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Thread: Combining fabric to silicone/rubber

  1. #1
    Associate Engineer
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    2

    Combining fabric to silicone/rubber

    Hey,

    I'm looking for the best process to combine a fabric and silicone/rubber, preferably without just sewing through both to attach them.

    It is for a strap design where the bottom layer and edges are made from flexible rubber, and surround/encase the fabric (which is on the top layer).

    The desired look is shown below:



    Would it be better to try to mould the rubber around the fabric? Or perhaps hem the edges of the fabric and use some sort of bonding adhesive to combine them?

    Hope someone can help!
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Just use adhesive then vacuum press the fabric down tight against the surface.




    I would make a die that fits inside the case to retain it's shape while easily being removed.

    I would make another die that presses the fabric against the rubber slightly recessing it.


    Placing the assembly inside a vacuum press.

    Vacuum it at a set pressure until the adhesive has cured.

    Then trim the scrap away by cutting between the fabric and edge so that the fabric lays inside the plastic lip.



    The vacuum should provide a uniform press filling any recesses pulling the fabric tight against the rubber.

    Prepare it by removing as many gaps as you can before placing the die that presses against the fabric on top. This will prevent rips from the plastic being over extended while not allowing for wrinkles.

    Best of luck with your project.

  3. #3
    Associate Engineer
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    2
    Great - thanks for the info

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