The word rubber may conjure up a specific material in your mind, but the world of rubber includes a lot more than just the single world. Rubber materials are broken down into several forms and compounds. The rubber you use for specific applications will make a big difference in the way it performs and functions.
One of the more common rubber products you will come across is nitrile rubber. The rubber has been used in manufacturing for several decades and includes a lot of positive properties. Before you make a rubber selection for a product or machine, follow this guide to get educated on everything about nitrile rubber.
Names
As you plan out a rubber project, you may not even see the name nitrile listed as an option. The reason? Nitrile rubber goes under multiple names when used in the world of manufacturing. One of the more common names you will come across is Buna-N. Two of the other more common names include acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and NBR.
The names are interchangeable and mean the same thing when you see them. Some rubber manufacturing shops will use the full scientific name. Others may use a simple shorthand like NBR to make it easy for customers to know what rubber products are available.
When you need to request the use of nitrile, you can give a couple of names just to ensure the shop knows what you’re talking about. In many cases, Buna-N is a popular go-to option, but a quick scan of the company’s website may give better insight into the exact name they choose to use.
Origins
Nitrile rubber is a chemical compound that was developed by scientists. A German medical company actually created nitrile back in the early 1930s and the rubber began official production within just a few years. As rubber manufacturing grew across the globe, nitrile quickly became a standard for many products and applications.
The material was quickly exported across the globe where manufacturing plants could play around with the ingredients, test the strength, and find the best uses for the rubber.
Properties
Nitrile features a lot of properties that make it ideal for use in machines. One of the main advantages is the water and oil resistance the rubber has. It will not wear down or leak the liquids, even when at high temperatures. The rubber also has good abrasion resistance and can withstand repetitive motions when pressed up against metal machinery or moving gears.
The pliability of the rubber allows it to maintain its strength while still being stretched thin. This gives the rubber a lot of reuse value and longevity in several applications.
Uses
In the automotive world, nitrile is used for many applications. The rubber is formed into belts and hoses used under the hood of a car. Due to the compatibility with oils and water, nitrile is often used with O-rings as well.
Outside of cars, nitrile has many other applications. One of the common uses you will find is in protective gloves. For people with a latex allergy, nitrile gloves offer a non-latex alternative. Any machinery that needs a soft rubber roller will often rely on nitrile for the parts.
Products
When you need rubber for your own parts and creations, you have several options to choose from. Pre-made nitrile parts are produced in common sizes and used for compatibility in all sorts of applications. You also have the option to order custom parts. The flexibility of nitrile rubber allows the material to form into different shapes and designs.
For more information on nitrile rubber and its applications, contact us at Accurate Products. We can collaborate, plan, and deliver custom nitrile products to match your manufacturing needs.