What are the common surface processes for silicone products?
The choice of surface process is usually made in Appearance and feel, abrasion and dirt resistance, cost and delivery time. The following is an illustration of "Selection Idea + Applicable Scenarios". The following is a description of the "selection ideas + application scenarios".
First, define the goals you want to address
- Just want to look better? (Consistent color and texture)
- Need more abrasion resistance? (prolonged friction, frequent pressing)
- Need fingerprint/oil resistance? (Handheld products)
- Need branding? (Logo, engraving, serial number)
II. Common Processes and Characteristics
1) Body molding surface (without secondary treatment)
- Advantages: low cost, good stability, short delivery time
- Applicable: Functional parts, seals, products that do not have extreme requirements for appearance
2) Oil spraying/coating (including hand oils, etc.)
- Advantages: uniform appearance, more delicate touch
- Concerns: abrasion resistance, risk of paint loss, compatibility with the medium used
- Applicable: handheld, can meet more products
3) Printing (silkscreen/pad printing, etc., depending on the process)
- Advantages: cost-controlled, suitable for simple patterns and text
- Concerns: adhesion, rubbing resistance
- Suitable for: brand logo, button logo
4) Laser engraving
- Advantages: high precision and better durability (depending on material and program)
- Concerns: color contrast, finish, whether it affects appearance consistency
- Suitable for: coding, marking, need for more stable patterns
If the product is to be frequently rubbed with alcohol or rubbed for a long period of time, it is recommended that "rubbing/abrasion resistance" be written as an explicit verification condition, rather than just "to be durable".
Third, how to avoid "sample is very good-looking, mass production overturned"?
- Define appearance criteria: Parting line, burr height, color range
- Clarify test conditions: Number of wipes, friction method, media type
- Do small batch validation: Verify lot consistency at least once
- Confirmation of packaging: Some coatings can be damaged by packaging friction
IV. Procurement communication template (can be copied directly)
- Product use and contact environment: whether oil/alcohol/sweat
- Appearance Objective: matte/glossy/feeling
- Marking method: Printing/Laser engraving/Not required
- Verification conditions: number of times of rubbing resistance, whether to allow slight color loss