Key Silicone Types and Where to Use Them

The rise of automation in construction demands sealants that are not only effective but also perfectly suited for robotic dispensing systems. Consistency, predictable flow, and reliable curing are paramount. Here are the key silicone types engineered to meet these advanced requirements.

1. For Automated Bathroom & Wet Area Fabrication: Sanitary Silicone

Robotic arms excel in the repetitive, precision driven task of sealing bathroom modules and wet area fixtures, ensuring a consistent, hygienic bead every time.

• Robotic Advantage: Perfect for robotic bathroom applications due to its consistent bead control and excellent mould resistance.

• Product Pick: SS100 Wet Area Sanitary Silicone
  The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) confirms its smooth extrusion properties, which is critical for preventing clogs and ensuring a uniform flow through automated dispensing systems. This allows for precise programming of bead size and placement on shower trays, baths, and sinks in a factory setting.

2. For Automated Exterior & Façade Sealing: Roof & Gutter Sealant

Drones and automated rigs can waterproof large exterior areas like roofs and façades quickly, but they require a sealant that delivers reliable adhesion without variation.

• Robotic Advantage: Ideal for automated exterior waterproofing with reliable adhesion to multiple substrates.

• Product Pick: S50 Roof, Gutter & Glass Sealant
  Its consistent viscosity is key for robotics, ensuring uniform application without sagging or dripping. This predictable behaviour allows for seamless, long-bead application on roof panels, gutters, and external cladding by automated systems.

3. For Automated Precision on Premium Surfaces: Natural Stone Silicone

Automating the sealing of expensive natural stone eliminates the risk of human error and potential damage to sensitive materials like marble and granite during installation.

• Robotic Advantage: Safe for delicate robotic applications on sensitive materials where precision is non-negotiable.

• Product Pick: Natural Stone Silicone Sealant
  The neutral cure formula is essential, as it prevents staining and chemical damage to expensive stone surfaces. Its consistent flow characteristics ensure a perfect, repeatable seal on every stone panel or benchtop handled by robotics.

4. For Automated Fire Protection Systems: Fire Rated Sealant

Integrating fire-stopping into automated construction processes is critical for safety and efficiency. Robotic application ensures no gaps are missed in critical fire barrier installations.

• Robotic Advantage: Essential for automated fire protection systems with predictable flow characteristics.

• Product Pick: Fire Rated Sealant
  The TDS verifies its consistent performance and expansion properties under heat, which is vital for quality assurance in automated production. Robots can be programmed to apply the exact required bead size to maintain the fire rating of walls and floors in prefabricated modules.

5. For Versatile, High Speed Automated Assembly: Multi Purpose Silicone

On a fast-moving automated production line, a versatile sealant that bonds to many materials is invaluable for general assembly tasks.

• Robotic Advantage: Versatile for various robotic applications with reliable bonding to most common building materials.

• Product Pick: Multi Purpose Acetic Silicone
  Its consistent curing properties and reliable adhesion to materials like metal, glass, and plastic ensure repeatable results. This makes it a go-to for automated sealing and bonding in the manufacture of building components, from windows to wall panels.