Driven by technological iteration and market demand, the new process of screen printing silicone has shown diversified development characteristics, mainly covering the following three types of innovative processes:
1. Screen printing silicone transfer process
Silicone, transfer glue and hot melt adhesive are compositely printed on high temperature release film through the screen to form a transferable composite layer. This process supports the production of glossy, matte, reflective and double-layer effects, breaking through the limitations of traditional single-layer printing. For example, toothbrush silicone thermal transfer uses this technology to achieve a fusion of three-dimensional touch and visual effects through multi-layer composite. Its technical advantages include:
Composite layer stability: The hot melt adhesive layer ensures the adhesion of the silicone to the substrate after transfer. After 150℃ and 4-5kg pressure for 15 seconds, the peel strength reaches more than 8N/cm;
Reusability of release film: High temperature release film can be reused more than 50 times, reducing the cost of a single transfer;
Double-layer effect realization: Through two screen printings and superimposing silicone with different viscosities, a 0.3mm thickness difference is formed, achieving a dual experience of touch and vision.
2. Molded silicone transfer process
Using copper mold vulcanization molding technology, liquid silicone is poured into the mold cavity and then vulcanized by machine. After cooling and demolding, a hot melt adhesive layer is added to achieve high-precision three-dimensional structure transfer. This process is suitable for complex curved surfaces and high three-dimensional products, such as curved mobile phone cases, curved buttons, etc. Technical parameters include:
Vulcanization temperature control: 170℃±5℃ vulcanization for 10 minutes to ensure that the silicone cross-linking density reaches more than 95%;
Mold accuracy: copper mold processing accuracy reaches ±0.02mm, supporting 0.5mm arc transition;
Hot melt adhesive layer thickness: 0.1-0.15mm hot melt adhesive layer ensures adhesion after transfer, and the peel strength reaches 12N/cm.
3. Lettering film type silicone transfer process
Based on laser lettering technology, the pattern or LOGO is directly etched on the silicone lettering film substrate and transferred to the target substrate through the hot melt adhesive layer. This process has low cost and fast delivery as its core advantages, and supports multi-color LOGO and reflective effects. Technical points include:
Laser etching accuracy: using 532nm green laser, the etching line width reaches 0.05mm;
Reflective effect: a micro-prism structure is formed by etching with a depth of 0.1-0.15mm, and the reflective brightness reaches more than 500cd/m²;
Multi-color LOGO process: using color separation etching and hot melt adhesive composite technology to achieve single-film four-color printing.
4. Process comparison and selection suggestions
Process type Applicable scenarios Cost Production cycle Key parameters
Silk screen printing silicone transfer Complex patterns, double-layer effects Medium (material + film) 24 hours Release film reuse rate, peeling strength
Molding silicone transfer High three-dimensional effect, curved products High (mold + vulcanization) 72 hours Mold accuracy, vulcanization temperature
Lettering film silicone transfer Fast delivery, multi-color LOGO Low (etching + glue) 4 hours Etching accuracy, reflective brightness
Selection suggestions:
Complex pattern requirements: Prioritize silk screen transfer, support gradient and double-layer effects;
High three-dimensional requirements: Use molded transfer to ensure curved surface accuracy and adhesion;
Fast delivery requirements: Choose lettering film transfer, support 4-hour delivery cycle.