Wiper Blade Question

[Footpounds]

I thought of this while I was replacing my wiper blades yesterday. Do any companies make wiper blades (inserts) that are made of orange silicone? It works well in oil filters and stays flexible in extreme temperatures so why not wipers? All I've ever seen are black rubber ones.

 

[firemachine69]

So you want a wiper-blade based on the pigmentation?

 

[XS650]

Silicone is pretty delicate stuff to use as wiper blade inserts. It tears and cuts easily. It can also be any color.

 

[Footpounds]

Originally Posted By: firemachine69
So you want a wiper-blade based on the pigmentation?


No. It can be purple for all I care. It's just that in the oil filters I've seen it used on, it's orange.

 

[glennc]

Silicone rubber is just a type of "rubber" compound in which the carbon atoms are replaced with silicon atoms. C and Si are in the same column of the periodic table,

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http...1&ct=image&cd=1

but the bigger, heavier Si atoms give it some improved properties, heat resistance for example.

Just like ordinary rubber, it can be made to have a variety of different characteristics. It needn't be as soft and flexible as the stuff in an oil filter, in other words.

I know PIAA sells "silicone" wiper blades. I have no experience with them but I guess at least one company is making wiper blades with at least some silicone rubber.

 

[firemachine69]

Okay, good to know, because I'm aware of a few ricers that might actually think that way...


Isn't it just simple, flexible silicon anyways in the filter? If so, good question, as I was under the assumption my Reflex wipers were lined with basic silicon, perhaps I'm incorrect!

 

[XS650]

Silicone could be a reasonable coating for a blade with a stronger material providing strength.