Struggling to find the right parts for your new product? An inaccurate requirement can lead to costly mold revisions. I’ll use my fifteen years of experience to show you how to get it right the first time.

To successfully customize a silicone mold, there are three core steps. First, define the [product specifications](https://formlabs.com/blog/how-to-make-silicone-molds/?srsltid=AfmBOor_D1nTw4WDEzl6A-6VfvU5YgbokV-jPD6sVZSXA-RJiku6Vhje)[^1] and design. Second, plan the [order quantity](https://www.newtopsilicone.com/finding-your-ideal-silicone-product-manufacturer-a-strategic-guide/)[^2] and production details. Third, choose the right silicone material for the application.


Nailing these three core steps is key to your project’s success. But this is just the beginning. Each step has hidden details and potential “traps.” Rushing in without understanding them can easily lead you astray. Don’t worry. As an industry veteran, I will now walk you through these issues one by one. This will ensure your project is on the most reliable path from the very start.

## Step 1: How to Accurately Define Your Silicone Product’s Specifications and Design?

Have your samples ever looked completely different from your vision because of unclear design files? Or perhaps you have an idea but don’t know how to describe it accurately to a supplier? This can put your project in a tough spot right from the beginning.

To define your product accurately, you must provide clear specifications. This includes [dimensional tolerances](https://siliconedynamics.net/dimensional-tolerances-guide-for-more-functional-silicone-molded-parts/)[^3], hardness, color, and the use environment. The best way is to provide a professional [3D design file](https://formlabs.com/white-papers/silicone-part-production-with-3d-printed-tools/?srsltid=AfmBOope_A-dCj6HjqFbJzgkVFiSS_sf4XK5sBv7iZIBb_64tWF6h-kN)[^4]. This avoids most communication errors.


I have been in the silicone business for fifteen years. I have seen too many problems caused by poor drawings. Once, a client gave us only a product photo and asked us to “make it like this.” The first mold was made. But during assembly, they found a 0.5mm interference. The mold had to be modified. This not only added thousands in costs but also delayed the delivery by a week. Since then, I always insist that clients provide detailed drawings whenever possible.

### Why Are 3D Files So Important?

A 3D file is the universal language among engineers. It visually shows every detail of a product. This includes complex curves, internal structures, and tiny features. A supplier’s mold engineer can directly use this file for mold design and programming. This greatly reduces errors during information transfer. If you don’t have a designer, you can hire a professional third-party design firm. That investment is absolutely worth it.

### Checklist of Key Specifications

| Parameter Category | Description | Why It’s Important |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Dimensions & Tolerance** | The product’s length, width, height, and acceptable error range. | Determines if the product will assemble perfectly with other parts. |
| **Hardness (Shore A)** | The softness or firmness of the silicone, typically from 10-90A. | Affects the product’s feel, resilience, and sealing performance. |
| **Color** | Provide a [Pantone color code](https://www.siliconedx.com/Blog/how-pantone-colors-can-enhance-your-silicone-products/)[^5] (C/U). | Ensures color consistency across different production batches. |
| **Use Environment** | The product’s operating temperature, chemical contact, outdoor use, etc. | Determines the material’s resistance to heat, cold, corrosion, and other factors. |

## Step 2: Which Silicone Material Should You Choose, LSR or HCR?

A escolha do material errado pode ser um desastre. Seu produto pode não passar nos testes de grau alimentício ou se deformar em altas temperaturas. Isso desperdiça todo o seu investimento. Decidir entre a borracha de silicone líquida (LSR) e a borracha de alta consistência (HCR) costuma ser uma dor de cabeça.

Simplificando, o LSR é para produtos precisos e de alto volume com requisitos rigorosos, como itens médicos ou para bebês. O HCR é melhor para produtos mais simples, de baixo volume e sensíveis ao custo, como vedações industriais.


You can’t just look at the price when choosing a material. I had a client who was making a baby pacifier for the European market. He initially used a standard HCR material to save money. However, the product failed the EU [certification tests](https://seedandsprout.com/pages/lfgb-silicone)[^6] because of material leaching. The entire shipment was held up. We helped him switch to platinum-cured LSR, and it passed the certification smoothly. This taught us that material selection must start with the product’s end-use and market standards.

### LSR vs. HCR: How to Make the Right Choice?

Ambos os materiais têm seus prós e contras. O LSR é processado por moldagem por injeção de líquido. Ele é altamente automatizado, produz peças de alta precisão e não requer corte secundário. Mas o investimento em moldes e equipamentos é alto. O HCR depende da mistura manual e da moldagem por compressão. Sua eficiência de produção é menor, e as peças têm flashes maiores. Mas o investimento inicial é menor.

### Material Selection Decision Table

| Feature Comparison | Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) | High Consistency Rubber (HCR) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Processing Method** | Liquid injection molding, fully automated. | Solid compression molding, semi-automated. |
| **Product Precision** | High precision, no or minimal flash. | Average precision, noticeable flash needs trimming. |
| **Safety Grade** | Can be medical-grade, food-grade, non-toxic, odorless. | Mostly industrial grade, food-grade requires special formula. |
| **Production Efficiency** | Very high, suitable for mass production. | Lower, suitable for small to medium batches. |
| **Suitable Products** | Medical tubes, baby pacifiers, precision seals. | Industrial seals, keypads, general protective covers. |
| **Overall Cost** | High upfront mold cost, low unit price later. | Low upfront mold cost, high labor cost later. |

## Step 3: How to Plan Orders and Production to Avoid Delays?

Have you ever had a supplier repeatedly miss promised delivery dates? Or have your products been damaged in transit due to improper packaging? These issues can seriously impact your new product launch schedule and even harm your brand’s reputation.

To avoid delays, you must communicate all production and logistics details with your supplier before placing an order. This includes clarifying the single [order quantity](https://www.newtopsilicone.com/finding-your-ideal-silicone-product-manufacturer-a-strategic-guide/)[^2], annual forecast, [production lead times](https://breinerco.com/calculate-lead-time-with-one-simple-formula-2/)[^7], [packaging standards](https://elastostar.com/fda-silicone-meaning-properties-considerations/)[^8], and [shipping methods](https://www.extrememolding.com/blog/shipping-your-new-product-staying-organized-during-manufacturing)[^9].


We have a rule in our factory: an order without a production plan is irresponsible to the client. I always work with my clients to define every timeline node. This covers everything from [mold making](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qshiVaK5w)[^10], sample confirmation, and mass production to final shipment. For example, mold making usually takes 20-25 days. The first trial production and sample delivery take 3 days. After the client confirms, the first mass production might take 7-10 days. We write all of this into the contract. Both parties have clear expectations, and the collaboration goes smoothly.

### How to Create a Thorough Production Plan?

Um bom plano de produção ajuda a gerenciar as expectativas e deixa uma margem para possíveis problemas. Você precisa considerar mais do que apenas a produção em si. Você também precisa pensar em toda a coordenação a montante e a jusante. Comunicar esses detalhes claramente com antecedência pode evitar atritos com o fornecedor por causa de problemas menores no futuro.

### Key Points for Production and Logistics Planning

| Planning Item | Key Question | Why It’s Important |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Order Quantity** | How much per order? What is the annual forecast? | Determines if the supplier needs to stock material for you, affecting price and delivery. |
| **Production Cycle** | What are the T0 (mold) and T1 (product) lead times? | Helps you schedule your subsequent assembly and marketing plans. |
| **Packaging Specs**| Individual or bulk packaging? Need labels? | Protects products during transit and simplifies warehouse management and assembly. |
| **Logistics** | Choose air, sea, or land freight? Who handles customs? | Directly impacts shipping costs and arrival time. |

### Conclusion

In short, successfully customizing a silicone product mold is not a simple task you can just hand off to a supplier. It requires you to start from the source and conduct a clear requirements analysis, just as I’ve shared today. From accurately defining product specs and 3D designs, to choosing the right LSR or HCR material for the application, and finally, to carefully planning your orders and production logistics. When you get every step right, you truly take control of your project. You ensure that what you receive in the end is a high-quality product that 100% meets your requirements.

My name is Jeff Ye, and I’ve been working in the silicone rubber industry for fifteen years. I founded Dibo Tech with a simple mission: to use our professional expertise to help more clients like you have a smoother journey in product development. If you have any more questions about silicone customization, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to share my experience and help you solve problems.
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[^1]: Understanding product specifications is crucial; this link provides insights on how to define them accurately.
[^2]: Understanding order quantity is crucial; this link provides insights on how to calculate it effectively.
[^3]: Understanding tolerances is key; this link offers guidance on setting them for optimal product fit.
[^4]: Discover the significance of 3D design files in reducing errors and improving communication with suppliers.
[^5]: Learn how to select the right Pantone color for consistency in your silicone products.
[^6]: Learn about the necessary certification tests to ensure your silicone products meet industry standards.
[^7]: Understanding lead times is vital; this resource helps you plan your production schedule effectively.
[^8]: Explore this resource to learn about packaging standards that protect your products during transit.
[^9]: This link discusses various shipping methods and their impact on delivery times and costs.
[^10]: Learn about the mold making process to better understand the timeline and requirements involved.