Research & Development
Research and development isn't an add-on here at Silflex; it's embedded everywhere. Continuing investment in material science, silicone technology, tooling precision, and performance testing empowers us to engineer hose solutions that meet or exceed expectations and perform reliably in the most demanding environments worldwide.
With dedicated R&D engineers, on-site testing facilities, and rapid prototyping capability, Silflex is uniquely positioned to develop new materials, refine hose performance, and quickly respond to evolving customer needs.
Our in-house brand, SAMCOSPORT, is a trusted world-leader in aftermarket performance hoses. Its close ties to the pinnacle of motor racing, rally, Superbike and all other forms of motorsport gives us unique access to feedback on the limits of performance that can be achieved with reinforced silicone hose.
Innovating in silicone performance
Silicone acts differently in each environment – heat, pressure, vibration, chemical exposure, routing constraints, and regulatory requirements all shape how a hose must perform. Our R&D team constantly evaluates new materials, reinforcement structures, liners, and silicone compounds to ensure each product we make is engineered for purpose, not compromise.
Our R&D focus includes:
- Developing advanced silicone material
- Specialist liner integration: FKM/Viton Profuel Liner, Silgiene®, fire-retardant compounds
- Temperature stability, aging behaviour, and chemical resistance
- Flow optimisation and routing precision
- Pressure performance boost and structural reinforcement
- Continuous improvement with real-world data
Real-world testing, real-world results
Laboratory testing is key, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. This is why Silflex does in-application field testing wherever operating parameters are unknown or extreme. By proving products in the exact environment they’re designed for, we gain essential feedback that laboratory simulations alone cannot deliver.
Our testing approach includes:
- Pressure, vacuum and burst testing
- Thermal cycling and heat-ageing
- Chemical compatibility tests
- Dimensional stability and tolerance validation
- Field testing on real systems to push operating windows
- Live feedback loops to refine design and material performance
Specialist liner development
Being one of the few silicone hose manufacturers that have in-house specialist liner capability, Silflex can enhance hose performance for applications involving fuel, oil, aggressive chemicals, or sterile media. Our R&D team develops and integrates liners across all Silflex ranges, from standard products to turbocharger/CAC systems and complex bespoke assemblies.
Our specialist liners include:
- Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) – for chemical, fuel and solvent resistance
- FKM/Viton Profuel Liner – engineered for modern fuel systems
- Silgiene® – sterile VMQ liner for pharmaceutical, food and hydrogen applications
- Fire-retardant silicone – tested to BS 6853 for rail and mass-transit use
These developments enable us to tailor the hose performance precisely to the operational environment.
Silflex Testing Lab
Our industry-leading in-house laboratory is equipped with specialist, purpose-built testing equipment designed to meet Silflex’s own exacting standards. The lab supports development, validation, and quality control across every stage of manufacturing.
Capabilities include:
- Pressure & vacuum testing
- Burst pressure validation
- Heat cycling
- Material hardness & tensile strength testing
- Compliance and certification support
- Full traceability documentation
Every product is validated to ensure reliable, repeatable performance.
NQA-Approved ISO 9001 manufacturing
Our R&D efforts are fully supported by a robust quality management system. Operating to NQA-approved ISO 9001:2015, Silflex maintains full traceability, controlled processes, and uncompromising quality at every stage of production. This ensures that every innovation developed by our R&D team is replicated with precision in full manufacturing.
Driven by performance: from motorsport to industry
Our sister brand SamcoSport – the global leader in performance automotive silicone hose – gives Silflex direct access to the most demanding real-world environments. Motorsport provides extreme thermal loads, pressure spikes, chemical exposure, and vibration levels that accelerate development and push materials to their limits.
This performance-driven feedback inspires innovation across all Silflex products, from automotive to marine, rail, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications.
