Silicones are the polymers that consist mostly of silicon (sometimes mistakenly spelled cilicone), oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. These polymers are used in production of silicone rubber, silicone resign, silicone grease and silicone oil. Silicones possess several extremely useful properties that give them clear advantage over the other materials used for the same purposes. Silicone Rubber Keypads are:

• Chemically inert

• Nontoxic

• Thermally stable, meaning that their physical properties do not change over a large range of temperatures (-100°C to 250 °C)

• Resistant to microbiological growth

• Waterproof (this quality allows to use silicones as watertight seals)

• Non-sticky, which comes in handy when silicon rubber buttons are used in the electronic products that require manual operations (oscilloscopes, ammeters, programmable logic controllers, etc)

• Electrical insulators

• Resistant to ultraviolet light (UV light), ozone and oxygen

• Non-corrosive

• Eco-friendly

Silicone Rubber Buttons

Silicones as chemical compounds

Silicones rubber is a mixture of organic and inorganic components whose general chemical formula is [R2SiO], where R stands for either methyl or ethyl or phenyl organic groups of molecules, depending on the application. (Si-O-Si-O-Si-O …) are the chains of inorganic silicone-oxygen molecules.

Silicone rubber’s properties depend on spatial positions of the Si-O chains and the chain lengths. It is possible to change physical properties of a silicone rubber compound by changing positions of its molecules.

Advantages of using silicone rubber buttons in electronic products

Electronic products such as remote controls, industrial keypads, medical devices, calculators and many other small electronics have incorporated the use of silicone rubber buttons. Silicone rubber buttons are resilient to many external forces, provide tactile feedback, can be printed on and numerous other features. One of the most common features of silicone rubber keypads is molding a carbon contact pill on the backside. The carbon contact pill will complete a circuit on a PCB when the silicone rubber is pressed. This method of completing a circuit is cost effective and very reliable because it removes the need for a mechanical tactile switch.

When electronic devices are operated in low temperature situations the buttons must still function properly when pressed. These buttons are made mostly out of silicone rubber because of its ability to withstand very low temperatures.

Ultraviolet light is used in many medical devices. Silicone rubber buttons are an ideal choice of relays for these devices because of silicone’s ability to resist the UV light.

Being nontoxic, silicone rubber buttons do not release harmful toxins into the atmosphere. Electronic toys for children are equipped with such buttons so that the children are not exposed to harmful toxins.

One of the main advantages of silicone rubber buttons is their low price. It makes sense for the companies producing electronic equipment to use these buttons to help keep their production prices low.

Customization of silicone rubber buttons

The processes that are used to manufacture silicone rubber products are compression molding and injection molding.

Compression molding or vulcanization occurs when silicone rubber enters chemical reaction with ether one of the following chemical compounds: sulfur, peroxides, urethane crosslinkers, metallic oxides, duece, and acetoxysilane. During the vulcanization process silicone rubber takes the shape of a mould.

During injection molding silicone material is forced into a heated barrel where it melts. Then the liquid silicone is forced under pressure, into a cold cavity (mould) of a certain shape. The material takes the shape of a mold and slowly hardens as its temperature drops.

The mould can be designed in such way that the end product of an injection molding process is a set of the buttons of any sizes and shapes (the silicone rubber buttons coming out of the same mould do not have to be of the same size and shape).

Compression molding and silicone injection molding both take advantage of multiples cavities in a mold. A single cavity produces a full silicone rubber button or silicone keypad, a cavity can be duplicated so that there are multiple cavities in a single mold. For example a 32 cavity mold will produce 32 silicone rubber keypads each time the mold is cycled. Using multiple cavities in a mold lowers the machine time which in turn lowers the cost per piece to manufacture a custom silicone rubber keypad.

Silicone Dynamics, Inc is a leading silicone rubber button manufacturer. Contact Silicone Dynamics today for a Free Silicone Rubber Button or Keypad Quote.

The Benefits of a Silicone Keypads

Most people don’t realize how often they make use of a silicone keypad. Silicone keypads are beginning to be seen almost anywhere. A silicone keypad can be customized so that they can fit many different equipment and appliances. On these items are soft silicone keypads that have replaced what most of us dully remember: old plastic mechanical switches with metal domes, plastic keypads and metal keypads.

Silicone Rubber Injected Keypad

Silicone keypads are the absolute substitute for a metal keypad, since the latter is highly susceptible to corrosion and oxidations. More so, metal keypads react with many types of compounds, meaning that it may compromise the other metal pieces of the whole apparatus. Why would anyone prefer to use a keypad that would more probably be rendered useless?

Silicone keypads are available in a wide range of shapes, colors and designs. They can be customized for many types of devices from cell phones to industrial machines.  Silicone keypads are preferred because of the ease of use and the many types of applications. For example, in the corporate setting, silicone keypads are preferred because they don’t have the noisy clicking which metal keypads are designed with.

There are so many things to consider when selecting the right manufacturer for silicone keypads.  To name a few, there’s quality, price and service.  Here at Silicone Dynamics we are dedicated to all three of these.  Many of our customers are surprised on how well we maintain high quality and customer service while still delivering what many consider cheap prices.

Need proof? Contact us for a free sample Silicone Rubber Keypad to evaluate our products with your own eyes.  The free silicone keypad sample not only shows our quality but allows engineers to feel the different options available in silicone rubber keypads some of which are: Durometers, Tactile Feedback, Laser Etching, Multiple Color keypads, Shore A, Hardness, Carbon Contacts, Gold Contacts and printed carbon contacts.

Free Sample Silicone Rubber Keypads

Because of our unique competitive advantage, we present you with lower pricing than other silicone keypad manufacturers. We can provide you with free quotes, free samples and free engineering design support.  We offer Silicone Injection Molding, Silicone Rubber Molding and plastic injection and molding.

We here at Silicone Dynamics, Inc. recognize that we owe our success to our customers.  If we were not able to keep our current customers satisfied we would be out of business.  Let us show you how you should be treated.  Give us a chance to quote your silicone keypads or silicone rubber button needs today.

Contact Silicone Dynamics, Inc. located in Bend, Oregon USA today for your Free Sample Silicone Keypads and/or Free Custom Silicone Keypad Quote!

Many industries regard products that are made from silicone highly valuable. Many companies need silicone rubber. Every single day, each person comes into contact with products made with silicone. The material has unique properties which makes it very popular. Silicone Rubber has physical properties that cannot be found in other polymers. A silicone rubber keypad is resistant to the effects of weather, aging, moisture, chemical reactions, and many other things.

Because of its material, a silicone rubber keypad is resistant to many things that may damage other materials. Silicone is more resistant to wear and tear. That means that the lifespan of the silicone rubber will last much longer than other material, even when used on a regular basis.

Aside from it being practical, this type of keypad can also be very appealing to the eyes. A silicone rubber keypad can be manufactured with many designs. There are many choices for the shapes, the colors, and other aspects of the device.  To take their shape silicone rubber keypads are usually compression molded (moulded) but can also be injection molded.  After molding the keypads then can be painted multiple colors and can even have laser etching to expose symbols, letters and trim.  Silicone rubber keypads can be made for many types of devices, from large machines to everyday cell phones.

Most of us don’t realize it, but the truth is that we use keypads many times in a day. A silicone rubber keypad can now be seen almost anywhere. A silicone rubber keypad is highly customizable, which is why it is preferred by many industries.  Even companies who manufacture toys prefer this type of keypad. Silicone rubber is very harmless for children. As mentioned, the rubber can be designed in many shapes. For that reason, toy manufacturers prefer them because they can be formed into soft curves usually at a very cheap price.

Silicone Dynamics, Inc located in Bend Oregon is a leading silicone rubber keypad manufacturer.  We take time with each customer to understand what they are trying to accomplish and we offer engineering support in their designs.  Engineers find out Free Engineering Silicone Rubber Keypad Sample a valuable resource for deciding actuation force, contact pills, durometer, shore and many other items.  Contact us today for a free sample, free silicone rubber keypad design guide, free quote or engineering support for your silicone rubber needs.

Sample Silicone Rubber Keypad

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We look forward to working with you.

Silicone Dynamics, Inc.
61535 South Highway 97
Suite 9-511
Bend, OR  97702
USA
Phone: (800) 231-7005
Fax: (800) 243-3934

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Silicone Dynamics, Inc.
61535 South Hwy. 97
Suite 9-511
Bend, OR 97702
USA

Phone: (800) 231-7005
Fax: (800) 243-3934
Email: Sales@SiliconeDynamics.net

How ever you choose to contact us we are there for you.  Custom Silicone Rubber Keypads and Membrane Switches, from prototype keypads to full production run keypads.

Contact us today for a Free Silicone Rubber Keypad.

The rubber is put into mold cavity with the use of an injection nozzle. Due to the force needed and because the molds have to be filled entirely, the rubber may pour out. As the rubbers cools, it separates from the walls of the mold. While it does so, it retains the details and shape of the designs. The press opens and the rubber is released.

Horizontal and vertical types of molds exist. They have a lot in common, but a few main items differ. Horizontal machines often require more robotics to shift the mold to another part of the machine and eject the completed product. A vertical machine will simply drop the finished parts into a container. In vertical systems, less rubber is lost with every individual part.

Silicone Rubber Injected Keypad

Rubber injection molding is thought to be best for making small parts that need to be clear-cut, or parts that need to be placed within other components. Rubber injection molding machines are normally found in press shops or in manufacturing sectors.

Silicone Dynamics Inc. is a leading manufacturer of silicone rubber injection molding.  Visit our site: siliconedynamics.net to request a free competitive quote, free sample keypad or download our free silicone rubber design guide.

In most cases Silicone Dynamics is able to save new customers at least 30% off of the current prices they are paying.  Silicone Dynamics is a leader in service, quality and low prices.  Contact us today!

Custom Membrane Switch with LED and LCD Cutout

A Membrane Switch is a type of electrical switch used to turn on and off a circuit.  Membrane Switches have become common place in many industries, chances are you have used membrane switches on kitchen appliances, your automobile, various medical equipment and many other places.  Membrane Switches are custom designed and manufactured according to the specific application.  We are experienced and would be happy to assist you in your custom membrane switch design.

Embossed Membrane Switch

Membrane Switches have many different features available for design.  Some of the features to consider when designing you custom membrane switch are:  custom graphics, embossing, anti-glare coatings, waterproofing, die-cutting, tactile feedback, etc.  All of these options can become overwhelming if you are not an experience designer of Membrane Switches and that is where we can help.  We have a dedicated engineering team ready to help you with your membrane switch design.  Let us help you with your design.

Custom Membrane Switch with Metal Domes

Silicone Dynamics is a leading manufacturer of Custom Silicone Rubber Keypads and Custom Membrane Switches.  From the prototype membrane switch up to full production runs of membrane switches we have you covered.  Don’t gamble your project with any manufacturer, trust Silicone Dynamics to provide you high quality at low prices.  Contact us today for your free competitive quote.

Silicone Dynamics, Inc. is an Oregon, Corporation located in Bend, Oregon.

PCB Contact

The most common contact point used with silicone rubber keypads are carbon contact pills.  These pills are low cost and very effective.  Some designs make it difficult to attach a carbon contact pill in many of these situations a good solution will be to print a carbon contact point on the silicone rubber keypad using carbon contact ink.  Below is a short video showing how carbon contact ink is printed onto a silicone rubber keypad.

Step 1: The carbon ink printing machine is setup to print in specific areas on the silicone rubber keypad.

Step 2:  The silicone rubber keypad is inserted in to the carbon ink printing machine.

Step 3: The carbon ink is picked up by the machine.

Step 4: The carbon ink is printed onto the silicone rubber keypad.

Step 5: The silicone rubber keypad with the carbon printed is removed from the machine and allowed to dry.

Silicone Dynamics offers carbon contact pills, gold contact pills and printed carbon contacts.  Contact us today for a Free Sample Silicone Rubber Keypad.

Rubber Injection Molding can be broken down into two general steps:

Step 1: The liquid silicone rubber is mixed with a coloring paste (to achieve the desired final color of the injected molded part) along with a catalyst which starts the curing process.

Step 2: The mixed silicone rubber material is then pushed into a heated cavity (or mold) where the vulcanization of the mixture takes place. The liquid silicone rubber is injected at high pressures into the mold. Depending on the duromter (hardness of the material) of the silicone the pressures can range from 500 to 5,000 PSI.

The general thought is that Silicone Rubber Injection Molding is used to create silicone rubber parts that require a greater precision than parts created using Silicone Rubber Compression Molding however with the proper machinery and skill you can produce precision silicone rubber parts using compression molding as well.

Silicone Dynamics primarily creates silicone rubber keypads using a Silicone Rubber Compression Molding. When you send your drawing and requirements to us for a free quote we will accurately determine which method would be the most cost effective for you while meeting your specifications and maintaining high quality parts.

Silicone Rubber Injection Keypads

Please contact us today for a free sample silicone rubber keypad for your evaluation of our products and quality.

Our Free Silicone Rubber Keypad is a great resource for any engineer designing custom molded rubber keypads.  Our Silicone Rubber Keypad shows various features available for custom molded rubber keypads.  

Partial list of features on the sample: Shore A 30°, Shore A 40°, Shore A 50°, Shore A 60°, Shore A 70°, Matte Polyurethane Spray Coating, Glossy Polyurethane Spray Coating, Epoxy Coating, Plastic Keycaps, Carbon Pills, Laser Etching, Positive Printing, Negative Printing, 100g Activation Force, 150g Activation Force, 200g Activation Force, 250g Activation Force, various silicone rubber button sizes and shapes.

Contact Silicone Dynamics today and request your Free Silicone Rubber Keypad Sample from us today.

Custom Molded Rubber Keypad

Contact us today for a free sample silicone rubber keypads to evaluate our quality.  Then give us the privilege of providing you a Free Custom Molded Rubber Keypad Quote for your custom molded rubber keypads and parts.