When choosing silk-screen silicone for fabrics of different materials, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the characteristics, uses and process requirements of the fabrics. The specific differences are as follows:
1. Common fabrics such as cotton and polyester
Applicable silicone: general-purpose silk-screen silicone (such as two-component addition silicone).
Features: strong adhesion, good softness, washability, suitable for large-area printing and multiple color matching.
Process suggestions: screen mesh number is about 300 mesh, baking temperature is 100-120℃, and time is 60 seconds.
2. Elastic fabrics such as nylon and polyamidefibre (PA)
Applicable silicone: high-elastic silk-screen silicone.
Features: high resilience and tear resistance, suitable for scenes that require stretching such as swimsuits and sportswear.
Note: The compatibility of silicone and fabrics needs to be tested to avoid carbonization of fabrics caused by high-temperature curing.
3. Leather and artificial leather
Applicable silicone: leather-specific silk-screen silicone.
Features: high temperature resistance, aging resistance, good flexibility, and can achieve three-dimensional embossing effect.
Process suggestions: Use low temperature and slow baking (80-90℃) to prevent leather deformation.
4. Super elastic fabrics such as spandex and lycra
Applicable silicone: super elastic silk screen silicone.
Features: Super high elastic recovery rate, suitable for high stretch scenes such as tights and yoga clothes.
Notes: Choose low hardness silicone to avoid affecting the elasticity of the fabric.
5. Functional fabrics (such as waterproof and breathable fabrics)
Applicable silicone: functional coated silicone.
Features: Retain the original functions of the fabric (such as waterproof and breathable) while increasing wear resistance.
Process suggestions: Communicate with the fabric manufacturer to ensure that the silicone is compatible with the fabric coating.
6. Special materials (such as silicone coated fabrics, metal coated fabrics)
Applicable silicone: self-drying or low-temperature curing silicone.
Features: Avoid high temperature causing the fabric coating to fall off or metal oxidation.
Notes: Adhesion test is required to ensure that the silicone and coating are firmly bonded.
7. Fabrics with high environmental requirements (such as children's clothing)
Applicable silicone: food grade or environmentally friendly silk screen silicone.
Features: non-toxic and odorless, in compliance with OEKO-TEX, FDA and other standards.
Notes: Relevant test reports are required to ensure safety and compliance.
Summary of key points for selection
Material characteristics: Elastic fabrics require high elasticity silicone, and leather requires high temperature resistant silicone.
Process requirements: High temperature curing requires testing the temperature resistance of the fabric, and low temperature curing requires ensuring that the silicone is completely cured.
Functional requirements: Waterproof, breathable and other functions must retain the original performance of the fabric.
Environmental standards: Children's clothing and medical supplies must meet strict environmental protection requirements.
By selecting silicone in a targeted manner, the printing effect, fabric performance and process stability can be ensured, and problems such as cracking and falling off caused by the mismatch between silicone and fabric can be avoided.