Spray Painted & Laser Etched Silicone Rubber Light Guide

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  • August 18, 2025
Spray Painted Laser Etched Silicone Rubber Light Guide

One of our Aerospace customers designed a molded silicone button light guide that is painted black over white with laser etched graphics. We subcontract the clear silicone molded part and handle the painting and laser etching in-house.

Because of the silicone substrate, we use a special silicone ink for optimal adhesion. We apply the white ink to meet a particular light transmission level which we measure using a custom light fixture and a photometer. Next, we apply the black ink over the white ink and then laser etch the parts using our Ytterbium Fiber Laser.

This process is used to remove the black ink only, exposing the white graphics. Our highly trained staff then scrutinize the parts for imperfections and touch them up. Finally, we plasma treat the parts to promote coating adhesion, and apply the final clear matte top coat of silicone to improve durability and appearance of the finished part.

For more information on the complex fabrication processes and materials used on this product, see the table below or contact us directly.

Product Description Light guide used for an avionics display panel.
Capabilities Applied/Processes Primary:
Toning
Spray-Painting
Fiber Laser Etching

Secondary:
Touch-up
Batch Oven
Plasma Treat
Equipment Used to Manufacture Part Spray Paint Guns and Fume Exhaust Booth
Ytterbium Fiber Laser
Batch Oven
Plasma Jet
Overall Part Dimensions 2.7″ Long x .78″ Wide x .29″ Deep
Materials Used Silicone Elastomer Molded Light Guide Blank
Inkcups Now Silicone Ink 160 White
Inkcups Now Silicone Ink 165 Black
Inkcups Now Silicone Ink 70CL Clear
Trans-Tech Fuller 33 Matte Agent
Material Finish Matte Black
White Graphics
In process testing/inspections performed Light Transmission using Photometer
Workmanship Standard
Industry for Use Aerospace
Volume 200-250 per year
Delivery/Turnaround Time 10 weeks
Delivery Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
Standards Met PDF Drawing Specifications
Customer Light Transmission Specification
Internal Workmanship Standard Specification
Military Parts Marking Standard Specification

Engineered for Your Standards

Our Nadcap-certified processes and advanced manufacturing capabilities ensure compliance with the most demanding aerospace and defense requirements.