The embossing process has certain requirements for the hardness of silicone

The embossing process has certain requirements for the hardness of silicone:
1. Lower hardness silicone
Applicable scenarios
When embossing is required on softer materials, such as textiles, leather, etc., lower hardness silicone is more suitable.
For situations where the embossing depth is large and the pattern is three-dimensional, lower hardness silicone can better fit the surface of the material, penetrate into the fine lines, and achieve a finer embossing effect.
Advantages
Good softness, can fully contact with the material under low pressure, and reduce damage to the material. For example, when embossing leather, there will be no indentation or damage on the leather surface.
It is easier to adapt to complex mold shapes, and for molds with fine patterns and curves, it can fit tightly to ensure the accuracy and clarity of embossing.
2. Higher hardness silicone
Applicable scenarios
When the embossed material is harder, such as plastic, metal, etc., higher hardness silicone can provide sufficient support.
For situations where shallow embossing effects are required or higher embossing accuracy is required, higher hardness silicone can better control the depth and shape of embossing.
Advantages
Relatively good wear resistance, not easy to wear and deform when repeatedly in contact with harder materials, ensuring the stability and durability of embossing.
Able to withstand greater pressure without deformation, ensuring that the pressure between the silicone and the mold is evenly distributed during the embossing process, thereby obtaining a consistent embossing effect.
III. Comprehensive considerations
Material properties
Different embossed materials have different hardness, surface roughness and elasticity. When choosing the hardness of silicone, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the material to ensure that the silicone can work well with the material to achieve the ideal embossing effect.
For example, for materials with smooth surfaces, it may be necessary to choose a slightly harder silicone to increase friction and prevent the silicone from sliding during the embossing process.
Embossed pattern requirements
The complexity, line thickness and depth of the embossed pattern will also affect the choice of silicone hardness. For fine patterns and shallow embossing effects, softer silicone is usually required; while for thick lines and deep embossing effects, harder silicone may be required.
In addition, if the embossed pattern requires high clarity and three-dimensionality, silicone with appropriate hardness can better achieve this goal.
Production efficiency and cost
Softer silicone may require lower pressure and temperature for embossing, which can reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the equipment. However, softer silicone may wear more easily and need to be replaced more frequently, which increases production costs.
Harder silicone may require higher pressure and temperature, but has a relatively longer service life. When choosing the hardness of silicone, it is necessary to comprehensively consider production efficiency and cost factors to find the most suitable balance.