high-quality silicone extrusions and we are expertise in designing components for demanding environments. With proven performance in food, medical, and industrial applications, Jehbco silicone solutions are well suited to aquaculture infrastructure where safety, durability, and compliance matter. Custom profiles, seals, and tubing can be developed to suit specific cage designs, water systems, and equipment requirements.

Figure 1: Average water-jet pressure required to remove the major fouling categories from the different net treatments.

References:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/animal-plant-health/pests-diseases-weeds/marine-pests/submissions/10-ssm.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25474085/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0044848699003282

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X22007846

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25474085/

When it comes to chemical resistance, silicone rubber is an exceptional material boasting strong chemical compatibility with a wide range of solvents and commonly used industrial reagents. This extraordinary chemical resistance stands out among other common elastomers, which often fail in contact with common solvents and oils. As silicone is naturally hydrophobic, it boasts excellent resistance to water and weathering, common alcohols, glycols and other medium polarity solvents. Additionally, silicone rubber has excellent chemical compatibility with common food oils such as vegetable oils or animal fat oils. This makes silicone particularly useful for a wide variety of food, water and medical grade applications.  

Typically, general use silicone also boasts good compatibility with and common industrial oils and lubricants, including mineral oil. However, extended exposure can lead to some swelling and decrease in hardness, which may be undesirable based on the end-use application of the silicone article, such as in gasket or other sealing applications. In these cases, specialized grades of silicone can be compounded and extruded which offer higher oil resistance than typical silicone grades.

At Jehbco, we specialize in custom silicone extrusions for a variety of high-spec applications. In addition to our standard general purpose and silicone grade materials, oil-resistant silicone can also be manufactured in 60 ShA hardness grades. This material has been tested for fluid resistance using standard ASTM reference oils IRM 901 and IRM 903, and also Glysantin® G40 aqueous coolant. For these grades, excellent retention of mechanical properties has been demonstrated, including test for hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break and volume change, thus providing our customers with peace of mind against product failure in applications where extensive oil contact is required.

For more information, feel free to contact us through our website portal.

Silicone extrusions serve many industries, from food processing to aerospace. They are known for their versatility, durability, and reliability. In settings where other materials fail, silicone extrusions consistently perform, making them a reliable choice for challenging applications.   

Silicone extrusions are long, flexible shapes made from silicone rubber. They are made through a process called extrusion, where prepared silicone material is pushed through a specially designed die, which is an opening that shapes the final profile. This process creates continuous lengths with a consistent cross-section, whether it’s a solid cord, a hollow tube, or a custom gasket.  After extrusion, the silicone is cured through a process called vulcanization. This important step locks in the shape and improves its mechanical properties, such as flexibility, heat resistance, and tensile strength. 

How the Process Works at Jehbco 

1. Material Preparation (Milling): 
   The process starts with preparing the raw silicone compound. At Jehbco, we add catalysts, curing agents, and pigments to meet specific customer needs. This milling process turns blocks of raw rubber into sheets of rubber with the necessary additives. Jehbco provide silicone in many colours and hardness levels, including hospital-grade and general-purpose options, allowing customers to choose the right fit for their application.   
2. Extrusion: 
   The pre- prepared silicone is fed into an extruder, which is a machine that uses a rotating screw mechanism to push the material forward. As the silicone travels through the machine, it is forced through a precisely engineered die (There are two dies — one to craft the outer diameter and one to craft the inner diameter) creating the desired profile under closely monitored pressure and temperature. The result is a continuous, uniform extrusion, ready for curing. 
3. Curing (Vulcanization): 
   The extruded profile then passes through a curing unit, typically a heated chamber or oven. This step cross-links the silicone molecules, setting the shape and enhancing strength, elasticity, and heat resistance. At Jehbco, the extruded rubber goes through a HAV (Hot Air Vulcanization) Belt, followed by additional curing in a high-temperature oven as needed. 
4. Post-Processing & Quality Control: 
   Once cured from HAV belts, the extrusions pass through a cutting machine located at the end of the HAV belts, when required to cut the extruded profiles in to desired lengths. We conduct comprehensive quality checks at this stage — including profile verification, dimension measurement, surface inspection, bubble detection, and hardness testing to ensure every product meets strict quality standards. 
5. Finishing & Packing: 
   Once the extruded parts are cooled, they are either packed as-is or joined and assembled to suit specific customer needs. Some of the hospital grade and general-purpose extrusions will undergo further vulcanization process in the dedicated ovens which will further enhance their stability. 

Types of Silicone Extrusions 

• Solid Silicone Extrusions: 
  Dense and robust, ideal for applications requiring high strength and minimal compression. 

• Sponge/Foam Silicone Extrusions: 
  Lightweight and compressible, perfect for cushioning, vibration dampening, and soft sealing. 

• Platinum-Cured Silicone Extrusions: 
  Offer superior purity and mechanical performance, making them ideal for medical, pharmaceutical, and potable water applications. 

The field of silicone extrusion continues to evolve with cutting-edge innovations: 

• Fluoro silicone Extrusions for enhanced chemical resistance 

• Conductive Silicone for EMI/RFI shielding 

• Reinforced Profiles for structural and high-strength applications 

As industries push for sustainable and high-performance materials, silicone extrusions are proving to be an essential component in modern engineering solutions. 

Autoclave steam sterilizers are an irreplaceable feature of modern hospitals, clinics and laboratories where sterile equipment and environments are mandatory. Here, autoclaves operate by exposing materials and equipment to saturated high pressure, high temperature steam (often above 15 psi and 130 °C) which eliminates bacteria, virus and fungi, rendering the desired laboratory equipment or medical device sterile. Today, autoclaves are an integral part of modern healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, dental and other industries due to their sterilization effectiveness and relative ease of use. 

Despite their sterilization efficiency, the use of high pressure and high temperature saturated steam necessitates the use of high quality building materials in the construction of autoclave devices. In particular, the autoclave door seal must be able to effectively withstand high temperatures, be water resistant and seal against high pressures. This is especially problematic as many common elastomers that are used in general sealing applications are unable to withstand such temperatures and pressures over a long lifetime.  

Compared to other organic rubber materials, silicone rubber is an exceptionally high temperature resistant material, with an autoignition temperature above 450 °C and a typical maximum service temperature of 200-300 °C. Additionally, silicone is a highly hydrophobic material and is non-swelling in water and other polar solvents, providing it with excellent steam and water resistance. As primary end users of autoclaves are predominantly healthcare, pharmaceutical, food processing and related businesses, food and medical grade silicone rubber is also free of common volatile organic compounds and toxic impurities which prevents leaching of toxic compounds into sterilized equipment.  

Based on its inherent properties, silicone rubber autoclave door seals are durable, steam resistant and unlike other organic rubber materials, do not leach toxic volatile organic compounds into its surroundings. At Jehbco, autoclave seals are also graphite coated as a lubrication to aid in installation and to enhance chemical resistance. While silicone does offer improved steam resistance over common organic rubber materials, autoclave seals still have a lower general durability than a standard seal in a room temperature dry environment due to its operation in a harsh high pressure steam environment. For more information on autoclave graphite seals, please contact us through our website portal.