Silicone products proofing process, in the rapidly changing manufacturing field, silicone products with its excellent high and low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, soft elasticity and environmental protection characteristics, widely used in medical, food, electronics, home and other industries. From the idea of a novel silicone product to the presentation of the final product, the proofing process is a crucial bridge. It is not only related to the verification of product design, but also the cornerstone of subsequent large-scale production.
The proofing of silicone products is the starting point for the perfect combination of designer inspiration and engineering technology. This process requires not only the exact reproduction of the original design intention, but also the characteristics of the material and the feasibility of the production process. From the preliminary design communication to the final sample confirmation, every step contains the unremitting pursuit of details and strict control of quality. Next, we will step by step uncover the mystery of silicone products proofing, understand the professional process and ingenuity behind it.
1. Design communication and confirmation
At the beginning of proofing, the primary task is to conduct in-depth communication with customers or designers to clarify the design concept, functional requirements, appearance size and material requirements of the product. At this stage, both parties need to confirm the design details repeatedly to ensure that the design concept is accurately communicated to the production team. At the same time, the realizability of the design is evaluated according to the characteristics of the silica gel material, and the design is fine-tuned if necessary to meet the production process requirements.
2.3D modeling and drawing
After confirming the design is correct, enter the 3D modeling and drawing stage. Professional CAD (Computer Aided Design) engineers use 3D modeling software to build accurate models of products according to design requirements. This process not only requires the appearance of the model to be consistent with the design, but also requires detailed labeling of key information such as internal structure, wall thickness, and assembly relationship. Subsequently, detailed production drawings are generated, including two-dimensional plans, section views and necessary dimensioning, to provide accurate guidance for subsequent mold production.
3. Mold design and manufacturing
Mold is the key to the molding of silicone products. According to the production drawings, the mold designer will design the mold that meets the product shape and structure requirements. The choice of mold materials, structural design, processing accuracy, etc., have a direct impact on the molding quality and production efficiency of the product. In the process of mold manufacturing, it is necessary to go through multiple processes such as precision machining, polishing and assembly to ensure the accuracy and durability of the mold.
4. Raw material preparation and mixing
The choice of silicone raw materials is equally important, and the appropriate silicone type (such as food grade, medical grade, etc.) and additives need to be selected according to the product use. After the raw material is ready, the mixing process is entered, and the silica gel is evenly mixed with the necessary additives through a professional mixer to form a rubber material that meets the requirements. In the mixing process, parameters such as temperature and time should be strictly controlled to ensure the stable performance of the compound.
5. Vulcanization molding
Vulcanization molding is the core of silica gel product proofing. The mixed compound is injected into the mold, and the compound is vulcanized in the mold by heating and pressurizing. In the vulcanization process, it is necessary to strictly control the process parameters such as temperature, time and pressure to ensure the dimensional accuracy, appearance quality and physical properties of the product. After forming, it is necessary to carry out post-processing procedures such as stripping and dressing to remove excess raw edges and ensure that the product is clean and beautiful.
6. Quality testing and evaluation
After the proofing is completed, the samples need to be strictly tested and evaluated for quality. The tests cover dimensions, structural integrity, physical properties (such as tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, etc.) and functional tests. If necessary, it is also necessary to conduct environmental adaptability tests, such as performance under high temperature, low temperature, humidity and other conditions. Through comprehensive testing, ensure that the samples meet the design requirements and customer expectations.
7. Feedback and adjustment
According to the test results and customer feedback, the sample is adjusted and optimized. It may involve design fine-tuning, mold correction, process parameter adjustment and many other aspects. After adjustment, proofing and testing are carried out again until the sample fully meets the requirements.
Through a series of rigorous processes such as design communication, modeling and drawing, mold manufacturing, raw material preparation, vulcan molding, quality testing and feedback adjustment, we are able to convert designers' creativity into accessible, high-quality silicone products.