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Printing and etching
Perfect finish on silicone surfaces
Different methods for an optimum result
In addition to the desired properties and functions of a silicone surface, the design also plays a major role. With different methods, which are adapted to the silicone part, we produce visually high quality surfaces. Our portfolio ranges from pad printing to screen and digital printing to laser etching
We also offer you a combination of different processes. This results in a variety of products - all from a single source.
Our processes at a glance
Different approaches for an optimum result on your silicone moulding
Pad printing
Pad printing is an indirect gravure printing process in which the ink is taken from the print plate and applied to the surface to be printed using an elastic silicone rubber pad.
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non-backlit symbols
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simple to use
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3D geometry possible
Screen printing
Screen printing is a printing process in which the ink is pressed through a fine mesh fabric onto the material with a rubber squeegee. The places of the fabric which no colour is to reach are made impermeable by a stencil.
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Symbols and labels on flat components
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high resolution
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large areas
Digital printing
With digital printing, the print image is transferred directly from a computer file to the printer. This requires no static printing form.
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many coloured prints
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high variety of possibilities
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flat silicone parts
Laser etching
Laser etching serves to remove paint on coated surfaces, so that the underlying colour comes to light. As a result, for example, illuminated control elements in day/night design can be generated.
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small to very large quantities
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low set-up costs
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visually high quality highlights
Pad printing
Proven process for smaller surfaces
Pad printing is easy to handle and allows only one colour per printing process. However, automation with multiple printing heads can print multiple colours one after the other.
The process requires only a low investment and is ideally suited for printing on smaller user interfaces, non-backlit symbols and markings. An appropriate pad form can also be used to print on 3D geometries.
For each symbol and colour a so-called cliché is required, the print template, which is why pad printing is well used for medium to high quantities.
Screen printing
High resolution on flat silicone parts
In screen printing, one colour can be printed on the silicone moulding per printing process; if multiple colours on the component are desired, this requires several printing operations.
The process is characterised by good reproducibility and high resolution. It allows the printing of large areas.
A limitation is regarding the surface of the component: Since no 3D geometries can be printed, screen printing is suitable for symbols and inscriptions on flat components, especially in large quantities..
Digital printing on silicone
High quality printing on a flexible surface
Multi-coloured, solid and durable
Convincing quality, multiple colours in one printing process, or direct processing of digital data such as photos, logos, text or pictures - the requirements for a suitable printing process for silicone mouldings are high. Additionally, after printing the moulding must be robust in use, scratch and abrasion resistant and resistant to chemicals, detergents and water.
Digital printing
Digital printing meets all these requirements The process enables full surface printing in true colour quality. Digital printing on silicone maintains the high flexibility of the material. The method enables direct processing of digital artwork - investment in clichés, screens or pads is not necessary. Digital printing is the ideal way to print your silicone mouldings individually, down to a batch size of 1. After printing, we apply a highly abrasion resistant and flexible protective lacquer to the silicone surface. On request, we also integrate search and function lighting on the printed silicone surfaces.
Basic requirements for data:
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Formats: *pdf / *tiff / *tif
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Resolution in dpi (ppi)
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Resolution for photos at least 150 dpi, for graphics min. 600 dpi in final format
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from 200 dpi (ppi) good picture quality
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Data in original size or as a vector graphic for customisation
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Substrate: white, flat silicone moulding
Laser etching
High quality design highlights on user interfaces
When it comes to the production of illuminated control elements, laser etching represents a process safe way of marking.
The method allows the direct processing of design data as well as a high variety of possibilities.The symbols on the user interfaces can be freely designed. With the laser, silicone mouldings can be etched in small to very large numbers .
In the process flow, the procedure looks as follows:
- The moulding is manufactured with an injection moulding machine.
- A paint or PVD coating is applied.
- The silicone part is etched by laser.
- A protective coating is applied.
Laser etching allows visually high quality highlights on user controls. The graphics can be chosen freely This makes it possible, for example to have applications such as marking in day/night design.
Comparison of the processes
| Processes | Applications | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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| Pad printing |
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| Screen printing |
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| Digital printing |
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| Laser etching |
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KPA Kunststoff Produkte Aktuell
28. – 29. February 2024
Booth No.: 2-D15
We will be in Ulm as an exhibitor. Visit us.
Link to the free visitor ticket: