Keypads & controls
Button arrays, flexible membranes and tactile interfaces. Review travel, return action and screen-printed legends alongside the assembled feel.
Key height · return action · screen-printed legends
RUBBER & SILICONEFlexible parts.
Flexible parts.
Designed around the fit.
From tactile keypads to seals and protective covers, connect material, hardness and geometry to the way your part will be used. Review the process from first sample to repeat supply.
01 / PARTS & APPLICATIONS
Start with what the part needs to do
Appearance, tactile response and sealing each need a different set of acceptance checks.
Seals & protective parts
Gaskets, protective caps and sleeves. Review mating geometry, compression and the contact environment together.
Mating surfaces · compression · edges
Cushioning & combined parts
Pads, flexible connectors and parts with inserts. Review deformation, positioning and how the materials connect.
Deformation space · inserts · bonding
02 / MATERIALS & HARDNESS
The same shape can feel very different
Use these material families as a starting point. The specific compound and process follow the drawing and operating conditions.
| Material family | Where to begin | Confirm together |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone · VMQ | Consider for flexible keypads, covers and sealing components. | Grade, hardness, colour, tear resistance and use temperature. |
| Nitrile rubber · NBR | A material direction for parts exposed to oils or grease. | Specific fluid, concentration, temperature and deformation. |
| EPDM rubber | A material direction for weather exposure and selected water-contact uses. | Exposure conditions, fluid compatibility and compression. |
| Cast polyurethane elastomers | Rubber-like samples for shape, feel and assembly assessment. | Chosen resin data and suitability for the intended test. |
Specify hardness and the test method
Provide the target hardness and scale, such as Shore A, plus permitted variation and the measurement location or specimen. Finished-part feel also depends on wall thickness, shape and assembly.
03 / PROCESS PLANNING
Choose the process around the part
Confirm the manufacturing route and project scope before tooling or sample production.
Compression moulding
Review a rubber or silicone compound and mould around the required geometry and quantity.
Parting line, venting, flash allowance, shrinkage and demoulding.
Vacuum casting for samples
Use a master and silicone tool to produce selected elastomeric resin samples for design evaluation.
A silicone mould describes the tooling; the cast part material is specified separately.
Inserts & overmoulding review
Review how a flexible material joins a rigid plastic or metal component.
Substrate compatibility, retention features, insert position and bond requirements.
Keypad screen printing
The rubber keypads in the main photograph use screen printing for their legends and symbols. Before printing, confirm the artwork, print position, colour and a sample; agree ink compatibility, adhesion and abrasion checks for the intended use.
04 / INSPECTION & DELIVERY
Approve the look, feel and fit
Appearance & surface
Check screen-print clarity, position, colour and completeness, plus bubbles, incomplete fill and flash. Agree adhesion and abrasion checks against the intended use.
Dimensions & hardness
Confirm critical dimensions and the agreed hardness measurement conditions.
Fit & function
Check mating parts, return action or sealing against the agreed test method.
Agree any functional tests and required records before production; protect surfaces and flexible features during packing.
FROM DRAWING TO DELIVERY
One approved sample, a clear production reference
- 01
Drawings & material
Confirm geometry, grade, hardness, colour, quantity and use conditions.
- 02
Tooling & first sample
Review parting, gates and inserts; approve a physical sample and acceptance criteria.
- 03
Forming, trimming & printing
Follow the approved route through forming, trimming, keypad screen printing and any agreed assembly.
- 04
Inspection & delivery
Check the agreed items, identify the batch and protect the parts for delivery.
START A PROJECT
Tell us how the part will be used
Include a reference sample or mating-part information when available, so the review covers both manufacturing and assembly.
Send a rubber / silicone enquiry- Drawing & mating parts
- 3D model, 2D drawing, mating geometry and critical areas.
- Material & appearance
- Grade, hardness scale and target; screen-print artwork (PDF or ZIP), print size and position, colour reference and approved sample.
- Use & delivery
- Contact media, temperature, quantity, test criteria and required date.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before the first sample
Does a silicone mould mean a silicone part?
No. The mould may be silicone while the cast part uses a selected polyurethane resin. Specify the finished material and required properties separately.
Is hardness enough to define keypad feel?
Hardness is one input. Key geometry, web thickness, travel, return action and the assembled interface also affect tactile response.
Can a sample lead to repeat supply?
Freeze the drawing revision, material, appearance reference and acceptance requirements. Review changes to the mould or manufacturing route before repeat production.