One way we achieve our quality control is through the use of processes and procedures. At Si-Tech, we have procedures in place for every step of the manufacturing process. From order acknowledgement to shipping, our procedures ensure repeatability and control over producing a quality product, consistently.
The injection molding process has seen many major innovations since its inception. Silicone rubber can achieve extremely tight tolerances and irregular shapes, leading to complicated setups and processes. Advanced machinery and techniques give the ability to control every variable in the process. Speed, pressure and heat are the three most important variables to control. Slight changes can directly affect the final part. Proper programming means parts can be produced quickly and more efficiently, which helps reduce production costs and eliminate defects.
Our staff is highly trained in all aspects of silicone rubber manufacturing. They are involved in the initial machine setup and throughout the entire operation. Before production begins, paperwork and first article inspections are required. After first article approval, in-process checks are performed and recorded at set intervals during production. If a defect is found, the issue is immediately addressed, identifying the cause and correcting it. All steps taken are imperative to ensure only the highest quality silicone rubber molding is produced.
We know the importance of traceability. We document all manufacturing procedures throughout the entire process of manufacturing. This starts with raw materials; all raw silicones, pigments, adhesives and chemicals are logged, recorded, and retained. This ensures longevity and durability for the life of the component. With molding, setup programs are created when a product is first produced and saved for production in the future. When screening and/or coating silicone rubber molding components, strict procedures are created and followed to obtain the most accurate and repeatable results. All documents and procedures are kept for the life of the product.
At Si-Tech we have our own standards for mechanical and cosmetic inspection allowances. This tolerance block states allowances for molded sizes, as well as tolerances for screen printed location relative to an edge or some mechanical location. There also exists strict cosmetic criteria such as parting line flash, voids, flash, sinks and dirt and debris. Color is also very important, not just for the first part, but showing consistency for the life of the product. We test our colors throughout the run using a spectrophotometer to keep colors consistent within 1 Delta-E.
While we have carefully outlined checks in place to ensure parts appearances are correct and free from defects, we also have procedures for ensuring that they are dimensionally accurate. Our Engineers are responsible for working with our customers to establish critical features which need to be measured in-process. We have quality control agents who are responsible for monitoring the adherence of the specified standards that the customer has set in place. They verify the adherence by providing first article inspections for all new products, hourly in-process inspections, final inspection of all items, and evaluations of non-conformance items.
At SiTECH, we are locally owned and operated. We maximize our quality control by manufacturing all silicone components in-house. All of our technicians are trained in all aspects of silicone production. They understand the importance of following procedures, and that in doing so they are responsible for the quality of every part. We take pride in our quality control systems that produce the highest quality silicone rubber components on the market. To bring your product design to fruition quicker, at low production cost, you can trust SiTECH’s reputation in the industry.
