At SiTech, we understand that our customers may have questions about silicone keypads, coatings, and the manufacturing process. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team!
1. What is Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and why is it important?
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is a crucial process that ensures your product is optimized for efficient, cost-effective manufacturing. By considering manufacturing constraints early in the design phase, you can reduce production challenges, minimize waste, and ensure higher quality products. While we do not offer design services, we provide DFM recommendations to help you achieve a smooth transition from design to production.
2. What is the typical lifespan of a silicone keypad?
The lifespan of a silicone keypad depends on the design and usage. Properly designed keypads can last millions of actuations, especially when the correct actuation force and tactile feel are considered in the design. Our goal is for your silicone keypad to last the lifetime of the product.
3. What are the advantages of using Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) for silicone parts
Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) offers several advantages, including:
SiTech specializes in LIM, which allows us to produce durable, cost-effective silicone keypads and components with consistent results.
4. How does SiTech achieve color matching for silicone keypads?
We use the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for precise color matching, ensuring consistency within a 1 Delta-E variation. Our advanced color matching process involves both visual and electronic analysis to ensure that the silicone rubber or printed graphics match your specifications. This precision ensures brand consistency across all products.
5. Can I have custom legends and graphics on my silicone keypads?
Yes, we offer screen printing and laser marking for custom legends, symbols, and graphics. Our proprietary silicone inks are cross-link bonded to the keypad during the curing process, ensuring durability and long-lasting visuals. We can print both positive-image graphics and reversed-out graphics, depending on your design requirements.
6. What coatings does SiTech offer to enhance silicone keypads?
We offer several coatings to improve the performance and durability of silicone keypads:
These coatings help protect keypads from environmental factors and mechanical wear, extending the life of your product.
7. How does SiTech ensure quality control for its products?
SiTech operates under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system (QMS). This certification ensures that every stage of production is carefully monitored for quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards. We also conduct rigorous testing, including tear strength, compression set, and abrasion resistance tests, to ensure the durability of our products. (Learn more about our ISO 9001:2015 Certification)
8. Can SiTech help with low-volume production?
Yes, while we specialize in medium to high-volume production, we also support low-volume orders, especially for customers who require rapid prototyping or smaller production runs. Our laser marking process, in particular, is highly cost-effective for lower volume orders and allows for quick design changes.
9. What file formats does SiTech accept for graphic designs and CAD models?
We accept a wide range of file formats for both graphic designs and mechanical designs, including:
These formats ensure that your design is accurately implemented during production.
10. How can I request a quote or additional information?
For quotes or additional information, you can utilize our request for quote page here, or contact us at 757-887-8488 or email us at sales@sitech-corp.com.
With over 75 years of experience in silicone keypad design and molding, we are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction with the highest quality products in a successful and timely manner. The customer is and has always been the focus of our business.
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Silicone Technology Corp. manufactures out of Newport News, Virginia. Custom silicone rubber keypads are just one of the many products manufactured by Silicone Technology Corp. We use a unique injection molding process with Dow and Momentive Silicones. This combination of technology and quality offers you a competitive domestic supplier of custom keypads and other silicone rubber products.
