Common Design Mistakes in Custom Silicone Products

A client called us last month asking the same question we hear at least twice a week: what actually goes into common design mistakes in custom silicone products? It is a fair question. The answer is more nuanced than most suppliers will tell you.

Wall thickness is the single most important factor in silicone part design, and it is also the most commonly messed up. Too thin and the part tears during demolding. Too thick and you get voids and long cure times. For most consumer products, 1.5 to 2.5mm is the sweet spot.

Surface texture on a mold transfers directly to the product. A polished mold gives a glossy finish. A spark-eroded surface gives a matte texture. Clients often ask for a specific feel without realizing it all starts with the mold surface treatment. We provide sample chips so you can feel the difference before committing.

CNC and EDM are both used in mold making, and they do different jobs. CNC is faster for large, flat surfaces. EDM is needed for sharp internal corners and details that a cutting tool cannot reach. A good mold shop uses both, not just one.

If you are working through these decisions for your own product line, we are happy to talk it through. Lemeng Silicone has been manufacturing custom silicone products for over 20 years, and we have seen pretty much every scenario. Drop us a line and we will give you an honest assessment, even if you end up working with someone else.