Silicone bibs can be produced using either liquid silicone (LSR) or solid silicone (HTV). The specific choice depends on product positioning, cost budget and performance requirements. The following is an analysis of the characteristics of the two materials and their actual applications in the production of silicone bibs:
Advantages of using liquid silicone (LSR) to produce silicone bibs
Safe and non-toxic
LSR is a food-grade silicone that complies with international safety standards such as FDA and LFGB. It is non-toxic and odorless, has stable chemical properties, and can directly contact infant skin and food, making it suitable for making highly safe maternal and child products.
Flexibility and comfort
LSR has a soft texture and excellent resilience. It fits the neck curve when worn to avoid friction or pressure on the skin, and is especially suitable for the delicate skin of infants and young children.
High molding precision
LSR is produced through liquid injection molding (LIM), which can achieve complex shapes and fine textures, such as cartoon patterns, three-dimensional shapes, etc., to enhance the beauty and fun of the product.
Easy to clean and durable
LSR has a smooth surface, is not easy to absorb stains, dries quickly after cleaning, and has excellent tear resistance and aging resistance, long service life, and can maintain softness and elasticity for a long time.
Features of solid silicone (HTV) for producing silicone bibs
Cost-effectiveness
HTV has low raw material costs and mature production processes, which are suitable for large-scale production, can reduce product unit prices, and meet the needs of the mid- and low-end markets.
Wide range of adjustable hardness
HTV can control the hardness (usually 30-80 Shore A) by adjusting the proportion of vulcanizers to produce bibs of different softness, but compared with LSR, it feels harder and has a slightly worse fit.
Processing flexibility
HTV supports a variety of processes such as molding and extrusion, and can produce bibs with flat or simple three-dimensional structures, which are suitable for basic products with low requirements for shape.
Color stability
HTV masterbatch is evenly dispersed and not easy to fade after long-term use, but the surface is easily contaminated with oil and is slightly more difficult to clean than LSR.
Material selection basis in the production of silicone bibs
High-end maternal and child brands: LSR is preferred to improve product added value through its safety and flexibility, and meet parents' high-quality demand for infant products.
Mid- and low-end markets or promotional models: HTV can be selected to reduce production costs and improve market competitiveness while ensuring basic safety.
Special design requirements: If complex three-dimensional shapes, transparent effects or fluorescent functions are required, LSR has more advantages in molding accuracy and process adaptability.