How to determine if a product is silicone rubber-based
We will review silicone ink adhesion testing and how to test if your product is actually silicone. This article will assist you in determining whether a product is silicone. When printing on any product, including silicone, it is important to identify the material. Knowing the material helps the user narrow down the proper ink to use. Additionally, it helps in determining if a pre-treatment process is required. Pre-treatment examples include UV adhesion promoters.
Materials like silicone
In terms of properties and applications, several materials bear a striking resemblance to silicone. While these products look like silicone, they are not silicone. As a result, many printing and industrial molding professionals mistake these materials for silicone. These materials include polyurethane (PU), fluorosilicone, EPDM rubber, Viton, Neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), nitrile, latex, etc. We will discuss these materials later, along with the appropriate screen and pad printing inks.
Importance of testing prior to printing on silicone
Testing silicone rubber parts before printing with silicone ink is crucial. If it is not silicone, the ink will not adhere to it. Furthermore, even after heating the product, the ink may not dry. For these and many other reasons, it is very important to test any product, including silicone, prior to printing. Learn more about inks for silicone rubber.
Ink adhesion testing for silicone printing
A silicone part or product can be tested in several ways. Some common methods of testing include the following:
- Silicone Burn test: To conduct this test, carefully burn a small piece of the product in a well-ventilated room or outdoors. Silicone products burn slowly and eventually extinguish themselves, leaving behind white ash (Silicon Dioxide, SiO₂). Unlike plastics, silicone will not melt or drip.
- Heat resistance test: Silicone is naturally heat-resistant. It does not deform, melt, or release any smell when exposed to high temperatures. For this test, simply immerse silicone in boiling water. If the material is silicone, it will maintain all its physical properties.
- Freezer test: This test, like the heat resistance, checks the thermal properties of silicone. Simply place the product in the freezer for a few hours. Even when frozen, silicone rubber remains flexible.
These three tests are the most common and practical for printing. Other tests include heat resistance, water repellent, chemical, tear resistance, and density (weight). When performing any of these tests, especially the burn test, ensure you take proper safety precautions to avoid accidents.
Conclusion silicone ink adhesion testing
Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. offers free adhesion testing and consulting on a wide range of materials, including silicone. Unlike companies that distribute silicone ink, Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. has a thorough understanding of the chemistry behind silicone and many other materials. Additionally, we have thousands of hours’ experience dealing with silicone.
Because of our experience manufacturing inks for silicone and silicone adhesives, we are the best company to help you with your silicone printing project. Learn more to choose pad printing ink.
Visit our YouTube channel or visit our support hub to learn more about how to print on silicone and other materials.
Check out our Ink adhesion testing.
