You have landed on this blog to become aware of all the dissimilarities between PVC and silicone rubber labels, right? Before we dig deeper into that, let’s take a moment to understand the fundamental properties of both types.
Polyvinyl Chloride is the third-most highly produced synthetic plastic form in rigid and flexible structures. Many products are manufactured from it; one is a label comprising three layers. The top layer is shiny and hard lacquer, whereas the middle contains polyvinyl chloride. Lastly, the third layer is a rear adhesive material. On the other side, Silicon rubber labels are transparent or appear like a snowy white granular solid.
Both options look very similar, making it challenging for spectators to identify them. However, you should familiarise yourself with their distinctions if you want to incorporate either of them into your business.
7 Dissimilarities Between PVC And Silicone Rubber Labels
Let’s analyze both options in-depth so you can easily distinguish them and pick the viable one for your business.
Color
Regarding the color we can’t easily distinguish PVC labels from the silicon rubber ones as they look exactly similar. However, the polyvinyl chloride tags become sticky and yellow after using them for so long or after prolonged UV ray exposure. More so, unlike their counterparts with limited hue options, they have endless color customization varieties. Nonetheless, you can get both types in vivid and rich 3D multi-color effects.
A Lack of Liquidity
PVC labels are amorphous and have soft fluidity. They also have low moisture absorption properties, which prevents air bubbles. Also, the material hardens over time during manufacturing, enhancing the product’s flexibility. On the other hand, the silicon rubber ones lack liquidity, thus a good option for making tags for clothing and other accessories.
The Chemical Properties And Manufacturing Process
The chemical properties of both options vary drastically. The silicon, also referred to as polysiloxane, is a synthetic rubber. It is extracted from a crystalline mineral composed of silica, which is a rigid crystalline mineral composed of silica. The removed material is then passed through the hydrocarbons and combined with other chemicals to create a synthetic rubber. Manufacturers use it further to generate clothing patches, tags, and countless other products.
Polyvinyl chloride is a polymer produced by chlorinating hydrocarbon polymers to manufacture vinyl chloride monomer. Manufacturers mix this polymer with other additives, such as plasticizers and colorants, to make rigid and flexible PVC labels. They create many variations by changing the quantity or type of plasticizers and pigments.
Material Resistances
The higher the standard of material you use in the manufacturing process, the better quality you offer to your products. Top-quality material survive better and for more extended periods even when exposed to harsh elements. The resistance of both types varies.
PVC labels made from robust materials offer different levels of resistance. They are resistant against acids, alkalis, UV, flame, ozone, aliphatic hydrocarbons, et cetera. They are also resilient against exposure to grease, oils, chemicals, or prolonged usage. Their survival nature makes them suitable for applications in different environments.
Conversely, Silicon doesn’t have the same resistance level as its counterpart. However, it is resilient against exposure to weather conditions, UV rays, ozone, steam, flame, et cetera. Some manufacturers also include special additives to enhance silicone’s electrical conductivity even though the material is chemically less reactive.
Thermal Stability
If we look at the thermal stability, silicon rubber labels beat its contrary option. They can deal well with low and high temperatures as they possess impressive thermal stability. Their higher-quality variations can survive well in high temperatures, such as 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides, they can also maintain their appearance even in the lowest temperatures, between 60 to -150 degrees. Thus, it is a great choice when using it as a tag for household items, clothing, and other accessories that require heat resistance.
In comparison, PVC tags don’t have the same level of thermal stability in extreme hot or cold conditions. However, they still maintain their professional and appealing look in some elevated temperatures and frigid settings. Nonetheless, they are ideal for usage in temperatures that rise to 140 degrees and lower to 5 degrees.
The Physical Durability And Sturdiness
You can get Polyvinyl chloride labels that display different levels of hardness and flexibility. You should consider the purpose of your product and design to choose the rigidness and elasticity. For example, pick the less rigid and more flexible version of synthetic plastic to make the best-ever PVC keychains. The best thing about polyvinyl chloride tags is that they are durable and great for long-term usage. Their appearance will not decay over time or even due to exposure to challenging conditions. However, silicon is not as durable as the other option. Yet many manufacturers use filler to boost its strength and tear resistance.
The Cost Difference
Besides the product’s performance, their cost is also a note-worthy factor for businesses. They select an item with the best durability and functionality within their budget. PVC labels are comparatively less expensive, and their manufacturing process is less complex. On the contrary, the manufacturing procedure of silicon tags is way more difficult and costly, becoming more expensive for customers.
You should consider your needs and purpose of usage to choose between both options. If your business products require specialized material, prefer silicon rubber labels, as they’re a far better option. However, if both types meet your parameters, then incline towards the polyvinyl chloride tags as they’re budget-friendly.
What Is The Final Takeaway?
Finally, we successfully described all the significant differences between the silicon rubber and PVC labels. If you want your product to have extreme environmental protection and higher temperature resistance, go for the silicon tags. They are soft, sturdy, and shiny.
Flipping the other side, opt for the polyvinyl chloride ones if you want your item to exhibit decent temperature and environmental resistance. They are soft yet more complex than their counterparts, flexible, and have comparatively more color or design customization options. The best part is that they’re cheaper than their counterparts. Hence, the key is to choose the type that aligns with your business purpose, budget, and customer satisfaction.