Preparing for Tooling: How We Helped an Audio Brand Streamline Their Silicone Parts Production
We recently partnered with a Shenzhen‑based customer who designs audio equipment. They needed a complete set of custom silicone components for their speakers – including silicone buttons, sealing gaskets, USB plugs, and a few other small parts – seven pieces in total per assembly. Their previous supplier simply couldn’t keep up: prices were climbing, delivery schedules slipped, and as their order volumes grew, the old vendor ran out of capacity. (Chicarubber)
That’s when they came to us – looking for a reliable, mid‑sized manufacturer that offers competitive pricing without cutting corners, and the agility to scale with their business.
The challenge: drawings didn’t match reality
The customer provided both physical samples (including the actual housings) and CAD drawings for the silicone parts. But here’s the catch – they told us straight up: “The physical parts are correct, but the drawings are outdated.” So we couldn’t simply trust the numbers on paper.
Our first step was to carefully measure every critical dimension on the actual samples, comparing them against the supplied drawings. We identified discrepancies and quickly decided to outsource 3D scanning (reverse engineering) for the most complex parts – because we believe in letting specialists handle specialized work. Once we received the scanned data, our engineers adjusted the remaining simpler drawings accordingly.
A collaborative review process
We then sent the revised drawing package back to the customer for final confirmation. Communication was smooth and efficient – they appreciated our thoroughness and transparency. With their approval, we proceeded to tooling design, confident that the molds would produce parts that fit perfectly.
Adding value: custom printing on buttons
The silicone buttons required surface printing – logos or symbols in six different colors across four separate characters. We’ve already produced print samples for their approval, ensuring that the final appearance matches their brand standards.
What’s next?
We’re now moving into the trial molding phase, with samples scheduled soon. We’re optimistic about a smooth pilot run, thanks to the meticulous preparation work we’ve done upfront.(Chicarubber)
Your audio project – our expertise
Whether you’re designing a new speaker system, a headset, or any device that needs precision‑molded silicone components, we have the experience and infrastructure to support you – from drawing verification and prototyping to mass production. We handle the details so you can focus on your core product.
👉 Ready to discuss your next project? Let’s talk. We’re here to deliver quality, on time, and within budget.
Preparing for Tooling: How We Helped an Audio Brand Streamline Their Silicone Parts Production
If you need to customize silicone products, please contact us at chicarubber
