Advanced Materials, Author at Advanced Materials

WRAS Approved: What is it and Why is it Important?

Advanced Materials Latest News 10th March 20269th March 2026

Example of a WRAS-approved silicone rubber extrusion that meets strict requirements for use in potable water systems.

When selecting materials for contact with drinking water, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance is crucial. In the UK, WRAS approved status is the established standard certifying that a product or material meets strict requirements for use in potable water systems. For engineers, buyers and industrial decision-makers specifying silicone rubber components, understanding WRAS approval is essential. This article explains what WRAS approval means, its importance and how to specify WRAS-compliant silicone materials correctly.

Advanced Materials Expands Silicone Extrusion Capacity with New Littlehampton Manufacturing Unit

Advanced Materials Company news 9th March 20269th March 2026

Advanced Materials’ new production unit in Littlehampton, West Sussex

Advanced Materials has expanded its silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing capability with the acquisition of a new production unit in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The investment increases the company’s total extrusion capacity by 50% within four years and forms part of a structured, long-term UK manufacturing growth strategy.

Yellowing of Silicone Rubber: Causes and Solutions

Comparison of two silicone rubber extrusions, one clear and one yellowed, showing how environmental or curing effects can cause silicone discolouration over time.

Silicone rubber yellowing is a concern for many buyers and engineers specifying extrusions. However, while it may look like a sign of material degradation, in most cases it is only an optical effect and not a performance issue. With the right manufacturing controls and expert advice, yellowing silicone can be minimised or avoided. This article explains what causes it, why it matters and how suppliers like Advanced Materials help customers prevent it.

If yellowing is an issue in your current supply chain, contact Advanced Materials to discuss suitable non-yellowing silicone solutions.

Thermal Ageing of Silicone Rubber: What It Is and Why It Matters

Advanced Materials Latest News, Quality & Compliance, Silicone rubber extrusions 14th October 20253rd February 2026

Silicone rubber is used for seals, gaskets and extrusions because it remains flexible in both hot and cold conditions. But in high-temperature applications, the critical question is not just can it cope today but how long will it last over prolonged use? Our test data shows that a general-purpose grade can harden by more than 15 Shore A points after just 28 days at 200°C, while a high-temperature grade under the same conditions remains almost unchanged. This process is known as thermal ageing of silicone rubber and it’s the hidden factor that determines service life in high-temperature applications.

For purchasing managers, design engineers and production teams, this is a practical concern. Premature hardening leads to seals that leak, gaskets that crack and unplanned downtime in general. This article explains what thermal ageing is, how it affects silicone rubber and how to specify the right grade for longer performance.

What is Food Grade Silicone?

Advanced Materials Applications, Quality & Compliance, Silicone rubber extrusions, Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing 9th September 202510th November 2025

A variety of brightly coloured silicone rubber extrusion samples in different shapes and profiles, showcasing the versatility of food grade silicone

Food grade silicone is a type of silicone rubber specifically developed for direct contact with food and drink. It meets strict safety criteria to ensure it does not release harmful substances, even when exposed to heat, cold or repeated use. Because of its stability and resistance to chemicals, it is widely used in bakeware, kitchen tools, food processing seals and transfer tubing.

This blog explains what food grade silicone is made of, how it differs from commercial grades, what certifications to look for and how to identify compliant material. It also covers the advantages of using food grade silicone in both domestic and commercial settings, along with essential maintenance advice.

The Importance of Post-Curing in Silicone Rubber Manufacturing

Advanced Materials Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing 12th November 202410th November 2025

Post-curing silicone rubber is the thermal post-treatment step that is essential for achieving superior mechanical properties.

In the world of silicone rubber manufacturing, understanding the importance of the post-curing process is crucial for achieving the desired performance characteristics in final products. This blog will explain the process, why it is necessary and the significance of fully post cured parts in specific applications.

By examining these aspects, manufacturers and stakeholders can make informed decisions that optimise production efficiency while maintaining the quality and reliability required for use across different industries.

Advanced Materials accredited with the official Made In Britain trademark

Advanced Materials Company news, Quality & Compliance, Silicone rubber extrusions, Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing 12th June 20245th September 2024

Advanced Materials is proud to announce its recent Made in Britain Trademark accreditation

Advanced Materials is excited to announce our recent Made in Britain Trademark accreditation and associated membership of the Made in Britain organisation. With growing recognition of the benefits of reshoring manufacturing to the UK, we outline what this accreditation means for us as a UK-based manufacturer and the positive impact it will have on our valued existing and prospective customers.

What is shore hardness and how is it measured?

Advanced Materials Silicone rubber extrusions, Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing 23rd May 20245th September 2024

As a Purchasing Manager, Product Designer or Product Engineer, you understand the pivotal role that identifying the optimal shore hardness of silicone rubber plays in the product development process. Drawing upon our expertise in silicone rubber extrusions and a multitude of previous applications, we can help you determine the appropriate shore hardness for your application.
Through this blog, we bring you real world insights and address all of your shore hardness related questions, including:

Advanced Materials adds new laser etcher to in-house toolkit

Advanced Materials Company news, Silicone rubber extrusions, Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing, Tooling & Design 8th February 20245th September 2024

Advanced Materials N-Lase Integrated machinery enables customers to improve functionality, quality, and traceability of their extrusion products

The new machinery enables customers to improve functionality, quality and traceability of their silicone rubber extrusions.

The Purchasing Manager’s Guide To Silicone Rubber Extrusion Manufacturing

Advanced Materials Silicone rubber extrusions, Silicone rubber extrusions manufacturing 31st August 202322nd October 2025

The Purchasing Manager's Guide To Silicone Rubber Extrusion Manufacturing

If you’re a Purchasing Manager whose role it is to procure silicone rubber extrusions either for resale, or on behalf of your company, then building a reliable and robust relationship with your supplier will be paramount. A strong supply partner will give you the reassurance that the silicone rubber profiles you are purchasing are right for your requirements. Read more

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