When you search for silicone products online, you will find that the price differences are extremely wide. For example, a phone case can be sold for as little as 9.9 yuan or as much as 99 yuan; a silicone baby bottle can be priced at just a few yuan or as much as several dozen yuan.
They seem to be quite similar, both being soft and elastic. But why is there such a big price difference?
Today, from the perspective of a silicone product factory, I would like to explain to you: What exactly is the difference between cheap silicone and high-quality silicone?
Let me state the conclusion first.
Cheap silicone and good silicone, the biggest difference lies not in "the appearance", but in "the essence".
Cheap silicone and good silicone, the biggest difference lies not in "the appearance", but in "the essence".
Some problems can be identified within a few days, while others may not be revealed until months or even longer.Some problems can be identified within a few days, while others may not be revealed until months or even longer. By the time the problems are discovered, it is often too late.
Difference 1: The raw materials are different
This is the most fundamental difference.
Good silicone: It is made from pure silicone raw materials, without any adulteration or use of inferior materials. The raw material suppliers are also well-known large factories, and each batch of raw materials comes with a test report.
Cheap silicone: To reduce costs, industrial-grade silicone, recycled materials, or other inexpensive fillers may be added. With these substances included, the raw material cost can be reduced by more than half, but the performance of the product will be significantly compromised.
Actual differences:
Pure silicone has no odor. Silicone with impurities may have a pungent smell.
Pure silicone has good elasticity, while silicone with fillers is prone to deformation.
Pure silicone has a smooth surface, while silicone with impurities may feel rough to the touch.
Difference 2: The rubber compounding processes are different
Good silicone: The rubber is processed strictly according to the formula and process parameters. The temperature is controlled within the specified range, the processing time is sufficient, and the additives are mixed evenly. The processed rubber also needs to be left to "rest" for a period of time to allow all the materials to fully integrate.
Cheap silicone: To save time and energy, the rubber mixing process can be "pretty much okay". Insufficient time, unstable temperature, and unhomogeneous additives are common issues. Sometimes, instead of mixing the rubber, the raw materials are directly put onto the machine.
Actual differences:
The good silicone batch is stable and relatively inexpensive. The price might vary between this purchase and the next one.
The good silicone has uniform color, while the cheap silicone may have color spots or color differences.
Good silicone has no hard lumps. Cheap silicone may have small particles to the touch.
Difference 3: Different molding processes
Forming is a crucial step that determines the size and appearance of the product.
High-quality silicone: The molding temperature, pressure and time all have strict standards. For each batch of products, the first piece is confirmed upon startup, and regular inspections are conducted during the production process. The molds are regularly maintained to ensure precise product dimensions.
Cheap silicone: The process parameters are determined by the master's intuition. To meet the production volume, the curing time may be shortened and the temperature may be increased. The molds are used until they wear out without being replaced, and the product dimensions become increasingly inaccurate.
Actual differences:
The silicone size is accurate. Cheap silicone might be either too large or too small.
The good silicone has a smooth surface. The cheap silicone may have rough edges, bubbles or missing materials.
Good silicone is durable, while cheap silicone may crack very soon.
Difference 4: Different post-processing methods
Some products require secondary processing, such as applying hand lotion or laser engraving characters. These processes also vary in quality.
Good silicone: The surface was thoroughly cleaned before spraying, the ink was of high quality, and the baking temperature and time were strictly controlled. The engraving parameters were adjusted, and the characters were clear.
Cheap silicone: The surface is not treated and is directly sprayed. The ink is of a cheap quality. The baking process is "just bake it for a while". The engraving parameters can be set randomly. The edges of the characters may become burnt or not be engraved cleanly.
Actual differences:
The silicone has a good texture and a firm grip. The coating on cheap silicone wears off after just a few days of use.
Good silicone engraved characters are clear, while cheap silicone characters are blurry and prone to fading.
Difference No. 5: The inspection and verification procedures are different.
The product has been made. Should we conduct a test? How to detect? The differences are also quite significant.
Good silicone: There is a complete quality inspection process. Incoming inspection, first article inspection, patrol inspection, random inspection, and inspection before shipment are all carried out without any omission. The inspection equipment is complete (including hardness testers, tensile machines, color difference meters, etc.), and the data is recorded.
Cheap silicone: There is almost no inspection, or it's just that the workers "take a quick look". The defective products are mixed with the good ones and shipped together. The customers only find out there is a problem when they receive them.
Actual differences:
The good silicone batch has stable quality. However, the cheap silicone has inconsistent quality.
Problems with good silicone can be traced back to the source, but for cheap silicone, the cause cannot be found.
Good quality silicone products were intercepted within the factory, while defective silicone products were delivered to the customers.
Risks associated with cheap silicone:
If you choose the cheaper silicone, you might encounter the following problems:
01
Safety risk: Products that contain unqualified raw materials or additives may contain harmful substances. These are used in infant products, kitchenware, medical devices, etc., and the consequences can be severe.
02
Short lifespan: The product may deform, crack, fade in color or become sticky within just a few days, resulting in numerous customer complaints.
03
Batch instability: The products purchased this time are different from those in the next batch. The quality of your products cannot be consistently maintained.
04
Delivery date is out of control: The management of the cheap factory is chaotic, and there is a possibility of delay at any time.
05
High after-sales costs: If a product has a problem, the factory may refuse to take responsibility or simply disappear.
Conclusion
We have been manufacturing silicone products for 15 years. We have witnessed many customers choosing inferior silicone products out of the desire for low prices. As a result, the products malfunctioned and the brand suffered damage. These customers then came back to us to have the products re-made.
Let's do the math: You save 30% of the procurement cost, but you may end up paying 100% of the after-sales cost, and you lose the customer's trust. It just doesn't make sense no matter how you look at it.
Hongxiangda uses only pure silicone raw materials and regular additives. Each process has its own standards, and each batch of products undergoes testing. We don't sell the cheapest products, but we sell those that can give you peace of mind.
If you are looking for a supplier of silicone products, please come and have a look at Hongxianda. We don't shy away from comparisons; we are afraid only of not being able to match your quality.