BISCO® MS-1640
BISCO® MS-1640 is a premium translucent solid silicone sheeting rated at 40 Shore A, produced from a low volatile, peroxide-free, platinum-cured raw material for use in life science and medical device applications. It delivers a non-toxic, chemically inert cured product with a glossy smooth surface finish and is rated for service from -80°F to 450°F. The material meets USP Class 6 requirements and is compliant with 21 CFR 177.2600.
Key Properties
- Durometer, Shore A: 40 ±5 — ASTM D2240
- Tensile Strength: 1000 psi — ASTM D412
- Elongation: 700% — ASTM D412
- Compression Set, 70 Hours @ 212°F @ 25%: 6% — ASTM D395
- Specific Gravity: 1.14 g/cc — ASTM D297
- Temperature Range: -80°F to 450°F
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Material / Substrate | Solid Silicone | — |
| Color | Translucent | — |
| Surface Finish | Glossy Smooth | — |
| Specific Gravity | 1.14 g/cc | ASTM D297 |
| Thickness | 0.010″, 0.015″, 0.031″, 0.063″, 0.094″, 0.125″, 0.188″, 0.250″, 0.375″, 0.500″ | — |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Durometer, Shore A | 40 ±5 | ASTM D2240 |
| Tensile Strength | 1000 psi | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation | 700% | ASTM D412 |
| Tear Resistance | 140 ppi | ASTM D624 |
| Compression Set, 70 Hours @ 212°F @ 25% | 6% | ASTM D395 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Temperature Range | -80°F to 450°F | — |
Regulatory / Compliance Data
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| USP Class 6 / 21CFR177.2600 | Compliant | — |
Compliance
- USP Class 6 / 21CFR177.2600 — Compliant
- Gaskets and seals for medical devices requiring a balance of compliance and physical strength
- Bio-pharmaceutical equipment seals and fluid control components
- Wearable monitoring device components requiring flexible, body-compatible silicone
- Noise and vibration control elements in diagnostic and laboratory instrumentation
- Health tech OEM sealing and gasketing in regulated manufacturing environments
Common industries: Medical devices, bio-pharmaceutical, diagnostic instrumentation, wearable health technology, laboratory equipment.
BISCO® MS-1640 is a soft-to-medium grade in the MS-16 series at 40 Shore A, providing a step up in tensile strength and tear resistance over the 30 Shore A grade while maintaining excellent flexibility and a 6% compression set.
Produced from a low volatile, peroxide-free, platinum-cured silicone compound, it yields a non-toxic and chemically inert cured product suited for life science sealing, bio-pharmaceutical equipment, and health tech OEM applications requiring both compliance and physical robustness. The glossy smooth surface finish supports hygienic use in precision environments.
At 1000 psi tensile strength and 140 ppi tear resistance, this grade offers meaningfully improved mechanical performance over MS-1630 while retaining 700% elongation. The 6% compression set (70 hours @ 212°F @ 25% deflection) ties MS-1630 for the lowest in the series, supporting long-term sealing integrity under sustained load.
Compliant with USP Class 6 / 21CFR177.2600 — Compliant.
What differentiates BISCO® MS-1640 from softer and firmer grades in the MS-16 series?
BISCO® MS-1640 delivers 1000 psi tensile strength and 140 ppi tear resistance — a significant step up from MS-1630 — while maintaining the same low 6% compression set and a soft 40 Shore A durometer. This combination makes it the preferred choice in life science applications where gaskets must withstand physical handling and installation stress without sacrificing the elastic recovery needed for long-term sealing.
Why is compression set an important consideration for solid silicone elastomers in medical and life science applications?
Compression set measures how well an elastomer recovers its original thickness after sustained compression. In medical device gaskets and seals, a material with high compression set will permanently deform over time, degrading the seal and potentially compromising sterility or fluid containment. BISCO® MS-1640 achieves 6% compression set (70 hours @ 212°F @ 25% deflection per ASTM D395), indicating strong elastic recovery suited for long-term sealing performance in regulated environments.
What is the temperature range for BISCO® MS-1640?
BISCO® MS-1640 is rated for service from -80°F to 450°F, as listed on the TDS.
Is BISCO® MS-1640 suitable for medical device and regulated life science environments?
Yes. BISCO® MS-1640 is compliant with USP Class 6 and 21 CFR 177.2600, and is produced from a low volatile, peroxide-free, platinum-cured raw material providing a non-toxic and chemically inert cured product, as stated on the TDS.
How should BISCO® MS-1640 be specified?
Specify grade (BISCO® MS-1640), thickness, compliance requirements (USP Class 6 / 21CFR177.2600), dimensional tolerances, and finished format.
