Color matching is a critical aspect of silicone rubber manufacturing, and at SiTech, we have perfected this process through our use of industry-leading tools and methodologies. We combine the Pantone Matching System (PMS) and the LAB color system to achieve unmatched precision in both silicone rubber production and screen printing inks, ensuring that our customers receive the exact colors they need for their products.

Color Matching Standards
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a globally recognized color reproduction system that helps us match colors accurately across various materials and production processes. In addition, we utilize the LAB color system, which provides a more comprehensive approach to color accuracy by considering how humans perceive color. This dual-system approach enables us to achieve a Delta-E (ΔE) value of less than 1, far surpassing the industry standard of 3 ΔE. Color differences this small are imperceptible to the human eye, ensuring flawless consistency.

Opaque and Translucent Pigment Matching
SiTech specializes in molding both opaque and translucent pigments, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. The transparency of the final product is carefully controlled by adjusting the amount of pigment introduced during the molding process. Using advanced instrumentation, we test surface finishes, translucency, and colors to ensure that the final product aligns perfectly with the intended design. This precision extends to both our molded silicone components and our high-quality silicone-based inks, which create a permanent bond with the silicone substrate.

Our Color Matching Process
Our color matching process is a detailed, multi-step procedure designed to ensure the most accurate color representation possible:

1. Understanding Customer Needs: We start by understanding the customer’s color requirements and selecting the desired color from the PMS, which serves as the baseline.
2. PMS to LAB Conversion: We then translate the selected PMS color into its LAB equivalent. The LAB system allows us to fine-tune colors with greater precision, ensuring that the final result matches the target exactly.
3. Preliminary Color Mixing: With expertise in how pigments interact with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) during curing, we create a preliminary color mix, considering the material’s unique properties.
4. Spectrophotometric Measurement: Using spectrophotometry, we measure the LAB values of our silicone rubber sample, allowing us to accurately assess how close we are to the desired color.
5. Iterative Adjustment: We iteratively adjust the pigment mix based on spectrophotometric data until the ΔE value is less than 1.
6. Final Sample Production: Once the color match is perfected, we produce a final sample for customer review.
7. Customer Approval: After customer approval, the color formula is documented to ensure consistency throughout mass production.
8. Mass Production: With the color formulation locked in, we proceed to mass produce the silicone rubber products, ensuring color accuracy across every batch.
   
   

Precision Ink Matching
In addition to pigment matching, we offer precision color matching for silicone-based inks used in screen printing. These inks bond permanently to silicone products, and our rigorous mixing and metering process ensures color accuracy within one-hundredth of a gram. This attention to detail guarantees repeatability and consistency for every production run.

The Importance of Consistency in Production
Consistency in color is vital for maintaining brand integrity and meeting customer expectations. Whether producing simple gaskets or complex silicone keypads, our commitment to color precision ensures that every product reflects the exact specifications approved by the customer. We meticulously document every color formula to maintain consistency across large-scale production.

Why SiTech?
At SiTech, we understand that color plays a crucial role in both product design and branding. Our meticulous color matching process, combined with cutting-edge technology and decades of experience, makes us a trusted partner for businesses seeking perfect color consistency in silicone rubber products. Whether for molded components or screen printing applications, our commitment to precision and quality ensures that your products meet the highest standards.

For more information on our color matching services, contact SiTech at 757-887-8488 today.