Both materials are silicone elastomers, but they behave very differently during processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LSR is a low-viscosity liquid material that is usually processed by injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HCR is a high-viscosity solid silicone rubber that is commonly processed by compression molding, transfer molding, or conventional rubber injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right choice depends on the product design, production volume, tolerance, application, material requirements, and total project cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide compares LSR and HCR from an engineering and purchasing perspective to help you choose the most suitable process for your custom silicone product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR stands for Liquid Silicone Rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is normally supplied as a two-part liquid system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two components are mixed at a controlled ratio and injected into a heated mold, where the silicone cures into the final part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because LSR has very low viscosity, it can flow into small cavities and fine features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes it suitable for precision components with complex geometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical LSR applications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is widely used in industries where repeatability, cleanliness, and automated production are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR stands for High Consistency Rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also commonly called high consistency silicone rubber or solid silicone rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike LSR, HCR has a thick, gum-like consistency before molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It usually requires mechanical mixing and preforming before being placed into the mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is commonly processed through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical HCR applications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is widely used because of its flexible processing options and relatively economical tooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest difference between LSR and HCR is how the material is processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is liquid and is generally injected into a closed mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is solid or semi-solid and is generally loaded into a mold as a preformed piece of material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e41\u0e15\u0e01\u0e15\u0e48\u0e32\u0e07\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\u0e21\u0e35\u0e1c\u0e25\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e1a\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, the correct process should be selected during the early design stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR has very low viscosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows the material to flow into small channels, thin walls, micro-features, and complex cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is therefore particularly suitable for products that contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR has higher viscosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not flow as easily into very small features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, HCR performs well for many medium and large silicone products with relatively simple geometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your product has very fine details or complex internal structures, LSR may offer better molding performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tooling cost is one of the most important differences between LSR and HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR molds are usually more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0e1e\u0e27\u0e01\u0e40\u0e02\u0e32\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e08\u0e15\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, LSR tooling normally requires a higher upfront investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression molds for HCR are generally simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mold structure may be easier to design and manufacture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This usually results in a lower initial mold cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For small production quantities or simple products, HCR can therefore be more economical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Production volume is another major factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is particularly suitable for medium- and high-volume production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because LSR molding can be highly automated, the process can achieve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For large-volume projects, the higher tooling cost can often be offset by lower unit production costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR molding typically requires more manual operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For lower-volume projects, this may still be economical because the initial tooling cost is lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR production can be highly automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the process is established, operators may only need to monitor the molding system and perform inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This reduces labor cost per piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR compression molding often requires more manual handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workers may need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As labor costs increase, automation becomes more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For high-volume production, LSR often provides better long-term cost efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR injection molding offers excellent process consistency when the mold and process parameters are properly controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is suitable for precision applications where repeatability is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR can also achieve good dimensional control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, because more manual steps may be involved, process variation may be slightly higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For products with critical dimensions, the manufacturer should review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tolerance should always be defined based on functional requirements rather than applying unnecessarily tight tolerances to every dimension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flash is excess material that forms around the mold parting line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR molds can achieve very small flash when designed and machined correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Precision mold alignment and controlled injection help reduce flash formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is particularly important for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR compression molding generally produces more visible flash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional trimming may therefore be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For products where appearance or sealing performance is critical, flash requirements should be specified during the RFQ stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both LSR and HCR can produce high-quality surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final appearance depends mainly on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is often preferred for precision products with smooth or detailed surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is also suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For consumer products, mold texture can be used to create different visual and tactile effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is widely used in applications where cleanliness is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the material can be processed in a closed system, contamination risk can be reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes LSR suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR can also meet food-grade and medical-grade requirements when the correct silicone material and manufacturing controls are used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The choice should be based on the actual material standard and application requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is commonly used for medical silicone components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e17\u0e31\u0e48\u0e27\u0e44\u0e1b \u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e41\u0e01\u0e48:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is suitable for medical projects because of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, not every medical silicone product requires LSR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR may also be used for larger or simpler medical silicone components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Material certification and process validation are more important than simply choosing one molding method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both LSR and HCR are widely used in baby care and food-contact products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is often selected for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is commonly used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For baby care products, important requirements may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best molding method depends on product structure and production volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is especially suitable for automated overmolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be molded onto compatible substrates such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e2b\u0e25\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e17\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22 LSR \u0e16\u0e39\u0e01\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e43\u0e19:<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR can also be used for overmolding, but the process is generally less automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the project requires tight bonding control and high production consistency, LSR is often preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thin-wall silicone components are difficult to mold using high-viscosity materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR flows easily into thin sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0e2a\u0e34\u0e48\u0e07\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\u0e17\u0e33\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e21\u0e31\u0e19\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e30\u0e2a\u0e33\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For very thin products, LSR usually provides better filling performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is often more economical for large silicone products with relatively simple structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using LSR for these products may not provide enough benefit to justify the higher tooling investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In such cases, HCR compression molding can offer a better balance between tooling cost and production cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The total cost should be evaluated based on the complete production program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project with 1,000 parts may favor HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project requiring hundreds of thousands or millions of parts may benefit more from LSR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For early-stage development and small production quantities, HCR compression molding is often easier to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lower tooling investment can reduce development risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the final product will definitely use LSR during mass production, it may be better to develop the prototype using a process closer to the final production method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can help validate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prototype strategy should match the final production goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is generally more suitable for high-volume automated production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the mold and process are validated, production can run with relatively little manual intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes LSR attractive for industries such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For very large volumes, the lower labor cost and higher productivity can significantly reduce unit cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before choosing the molding process, consider the following questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-volume projects often favor LSR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lower-volume projects may favor HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thin walls, fine details, and microstructures may favor LSR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large and simple shapes may favor HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the initial tooling budget is limited, HCR may be more practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Precision components may benefit from LSR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is better suited to highly automated manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is commonly selected for these applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large silicone parts are often more economical with HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One common mistake is choosing only based on mold price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lower mold price may look attractive at the beginning, but a labor-intensive process can become expensive during long-term production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another mistake is selecting LSR simply because it is considered more advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is not automatically the best choice for every product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A large, simple silicone pad may be produced more economically using HCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The correct decision should balance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both LSR and HCR are important silicone manufacturing technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neither process is universally better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is generally more suitable for precision, complex, thin-wall, high-volume, and automated applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is often more suitable for simple, larger, lower-volume, and cost-sensitive products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a custom silicone project, the best process should be determined by the complete product requirements rather than material preference alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fuhongying provides custom silicone molding, LSR injection molding, HCR compression molding, and silicone overmolding services for OEM and ODM projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We support applications in baby care, medical devices, consumer electronics, automotive components, sealing products, sports products, and industrial silicone components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Send us your 2D drawing, 3D file, sample, estimated order quantity, and application requirements for a DFM review and quotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is a low-viscosity liquid silicone that is normally injection molded. HCR is a high-viscosity solid silicone that is commonly compression molded or transfer molded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR normally requires more expensive tooling, but the automated production process can reduce labor and unit cost for high-volume production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HCR is often more economical for low-volume or simple custom silicone products because compression tooling is generally less expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is widely used for medical components because it supports precision molding, automation, and clean processing. However, HCR can also be suitable depending on the product design and material requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LSR is commonly preferred for precision and automated silicone overmolding, especially for plastic, metal, medical, automotive, and electronic components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Both LSR and HCR materials can be supplied in food-grade formulations. The correct material should be selected according to the required food-contact regulations and application conditions.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When developing a custom silicone product, one of the most important manufacturing decisions is choosing the right molding process. Two of the most common options are: Both materials are silicone elastomers, but they behave very differently during processing. LSR is a low-viscosity liquid material that is usually processed by injection molding. HCR is a high-viscosity […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1856,2821,2822,47,1857,39,2820,1570,65,2807,1373],"class_list":["post-2862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-news","tag-custom-silicone-molding","tag-hcr-molding","tag-high-consistency-rubber","tag-liquid-silicone-rubber","tag-liquid-silicone-rubber-molding","tag-lsr-molding","tag-lsr-vs-hcr","tag-silicone-compression-molding","tag-silicone-injection-molding","tag-silicone-manufacturer","tag-silicone-oem"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2862"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2866,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862\/revisions\/2866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fhysilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LSR-vs-HCR-Silicone-2-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. What Is LSR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. What Is HCR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. LSR vs HCR: Main Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Material Flow and Product Complexity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Tooling Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
LSR Tooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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HCR Tooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Production Volume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Labor Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Precision and Tolerance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Flash Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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10. Surface Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Material Purity and Cleanliness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Medical Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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13. Baby Care and Food Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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14. Silicone Overmolding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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15. Thin-Wall Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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16. Large and Simple Silicone Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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17. LSR vs HCR Cost Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
LSR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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HCR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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18. Which Process Is Better for Prototypes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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19. Which Process Is Better for High-Volume Production?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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20. How to Choose Between LSR and HCR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is the Estimated Annual Volume?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Product Geometry Complex?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is the Tooling Budget?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Tight Tolerances Required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Automation Important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Product Used in Medical or Precision Applications?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Product Large?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. LSR vs HCR Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/th> LSR<\/th> HCR<\/th><\/tr> Material Form<\/td> Liquid<\/td> Solid \/ Gum<\/td><\/tr> Main Process<\/td> Injection Molding<\/td> Compression \/ Transfer Molding<\/td><\/tr> \u0e04\u0e48\u0e32\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e08\u0e48\u0e32\u0e22\u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1c\u0e25\u0e34\u0e15\u0e41\u0e21\u0e48\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e21\u0e1e\u0e4c<\/td> Higher<\/td> Lower<\/td><\/tr> \u0e23\u0e30\u0e1a\u0e1a\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e15\u0e42\u0e19\u0e21\u0e31\u0e15\u0e34<\/td> \u0e2a\u0e39\u0e07<\/td> Medium to Low<\/td><\/tr> Labor Requirement<\/td> Lower<\/td> Higher<\/td><\/tr> \u0e1b\u0e23\u0e34\u0e21\u0e32\u0e13\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1c\u0e25\u0e34\u0e15<\/td> Medium to High<\/td> Low to Medium<\/td><\/tr> Thin-Wall Capability<\/td> Excellent<\/td> Moderate<\/td><\/tr> Complex Geometry<\/td> Excellent<\/td> Good<\/td><\/tr> Precision<\/td> \u0e2a\u0e39\u0e07<\/td> Good<\/td><\/tr> \u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e04\u0e27\u0e1a\u0e04\u0e38\u0e21\u0e41\u0e1f\u0e25\u0e0a<\/td> Very Good<\/td> Moderate<\/td><\/tr> Overmolding<\/td> Excellent<\/td> Possible<\/td><\/tr> Large Simple Parts<\/td> Possible<\/td> Very Suitable<\/td><\/tr> Medical Applications<\/td> Very Common<\/td> Possible<\/td><\/tr> Prototype Cost<\/td> Higher<\/td> Usually Lower<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 22. Common Mistakes When Selecting LSR or HCR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u0e2a\u0e23\u0e38\u0e1b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u0e04\u0e33\u0e16\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e1e\u0e1a\u0e1a\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the main difference between LSR and HCR?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is LSR more expensive than HCR?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which is better for small production quantities?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which silicone process is better for medical products?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which process is better for silicone overmolding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can both LSR and HCR use food-grade silicone?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n