The personalized customization process of food-grade silicone key chains

Demand communication and confirmation

Customer communication: The customizer and the producer communicate through online (such as email, instant messaging tools) or offline (face-to-face communication) methods. The customizer needs to clearly state their personalized requirements, such as the purpose of the key chain (for personal use, gifting, promotion, etc.), which will affect the style design of the key chain. If it is a gift, one might pay more attention to delicacy and beauty. If it is for promotion and publicity, the brand elements should be highlighted.

Clarify design elements: Describe in detail the desired patterns, text, shapes, etc. The patterns can be cartoon characters, landscapes, abstract patterns, etc. Words can be names, blessings, slogans, etc. The shape can be a conventional geometric shape or a unique irregular design. For example, the customizer wants a keychain with a pet cat as the pattern, with the pet’s name and birthday written on it.

Determine the size and color: Based on the usage scenario and personal preferences, determine the size of the key chain, such as whether it is compact and portable or slightly larger and more noticeable. In terms of color, it is necessary to consider the color range that food-grade silicone can be mixed with, as well as the visual effects of different color combinations. The customizer hopes that the main body of the key chain is light blue, with white text and pink patterns.

Confirm the quantity and budget: Inform the manufacturer of the required number of key chains. Different quantities may affect the unit price and production cycle. At the same time, clearly define your budget range, and the production team will provide a suitable customized plan based on the budget. For instance, the customizer requires 100 key chains with a budget of around 500 yuan.

Formulation of design plan

Designer creation: The designers of the production side carry out creative designs based on the client’s requirements. Designers will use professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, etc., to draw the initial design draft of the key chain. During the design process, the characteristics of food-grade silicone will be fully considered. For instance, the thickness of the lines in the pattern should be suitable for the silicone molding process.

Presentation and modification of the plan: Present the design draft to the client in the form of pictures or 3D models. The client offers revision suggestions on the design draft, and the designer makes adjustments based on the suggestions until the client is satisfied. For instance, if the client finds the position of the pattern inappropriate or the font of the text not aesthetically pleasing, the designer will make corresponding modifications.

After multiple communications and revisions, the client confirmed the final design plan. The manufacturer will archive the design plan as the basis for subsequent production.

Mold making

Mold design: Based on the final determined design plan, the mold designer designs the mold. The mold design should take into account factors such as the fluidity of silicone and the difficulty of demolding after molding. For instance, for complex-shaped key chains, the mold should be designed with reasonable parting surfaces and exhaust slots to ensure that the silicone can fully fill the mold and that the product will not be damaged during demolding.

Mold processing: Professional mold processing equipment, such as CNC milling machines and electrical discharge machining machines, is used to process mold materials into the required shapes. The precision of mold processing directly affects the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of key chains. After the processing is completed, quality inspection of the mold should be carried out to ensure that the mold meets the design requirements.

Mold debugging: Before formal production, conduct trial production using the mold to check the forming effect of the key chain. If any defects are found in the key chain, such as dimensional deviations or surface bubbles, the mold should be adjusted and repaired until the produced key chain meets the quality standards.

Preparation and production of silicone raw materials

Raw material selection: Select silicone raw materials that meet food-grade standards to ensure they are non-toxic, odorless and pollution-free. According to the color requirements of the design plan, mix the silicone raw materials of the corresponding color.

Molding processing: The prepared silicone raw materials are placed in the mold, and key chains are produced through compression molding or injection molding. Compression molding involves placing silicone raw materials into molds and allowing them to solidify and take shape under certain temperatures and pressures. Injection molding involves heating and melting silicone raw materials and then injecting them into molds through an injection molding machine. During the molding process, parameters such as temperature, pressure and time must be strictly controlled to ensure the stable quality of the key chain.

Demolding and trimming: After the molding is completed, remove the key chain from the mold and perform the demolding operation. As silicone has a certain degree of elasticity, care should be taken to avoid damaging the product during demolding. Then, trim the key chain to remove the excess burrs and flash, making the edges of the key chain smooth and neat.

Quality inspection

Visual inspection: Check the appearance of the key chain for any defects, such as scratches, bubbles, color differences, etc. Visual inspection should be carried out in sufficient light to ensure that minor defects can be detected. For example, check whether the pattern on the surface of the key chain is clear and whether the color is uniform.

Dimensional measurement: Use measuring tools such as calipers to measure whether the dimensions of the key chain meet the design requirements. The dimensional deviation should be within the allowable range; otherwise, it will affect the usage effect of the key chain.

Performance testing: Conduct some performance tests on the key chain, such as tensile tests and bending tests, to check whether its elasticity and flexibility are good. At the same time, a waterproof test should be conducted (although silicone itself is waterproof, it is necessary to ensure that the sealing structure has no defects) to ensure that the key chain will not have problems such as water leakage during actual use.

Packaging and Delivery

Packaging design: Based on the characteristics of the key chain and customer requirements, design appropriate packaging. The packaging can be simple plastic bags, paper boxes, or exquisite gift boxes. Brand logos, product information, etc. can be printed on the packaging. For instance, if the key chain is custom-made as a gift, it can be packaged in an exquisite gift box to increase the added value of the product.

Packaging production and operation: Produce packaging materials in accordance with the packaging design, and package the key chains that pass the inspection. During the packaging process, it is necessary to pay attention to avoiding damage to the key chain.

Delivery to the customer: According to the customer’s requirements, select the appropriate logistics method to deliver the key chain to the customer. Before delivery, it is necessary to confirm the delivery address and contact information with the customer to ensure that the goods can be delivered accurately. Meanwhile, relevant documents such as the quality guarantee certificate of the product should be provided.