Liquid silicone rubber molding offers numerous advantages over traditional plastic molding, but one of its greatest strengths lies in the use of undercuts. Understanding and utilizing undercuts correctly in your silicone rubber product design can significantly enhance the quality and functionality of your final product. In this article, we will explore the world of undercuts in silicone parts, their benefits, design considerations, and how they can revolutionize your product development.
The Power of Undercuts
Undercut Definition: An undercut design in liquid silicone injection molding refers to a depression that allows silicone flow or a protrusion that restricts it. These features create grooves or channels that serve various purposes, such as mounting options for custom silicone keypads or accommodating displays.
In the figure above, you can see two undercuts. The first one, highlighted in red, is ideal for mounting a silicone rubber keypad onto a printed circuit board, providing a secure connection. The second undercut is designed to hold a clear glass window, making it suitable for protective coverings on display units.
Versatile Undercut Geometry
Undercuts come in various shapes, depths, and complexities, offering flexibility in your silicone rubber component or keypad design. Simple undercuts typically have no significant impact on part removal from the mold. However, complex or deep undercuts may require specialized tools or molds for efficient demolding.
Figure 1-2 showcases an unconventional mold design for a part with multiple intricate undercuts, highlighting the versatility of silicone molding.
Simplifying Design and Enhancing Protection
Undercut designs can simplify your product design by eliminating the need for pull-through tabs or spigots. These are often used to align and secure keypads to a printed circuit board but can be replaced by a well-planned undercut design. Moreover, undercuts can provide added protection against moisture and other damaging conditions for critical components.
Expertise Matters
Creating undercuts in silicone rubber keypads and components requires expertise. When tight tolerances are essential, relying on experienced professionals becomes paramount. At SiTech, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you in designing and producing top-quality silicone rubber keypads. If you’re looking for more information on undercut components or keypads, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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.
