Liquid silicone injection molding is used in a number of daily devices, including commercial and home security panels. There are several features that make it ideal for the sensitive task of these molded rubber products. Using a backlit rubber keypad is an important safety feature. When the keys are backlit, it is easier to see them and press the right one. A backlit rubber keypad also lets the user know that the system is powered up and active. The user can feel the keys on the printed rubber keypads when they are pressed, an added bonus that keeps people from second-guessing themselves.
One of the most important features of reliable security system keypads is using molded rubber products with durable printing. Using the proper method of printing graphics, such as laser marking, is critical. LaserEdge marking, for example, is a fast, economical and abrasion-resistant method of printing on a backlit rubber keypad. It is a versatile marking process that works well with screened silicone inks and chemical-resistant coatings.
When it comes to security systems, it is vital that the numbers and symbols don’t wear off the printed rubber keypads after extended use. One reason is that without proper labeling, the users may not know which key does what. Depressing the wrong keys on the printed rubber keypads could easily result in setting off the alarm by mistake. This could cause false alarms and unexpected fees from the fire department or security company. Another potential problem is that the numbers for each key may only partially wear. Someone who gets an unauthorized peek at the security panel could easily discover what the security code is to the facility, causing the risk of a security breach.
There are two main ways to prevent the numbers and letters from wearing with heavy use on printed rubber keypads. One is to user LaserEdge marking. This is a cost-effective system that we developed at SiTECH that works well on curvy, flat and irregularly-shaped surfaces. LaserEdge marking can be used to create sophisticated graphics or simple numbers on printed rubber keypads for any security system.
Another way to prevent the numbers and letters from wearing with heavy use is to add a protective coating to the process. An abrasion-resistant coating ensures that the numbers and symbols for the security panel’s backlit rubber keypad will not wear off. At SiTECH, we have developed an abrasion-resistant coating called Si Coat I. It produces a smooth matte finish on the surface, repels dust and can be applied overtop any printed graphics.
This process comes in handy for the production of security panel keypads, as well as many other similar types of applications. Whether you are planning a design for military silicone rubber manufacturing or a security panel checkpoint for a commercial building, make sure to choose a process with reliable printing and backlighting.
