The following key points should be noted when operating embossed silicone to ensure product quality and production safety:
Material ratio and mixing
Precise ratio: Strictly mix silicone and curing agent according to the weight ratio of A:B component 10:1 or 1:1, ensure uniform stirring until the color is consistent, and avoid local non-curing or uneven hardness.
Degassing treatment: Vacuum degassing is required after mixing to prevent bubbles from affecting the molding effect. A small amount of operation can be performed in a vacuum dryer for about 3-5 minutes until no bubbles escape.
Operation environment control
Temperature and humidity requirements: The ambient temperature is controlled at 20-25℃, and the humidity is maintained at 40%-60%. High temperature will accelerate curing, and humidity may cause incomplete curing.
Ventilation protection: Gloves, masks and other protective equipment should be worn during operation to avoid silicone contact with the skin or inhalation of volatile gases.
Mold and fabric processing
Mold cleaning: Ensure that there is no oil or dust on the mold surface to prevent impurities from affecting the molding quality.
Fabric adaptation: Thinner knitted fabrics are prone to penetration problems, and the silicone viscosity needs to be adjusted or a high-mesh screen needs to be used to control the thickness.
Process parameter control
Gluing and embossing:
Silicone is evenly applied to the back of the fabric, and the thickness is adjusted according to product requirements.
The upper and bottom temperature of the fully automatic embossing machine is set at 160℃, and the molding time is about 15 seconds.
Curing and demoulding:
Curing at room temperature takes 2-12 hours, and heating to 160℃ can be completed within 15 seconds.
After curing, the mold needs to be smoothly removed to avoid damaging the finished product.
Equipment and tool maintenance
Equipment cleaning: Clean the mold and equipment in time after operation to avoid silicone residue affecting the next use.
Tool selection: Use non-metallic cleaning tools (such as sponges) to clean silicone molds to prevent scratches.
Safety and environmental protection
Storage conditions: Silicone needs to be sealed and stored in a cool and dry place (5℃-25℃), avoid direct sunlight, and the shelf life is 6-12 months.
Waste disposal: Waste silicone needs to be handled according to environmental protection requirements, and recyclable materials should be recycled as much as possible.
Common problem handling
Penetration and overflow: Solved by adjusting the consistency of silicone or using a high-mesh screen.
Incomplete curing: Check whether it is in contact with compounds containing N, P, S, etc. (such as PVC) to avoid platinum catalyst poisoning.
Pattern deformation: Ensure that the thickness of the silicone is uniform and the mold temperature and time are accurately controlled.