4 Types of Silicone And Their Differences

Silicone has become one of the most versatile and high-performance materials used in modern manufacturing. From medical devices and kitchenware to automotive seals and electronics, silicone's unique properties—such as heat resistance, flexibility, and biocompatibility—make it ideal for countless industrial and consumer applications.

But not all silicone is the same.

There are several different types of silicone, each engineered for specific functions, processing methods, and performance standards. Understanding the differences between these types is critical when choosing the right material for your product, especially in industries where durability, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the four main types of silicone and explore how they differ in terms of composition, performance, and application. Whether you're a manufacturer, engineer, or product designer, this guide will help you make more informed decisions for your next project.

If you’re looking for high-quality silicone materials and reliable custom solutions, be sure to visit www.yeeshine-tech.com—a trusted supplier of industrial-grade silicone products for global markets.

What Is Silicone?

Before diving into the types, it’s helpful to understand what silicone is. Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It typically exists in the form of rubber, gel, resin, or fluid and is well-known for its flexibility, stability, and resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals.

Silicone is often categorized by its form or curing process, but for practical applications, we commonly refer to the following four main types:

RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) Silicone

LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber)

HCR (High Consistency Rubber)

Fluorosilicone

Each of these types has unique features and is optimized for particular processing methods and environments.

1. RTV Silicone – Easy to Apply, Versatile Curing

RTV silicone is a type of silicone rubber that cures at room temperature, making it incredibly convenient for sealing, bonding, molding, and coating applications. It is typically available in one-part or two-part systems.

Key Characteristics:

Cures without the need for heat

Excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials

Low shrinkage during curing

Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV

RTV silicone is widely used in industries such as construction, automotive, electronics, and DIY repairs. It’s perfect for sealing gaps, waterproofing components, and creating flexible molds.

There are two subtypes of RTV:

RTV-1: One-component system that cures with moisture from the air

RTV-2: Two-component system that requires mixing and offers faster, more controlled curing

While RTV silicone is easy to use and cost-effective, it's generally softer and less durable than molded silicone types like HCR or LSR.

2. LSR Silicone – Precision Liquid Molding

LSR is commonly used in medical devices, baby products, automotive components, and consumer electronics. Because of its flowabilityLiquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a high-purity silicone material with a liquid form that is processed through injection molding. It’s typically a two-part platinum-cured compound known for high precision, fast curing, and biocompatibility.

Key Characteristics:

Excellent for complex, high-volume production

High transparency and strength

Biocompatible and hypoallergenic

Outstanding thermal and electrical resistance

Rapid, automated molding with consistent results

 and fast curing under heat, LSR is ideal for intricate parts with tight tolerances and undercuts.

Compared to RTV, LSR offers higher mechanical strength, better surface finish, and suitability for sterile environments. However, it requires more advanced processing equipment.

3. HCR Silicone – Durable, Heat-Resistant Rubber

High Consistency Rubber (HCR) is a solid, gum-like silicone rubber that is processed using traditional methods like compression molding, extrusion, or transfer molding. It’s often referred to as “milled silicone” or “solid silicone.”

Key Characteristics:

High tensile strength and tear resistance

Can withstand extreme temperatures (-60°C to 250°C)

Excellent flexibility and rebound

Available in a wide range of durometers (hardness)

HCR silicone is widely used in automotive gaskets, insulating sleeves, cable insulation, and high-durability seals. It performs exceptionally well in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

While not as fluid as LSR, HCR silicone provides greater mechanical resilience and is often preferred for heavy-duty applications. It can be peroxide-cured or platinum-cured depending on the required performance and safety standards.

4. Fluorosilicone – Chemical Resistance Under Pressure

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is a specialized type of silicone that incorporates fluorine into its chemical structure. This addition significantly enhances its resistance to oils, fuels, solvents, and harsh chemicals.

Key Characteristics:

Superior fuel and oil resistance

Excellent thermal stability

Maintains flexibility at low and high temperatures

Used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sealing

Fluorosilicone is particularly valuable in fuel system components, aerospace seals, and chemical-resistant O-rings where regular silicone would degrade. However, it is typically more expensive and not as readily available as standard silicone types.

Comparing the Four Types of Silicone

Each type of silicone brings its own advantages depending on the specific application:

Choose RTV silicone for flexible sealing, prototyping, or general-purpose bonding

Use LSR silicone for high-volume, precision-molded components, especially in medical and consumer markets.

Opt for HCR silicone for robust, heat-resistant applications in automotive, industrial, or electrical systems.

Select Fluorosilicone when resistance to oils, fuels, or chemicals is critical.

Making the right selection depends on the performance requirements, production method, and environmental exposure of the final product.

Why Work with Yeeshine Tech for Silicone Solutions?

Choosing the right silicone is only half the battle—working with a knowledgeable supplier is equally essential. That’s where Yeeshine Tech comes in.

Yeeshine Tech is a trusted global supplier of silicone materials and custom-molded components. With years of experience serving industries such as automotive, electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods, Yeeshine offers:

A full range of RTV, LSR, HCR, and Fluorosilicone materials

Custom molding and extrusion services

Engineering support for material selection and design optimization

OEM & ODM solutions tailored to your product

Fast prototyping and global shipping

High consistency and quality control across every batch

Whether you need silicone for high-temperature gaskets, medical-grade tubing, or waterproof electronic seals, Yeeshine Tech can deliver the right product and technical support to ensure your success.

To explore more about their silicone solutions, visit www.yeeshine-tech.com today and request a quote or consultation.

Final Thoughts

Silicone is a powerful and flexible material, but choosing the right type of silicone for your application is crucial to achieving optimal performance and long-term reliability. Whether you need flexibility, heat resistance, biocompatibility, or chemical stability, there’s a specific silicone formulation designed for that purpose.

By understanding the differences between RTV, LSR, HCR, and Fluorosilicone, you can design better products, improve manufacturing efficiency, and reduce failure risks in the field.

And by partnering with Yeeshine Tech, you gain access to premium silicone materials, technical expertise, and responsive service tailored to your business needs.

Ready to bring your silicone-based project to life? Visit www.yeeshine-tech.com to learn more and connect with the experts.