Silicone keys are irreplaceable in electronic and industrial products due to their outstanding properties. Beyond excellent elasticity for comfortable, responsive tactile feedback (ideal for daily frequent use in various devices), they have strong chemical resistance, resisting common solvents. They also withstand extreme temperatures (-50℃ to 200℃) and aging, ensuring long-term durability without deformation. These merits make them widely used in consumer electronics (mobile phones, remotes, game controllers), industrial control, automotive electronics (car AC, audio), medical devices, and home appliances (washers, microwaves).
Silk screen printing is a mainstream, reliable technology for silicone key decoration and marking, favored by manufacturers for cost-effectiveness, adaptability to different key shapes, and high production efficiency. Its process needs precise control: first, the inert silicone surface undergoes plasma or corona treatment to boost surface activity and ink adhesion, followed by thorough cleaning. Then, a screen plate (200-400 mesh, finer for delicate patterns) is made. Silicone-compatible, wear-resistant ink is mixed with curing agent, stirred, and defoamed to avoid bubbles. Finally, the printing machine and fixtures are adjusted for accurate key alignment.
Formal printing starts with fixing pre-treated keys in fixtures to avoid deviation. Prepared ink is poured on the screen plate, and the operator pushes the scraper (45°-60° angle) steadily to transfer ink onto keys, forming clear patterns. After printing, the plate is lifted slowly, and keys are inspected for defects (missing strokes, blurring, ink bleeding). For multi-color printing, the first color is semi-cured for positioning. Finally, keys are air-dried/pre-baked (30-50℃) to remove solvent, then fully cured (80-120℃ for 30-60min or UV) to enhance adhesion. Qualified products are cleaned and packaged post-inspection, ensuring patterns are aesthetic and durable for long-term use.
Post time: Dec-01-2025