Silicone rubber keypad manufacturers make custom components using drawings provided by the product designer. The drawing tells them what size, color, shape and materials are necessary to make the part. Silicone rubber keypad manufacturers can look at the drawings, which are similar to architectural blueprints, to learn all of these details. Following the design specifications within the given tolerances in the measurements makes it possible for each rubber molding piece to come out as they were designed to look and function.
When making military rubber keypads, for instance, the specifications must be followed to a very strict tolerance. They dictate the details, including the dimensions from point to point, size of the holes and height of the keys on the layout. Printing processes and colors are also noted so that the end product will always be the same and will meet the client’s requirements.
One of the most popular ways for the product designer or their representative to supply the specification drawings to silicone rubber manufacturers is in electronic format. The three-dimensional or two-dimensional design drawing is typically created using computerized drafting software, such as ProE, AutoCAD or Solidworks. Electronic files are generated in a selection of file formats that can be read and interpreted by the silicone rubber keypad manufacturer. The parts manufacturer then uses the information provided to make a mold. The mold is used to generate as many identical components as are necessary to fill the order. The detail drawings should include the length, width, depth and height of the keypad and the dimensions for all of its elements.
For someone who is unfamiliar with creating specification drawings for their product designs, they may need assistance in communicating or even figuring out all of the necessary details. A professional engineer from the silicone rubber keypad manufacturer can usually make recommendations regarding some of the design information and best practices. There are several mechanical design considerations that should be considered by the product designer when putting together the specification drawing. These include the keypad placement recommendations, the use of display windows and LED lights.
At SiTECH, we follow design specifications to the letter. If we have a question, we’ll ask you for clarification. If you have a product design that calls for rubber molding components but you’re not sure on some of the details, review our Application Guide, call our office in Newport News, Virginia at (757) 887-8488 or use our SiTECH contact form.
