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Nothing beats rubber badges when it comes to quality on a budget. They are often dismissed as simple, but well-designed custom rubber badges shouldn’t be underrated. A good design will turn heads, and it can do wonders if your goal is to earn more brand visibility or promote an upcoming event.
However, the process of making rubber badges is more complex than it may look on paper. There is plenty that goes on behind the scenes, from material selection to finding the perfect badge manufacturer.
Here, we examine the essential steps to consider when creating high-quality rubber badges.
Material Matters: The Heart of Your Rubber Badges
The word rubber is a blanket term often used to refer to elastomeric materials, and there are many. However, not all rubber-like materials are perfect for making rubber badges. Durability and quality are crucial factors during material selection.
- Silicone Rubber
It is ranked as one of the best materials for making rubber badges. The reasons are solid: it is durable and biocompatible. Silicone rubber can handle high temperatures and extreme UV without cracking or the colours fading away.
In addition, it is pleasingly soft yet resilient. The firmness can vary depending on your needs. But unlike plastic, it won’t easily snap into two under pressure.
Another good quality of silicone rubber is its biocompatibility. It is non-toxic and doesn’t trigger allergies on skin contact. This makes it perfect for making rubber badges or wristbands that can come directly in contact with your skin.
- Thermoplastic Elastomers
This is a cost-effective option that offers flexibility and softness. It feels more like plastic than rubber, especially compared to silicone rubbers. It is also heat- and chemical-resistant but not to the level of silicone rubber.
- Latex
Latex is not as popular today as it was a few years ago because it is known to cause allergies and is less durable compared to silicone rubber and thermoplastic elastomers. It also ages badly, making it the least favourable option for making branded badges.
Overall, silicone reigns for premium, long-lasting rubber badges, especially for outdoor use or skin contact. Thermoplastic elastomers offer a budget-friendly option for average-quality rubber badges that are cheaper.
Manufacturing Process and Partners
Transforming synthetic raw rubber into art is a process of its own. Unlike wood or metal, which are easier to curve and shape, handling rubber is a little different.
Finding the perfect manufacturer is vital to the success of your project. Start your research and expand your horizons based on reviews and customer testimonials. Request quotes from local badge makers and manufacturers located abroad.
Ordering in bulk can lower the production costs. However, you must factor in delivery timelines and shipping costs when ordering from overseas manufacturers.
Wrapping up
To stand out, you must be creative and unique. Think of your rubber badges as works of art built to capture the public’s attention. Understanding every aspect related to rubber badges contributes to an object prized for its durability and satisfying quality.
Choose the right material and find the perfect manufacturer to work with to shape the badges into art pieces.