"From Beginner to Pro: Master OEM Silicone Rubber Keypads in Just 10 Minutes"

Silicone rubber keypads, also referred to as elastomers, are integral to a wide array of applications due to their resilience, tactile responsiveness, and adaptability. They are extensively utilized in devices such as remote controls, medical equipment, and industrial machinery. In these environments, silicone keypads offer reliable performance under repeated use, making them ideal for user interfaces where precision and durability are paramount. Their ability to endure harsh conditions, coupled with cost-effective manufacturing, ensures their continued relevance in specialized and demanding industries.

The Two Main Material Types of Silicone Rubber

1) Solid Silicone Rubber

This semi-transparent material often referred to as "raw material" before mixing, is widely used in silicone rubber products. Its hardness and color are determined during the mixing process. Solid silicone rubber is non-toxic, odorless, tasteless, and offers excellent electrical insulation properties, making it ideal for applications in food, medical, and electronic industries. 

2) Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)

LSR is a two-part material that is mixed and injected into a mold. Known for its precision, LSR is primarily used for high-precision parts in medical devices and electronics. The automated liquid injection molding process offers excellent control, but it comes with higher costs compared to solid silicone rubber.

In this article, we will focus on the most commonly used material, solid silicone rubber, and how we process it.

Understanding the Molding Process for Silicone Rubber Keypads

• Material Setup

Before molding, the raw silicone material which is typically a translucent or milky white color, is mixed to achieve the desired consistency. If a specific color is required for the keypads, pigments are added during this mixing process. These pigments are carefully blended into the silicone to ensure an even color distribution throughout the material. Once the silicone is properly mixed and colored, it is cut into pieces. These slabs are then carefully placed into the mold, where they are ready to be shaped into the form.

• Vulcanization

Vulcanization is the key phase where the silicone material is transformed into its final shape. Under the influence of heat and pressure, the silicone fills the mold cavity, taking on the exact shape of the keypad. This process not only shapes the material but also solidifies it, ensuring the durability and functionality of the keypad.

• Flash Removal

After the molding process is complete, the keypads are removed from the mold. At this stage, there may be some excess silicone around the edges, known as flash. This flash is carefully torn off by hand to create a clean, finished edge, ensuring that the keypad meets quality standards.

• Post-Curing

The next step is post-curing, where the molded keypads are heated once more to remove any residual catalyst or chemicals. This additional curing process is essential for enhancing the durability and stability of the keypads, ensuring they perform well in various conditions.

• Tool Modifications

Throughout the process, adjustments to the molding tools may be necessary. These modifications can involve fine-tuning the mold design or tweaking process parameters to achieve the best results. By refining the tools, manufacturers can ensure that each keypad meets the required specifications and maintains high quality.

About Tooling 

When it comes to tooling for rubber mat production, the choice of materials is important. Steel is commonly used for making molds because of its durability and ability to withstand the high pressures and temperatures involved in the molding process. A general steel compression mold can typically withstand below.

Cost of OEM Silicone Rubber Keypads

The cost of OEM silicone rubber keypads is driven by several key factors, including the type of silicone used, the finishing requirements, the number of cavities in the tooling, and production volume. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) generally costs more than solid silicone rubber due to the advanced liquid injection molding process, which requires more precise equipment and tooling.

For a standard 12-key solid silicone rubber keypad, the average cost typically falls between $1.00 ~ $10.00 per piece.

Common Applications of Silicone Rubber Keypads

Silicone rubber keypads are widely used across a variety of industries. The medical industry utilizes these keypads in devices such as patient monitors and diagnostic equipment, where their ability to resist harsh cleaning agents and provide reliable operation is essential. In industrial applications, silicone keypads are used in control panels and machinery, often exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals. Automotive manufacturers rely on these keypads for dashboard controls and keyless entry systems, where durability and resistance to wear are critical. This versatility makes silicone rubber keypads a go-to solution for any environment that demands both functionality and resilience.

At JOESMEN, we specialize in delivering high-quality OEM silicone rubber keypads that meet your exact specifications. If you're looking for cost-effective silicone rubber solutions. Our expert team is ready to guide you through material selection, tooling design and production planning to ensure your keypads perform reliably across various applications. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project needs and discover how we can provide the perfect silicone rubber keypad solution for your business.

09/13/2024