Surface treatment of squeezed toys

Surface treatment of squeezed toys: analysis of common processes

Introduction
Squeeze toys are a popular children’s toy. Their surface treatment process not only affects the appearance and texture of the toy, but also the safety and durability of the toy. For international buyers, it is crucial to understand these surface treatment processes because they are directly related to the market competitiveness and consumer satisfaction of the product. This article will explore the common processes of surface treatment of squeezed toys in depth to help buyers make wise choices.

1. Spraying process
Spraying is one of the most common processes in the surface treatment of squeezed toys. It sprays the paint evenly on the surface of the toy after atomizing it through a spray gun to form a protective film. This process has the following characteristics:
Advantages: It can provide a smooth and uniform surface to enhance the beauty of the toy; at the same time, spraying can also provide certain protective functions, such as anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion.
Scope of application: It is suitable for squeezed toys of various shapes and materials, especially those that require complex patterns or gradient color effects.
Focus of international buyers: It is crucial to choose environmentally friendly and non-toxic paint to ensure that the toy meets international safety standards.

2. Screen printing
Screen printing is a traditional printing process that transfers ink to the surface of the toy through a screen. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: It can achieve high-precision pattern printing and is suitable for complex designs and small batch production.
Scope of application: It is widely used in squeeze toys of various materials, especially those that require personalized patterns.
Focus of international buyers: The choice of ink must meet international environmental protection and safety standards to ensure that the pattern will not fall off or fade easily.

3. Water transfer
Water transfer is an innovative surface treatment process that uses water pressure to transfer the pattern to the surface of the toy. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: It can handle toys with complex shapes and provide a rich selection of patterns, such as wood grain, stone grain, etc.
Scope of application: It is suitable for squeeze toys of various materials, especially those that require unique decorative effects.
Focus of international buyers: The stability and waterproofness of the pattern are key to ensure that the pattern will not be damaged during the use of the toy.

4. Thermal transfer
The thermal transfer transfers the pattern to the surface of the toy by heating. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: The pattern is brightly colored, has strong adhesion, and is resistant to high temperatures and wear.
Scope of application: Applicable to squeeze toys of various materials, especially those that require high decorative value.
International buyers’ concerns: Ensure that the heat transfer process meets international environmental standards to avoid environmental impact.

5. Electroplating
Electroplating is a process that forms a metal coating on the surface of a toy through an electrochemical reaction. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: Provides a metallic texture and enhances the beauty and durability of the toy.
Scope of application: Applicable to squeeze toys made of metal or plastic materials, especially those that require a high-end appearance.
International buyers’ concerns: The chemicals used in the electroplating process must meet international environmental and safety standards.

6. Spray-free materials
Spray-free materials are a process that adds special effect powders to plastic raw materials. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: No additional surface treatment is required, reducing costs while providing unique visual effects.
Scope of application: Applicable to squeeze toys of various plastic materials, especially those that require special color effects.
International buyers’ concerns: Ensure the environmental protection and safety of the materials and meet international toy standards.

7. IMD/OMD process
IMD (In-Mold Decoration) and OMD (Out-Mold Decoration) are two advanced in-mold decoration processes. Their characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: Able to achieve complex patterns and textures, improve the decorativeness and durability of toys.
Scope of application: Applicable to extruded toys of various plastic materials, especially those that require high decorative value.
Focus of international buyers: Ensure the stability of the process and the durability of the pattern to meet market demand.

8. UV coating
UV coating is a process that cures the coating by ultraviolet rays. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: Provide high gloss and wear resistance, enhance the beauty and durability of toys.
Scope of application: Applicable to extruded toys of various materials, especially those that require high gloss effects.
Focus of international buyers: Ensure the environmental protection and safety of UV coatings, in line with international standards.

9. Pad printing
Pad printing is a process that transfers ink to the surface of a toy through a silicone head. Its characteristics are as follows:
Advantages: Applicable to toys with irregular surfaces, capable of high-precision pattern printing.
Scope of application: Suitable for squeeze toys of various materials, especially those that require small-area patterns.
International buyers’ concerns: Ensure the environmental friendliness of the ink and the durability of the pattern.

10. Summary
There are many different surface treatment processes for squeeze toys, each with its own unique advantages and scope of application. For international buyers, choosing the right surface treatment process can not only enhance the market competitiveness of toys, but also ensure that the toys meet international safety and environmental standards. When choosing a supplier, buyers should pay attention to the stability of their process and the environmental friendliness of the materials to ensure the quality and safety of the final product.