Strategies to Avoid Electrostatic Charges During Silicone Rubber Molding

Industries that deal with silicone rubber products often face a common challenge: the tendency to generate static electricity. This phenomenon can lead to the absorption of dust and impurities, especially in products such as baby teethers and toys, posing health risks to young users. Effective methods have been devised to combat this issue, ensuring a safer and more hygienic production process.

Method 1: Source Control and Environmental Management

To tackle the static electricity problem at its root, it is essential to start from the raw materials. Adding antistatic agents to the raw materials used in silicone rubber production can significantly reduce the generation of static electricity. During the production process, these agents help control the surface charge of the material.

Additionally, static eliminators can be installed at the entrance of the silicone injection molding machine to neutralize charges as soon as they are generated. Installing an air humidifier in the workshop also helps prevent the buildup of static electricity by maintaining an optimal level of humidity. Once static electricity does occur, tools like ion wind elimination rods can be used. These devices create a large amount of positive and negative ions, effectively dissipating the static charge without damaging the silicone products.

Method Two: Advanced Static Elimination Tools and Components

For silicone sheets, the use of ion wind bars and static eliminators can help eliminate static charges during high-speed stretching. This prevents the sheet from adhering to dust or sticking together due to static electricity, leading to higher quality products. A ring-shaped static electricity elimination device installed at the silicone injection port of the molding machine can effectively remove high-voltage static electricity generated during the feeding process. This further ensures smooth feeding, avoiding blockages and improving overall production efficiency.

Antistatic agents can also be used to spray an antistatic coating on the surface of products. This method does not affect the product's performance or transparency, making it a practical solution. Antistatic liquids can be added during the compounding process to ensure even distribution, similar to how alcohol spreads on a surface.

Method Three: Surface Treatment with Oil

Another method involves the use of oil to coat silicone products. This not only helps eliminate static electricity but also enhances the smoothness and color of the product's surface. However, this method is not suitable for all applications. Products intended for maternal and infant use or medical purposes should avoid oil treatments to maintain safety and health standards.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, manufacturers can effectively manage and mitigate static electricity in silicone rubber molding processes. This not only ensures a cleaner, more hygienic end product but also enhances overall production efficiency and safety.