The materials and tools needed to make silicone trademarks depend on the production process (such as solid molding, liquid injection molding or manual glue dripping). The following is a detailed list for different processes, covering general materials, professional equipment and auxiliary tools:
1. Basic materials
Silicone raw materials
Solid silicone:
Suitable for molding process, need to mix vulcanizers in proportion (such as double 24, double 25).
Color: transparent, translucent or color according to needs (masterbatch needs to be added).
Liquid silicone (LSR):
Suitable for injection molding, need A/B two-component mixing (usually 1:1 ratio).
Features: good fluidity, fast curing, suitable for complex structures.
Hand-made glue dripping silicone:
Suitable for small batches or DIY production, need AB glue mixed in proportion (such as 10:1).
Auxiliary materials
Masterbatch/pigment: used for coloring, need to choose a model compatible with silicone.
Mold release agent: reduce the adhesion of silicone to the mold (such as silicone oil, vaseline).
Curing agent/catalyst: accelerate silicone curing (select according to silicone type).
Diluent: adjust the viscosity of liquid silicone (only for specific processes).
2. Professional equipment (classified by process)
1. Solid silicone molding process
Rubber mixer: mix the silicone and vulcanizer evenly and remove bubbles.
Molding machine: press the silicone into the mold under high temperature and high pressure (temperature 160-200℃, pressure 10-20MPa).
Vulcanization oven: secondary vulcanization (remove residual vulcanizer and improve performance).
Mold: metal mold (such as aluminum alloy, steel mold), mold opening needs to be based on trademark design.
2. Liquid silicone injection molding process
Liquid silicone injection machine: automatically mix A/B components and inject them into the mold (temperature 120-180℃).
Vacuum pump: remove bubbles in liquid silicone to avoid defects in finished products.
Mold: precision metal mold (such as stainless steel), cold runner system needs to be designed.
3. Manual glue dripping process (suitable for small batches/DIY)
Electronic scale: accurately weigh the AB glue ratio (such as 10:1).
Stirring rod/centrifuge: Mix AB glue and remove bubbles (centrifuge is more efficient).
Glue syringe/syringe: Control the flow of silicone, suitable for delicate operations.
UV lamp/oven: Accelerate curing (some silicones require UV or heat curing).
III. General tools
Mold making tools
CNC machining center: Carve metal molds (suitable for mass production).
3D printer: Rapidly make prototypes or small batch molds (resin/photosensitive resin materials).
Engraving knife/sandpaper: Manually trim mold details.
Post-processing tools
Scissors/utility knife: Trim the rough edges of the trademark.
Hot air gun: Soften the edges of silicone for easy trimming.
Laser marking machine: Engrave text or patterns on the surface of the trademark (optional).
Safety protection
Gloves/mask: Prevent silicone from contacting the skin or inhaling volatiles.
Goggles: Protect eyes from splashing.
Ventilation equipment: Ensure air circulation in the work area (especially when manually dripping glue).
4. Production process example (taking manual glue dripping as an example)
Designing trademark patterns: Use design software (such as AI, CDR) to draw vector graphics.
Making molds:
Method 1: Use 3D printing to make silicone molds (low cost, suitable for small batches).
Method 2: Entrust metal mold processing (high precision, suitable for large batches).
Mixed silicone: Weigh AB glue in proportion and stir until uniform and free of bubbles.
Injection molding: Inject silicone into the mold and let it stand to cure (the time depends on the type of silicone).
Demolding and trimming: Remove the trademark, trim the burrs, and check the quality.
5. Precautions
Material compatibility: Make sure that the masterbatch, release agent and silicone type match.
Precise ratio: The wrong AB glue ratio will result in incomplete curing or abnormal hardness.
Bubble control: Liquid silicone needs vacuum degassing, and manual glue dripping can be processed by a centrifuge.
Mold maintenance: Clean the mold regularly and apply release agent to extend the service life.