Silicone Injection Molded Baby Mask

Manufacturing Process Silicone Injection Molding Services
Parts Material Silicone
Mold Type Production Tooling
Application Industry Infant and Maternal
Surface Treatment Chrome Plating
Tolerance(Accuracy) Parts: ±0.1mm(±0.004″)

Mold: ±0.02mm(±0.0008″)

Notes:

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Our client, a leading baby care product company, required a high-quality, hypoallergenic silicone baby mask designed for use in respiratory support devices. The mask needed to be soft, durable, and provide a comfortable fit for infants. Key requirements included:

  • Biocompatibility and safety
  • Flexibility and comfort
  • High precision in manufacturing
  • Capacity for mass production
Silicone baby masks commonly found on the market
Silicone baby masks commonly found on the market

Silicone Mask By Injection Molding Project Initiation

The project began with an in-depth consultation to fully understand the client’s specifications and expectations. We conducted a feasibility study and developed a detailed project plan, focusing on the mold design and production process. Key initial steps included:

  • Requirement analysis and project planning
  • Reviewing the client-provided 3D CAD model of the baby mask
  • Selection of medical-grade liquid silicone rubber (LSR) as the material

Silicone Injection Molded Infant Mask Development

The development process was meticulously planned and executed to ensure high-quality outcomes. Key stages included:

  1. Mold Design
    • Designed a high-precision steel mold tailored for LSR injection molding.
    • Integrated complex features such as undercuts and thin walls to achieve the desired flexibility and comfort.
    • Utilized advanced simulation software to predict and address potential issues in the mold design.
  2. Prototyping and Testing
    • Created initial prototypes using 3D printing to verify the mold design and ensure the mask’s fit and function.
    • Conducted several test runs to fine-tune the injection molding process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and injection speed.
  3. Injection Molding
    • Implemented a cold runner system to maintain the silicone at optimal temperature during injection.
    • Conducted multiple test runs to optimize the process and ensure consistent quality.
    • Established stringent quality control measures, including visual inspections and functional tests, to ensure each mask met the required standards.
injection molded silicone infant mask mold

Challenges and Solutions

During the project, several challenges were encountered and successfully addressed:

  • Material Flow and Curing: Ensuring the silicone flowed uniformly into the mold without air entrapment required precise control of injection speed and pressure. We optimized these parameters through multiple trials.
  • Mold Design Complexity: The intricate design of the baby mask, including thin sections and detailed features, posed a challenge. Our engineering team used advanced simulation software to predict and resolve potential issues.
  • Consistency and Quality Control: Achieving consistent quality in mass production necessitated stringent quality control measures. We implemented a robust inspection process, including visual checks and functional tests, to ensure every mask met the required standards.

Dimensional Tolerances

  • Length, Width, Height: ±0.1 mm (±0.004 inches)
  • Thickness: ±0.05 mm (±0.002 inches)
  • Feature Size (small details such as vents or attachment points): ±0.02 mm (±0.0008 inches)

Surface Defects

  • Bubbles: No more than 3 bubbles per mask, each bubble must be smaller than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter.
  • Sink Marks: Sink marks must not exceed 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) in depth.
  • Flash: Flash must not exceed 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) in thickness and must be easily removable without affecting the integrity of the product.

1. What are the benefits of using silicone for baby products?

Silicone is highly favored for baby products due to its hypoallergenic properties, flexibility, durability, and safety. It is resistant to bacteria, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for products like baby masks, pacifiers, and teething toys. Additionally, medical-grade silicone is free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC, ensuring it is safe for infants.

2. What is the typical process for silicone injection molding in baby product manufacturing?

The silicone injection molding process involves several key steps:

  • Design: Creating a detailed CAD model of the product.
  • Mold Making: Fabricating a high-precision mold, usually from steel or aluminum.
  • Material Preparation: Mixing and preparing liquid silicone rubber (LSR).
  • Injection Molding: Injecting the LSR into the mold under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
  • Curing: Allowing the silicone to cure and solidify in the mold.
  • Demolding: Carefully removing the finished product from the mold.
  • Post-Processing: Trimming, inspecting, and finishing the product to meet quality standards.

3. What are the common defects encountered in silicone injection molding, and how are they addressed?

Common defects in silicone injection molding include air bubbles, sink marks, flash, and inconsistent curing. These issues can be addressed through:

  • Optimizing Process Parameters: Adjusting temperature, pressure, and injection speed to ensure uniform material flow and curing.
  • Mold Design Improvements: Incorporating features such as venting and proper gating to reduce air entrapment and material wastage.
  • Quality Control: Implementing stringent inspection and testing protocols to detect and rectify defects early in the production process.

4. How do you ensure the safety and quality of silicone baby products during manufacturing?

Ensuring the safety and quality of silicone baby products involves several measures:

  • Material Selection: Using only medical-grade, biocompatible silicone that meets regulatory standards.
  • Precision Manufacturing: Employing high-precision molds and advanced injection molding techniques to produce consistent and defect-free products.
  • Quality Assurance: Conducting rigorous testing, including visual inspections, dimensional checks, and functional tests, to ensure each product meets safety and quality standards.
  • Compliance: Adhering to relevant industry standards and regulations, such as FDA and CPSIA guidelines, to ensure product safety and reliability.

5. What are the production capabilities for silicone injection molded baby products, and how can they be scaled for large orders?

Our production capabilities for silicone injection molded baby products are designed to handle both small and large-scale orders efficiently. Key aspects include:

  • Advanced Machinery: Utilizing state-of-the-art injection molding machines capable of high-volume production with consistent quality.
  • Scalability: Implementing flexible manufacturing processes that can be easily scaled up to meet increased demand without compromising quality.
  • Lead Times: Maintaining efficient production schedules to ensure timely delivery of large orders, with a typical output rate of up to 10,000 units per month.
  • Supply Chain Management: Leveraging a robust supply chain to ensure a steady flow of raw materials and timely distribution of finished products.
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