If you plan to order custom rubber components for the first time, then you should learn about two of the most common processes used to shape rubber: rubber injection molding and rubber extrusion. While both rubber part manufacturing techniques are used to create a wide variety of rubber shapes and products, each rubber shaping process has its unique advantages and disadvantages.
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Rubber is a common material in most industrial items. Indeed, many manufacturing companies can’t function without rubber. For example, any mechanical item that runs on oil likely has a rubber oil seal. The automotive industry cannot make cars tires without rubber, and doctors in hospitals cannot do without rubber gloves. Rubber is also an essential component in electronics due to its insulative properties.
The world cannot do without rubber, but it is a material people often take for granted. In fact, you probably have never wondered about rubber. Explore some facts about rubber that you likely did not know.
Two types of rubber exist: natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Both types come from different places.
Natural rubber is the product of sap from a rubber tree, which you probably know by the name latex. People harvesting latex make a diagonal cut across the bark of a rubber tree and collect the latex in buckets. Latex is a while and milky liquid. Asian countries are the world’s largest producers of latex rubber, accounting for 90% of the rubber produced globally.
Unlike natural rubber, which comes from a tree, synthetic rubber is the product of polymers manufactured from petroleum products. Synthetic rubber has better thermal and oil resistance. Because of these features, manufacturers usually use synthetic rubber and not natural rubber to produce vehicle tires.
The two types of rubber have different processes due to their varying natures.
Unprocessed rubber has little utility. Thus, it must go through several processes to make it useful. After tapping latex from rubber trees, manufacturers roll the latex through a process known as mastication to soften it.
Afterward, manufacturers mix reactive materials into the product to enhance its functionality. Manufacturers then mold the rubber into the desired shapes based on the product they want to create. The rubber then undergoes a process known as vulcanization, where it heats at high temperatures to cure.
When making synthetic rubber, manufacturers first create a hydrocarbon mixture, which they refine to produce naphtha. They then combine naphtha with natural gas to produce monomers, which bind molecules, creating polymers.
From there, the process is similar to that of making natural rubber. Manufacturers add chemicals to the polymers to form rubber, shape the rubber, then vulcanize it to make it more durable.
The two types of rubber have differing properties.
Natural rubber is highly elastic and highly resistant to water and acids. Additionally, it does not cut, tear, or chip easily. The natural rubber also has high tensile strength and adheres well to steel. However, it swells with exposure to oils and has a low thermal resistance.
Synthetic rubber has excellent thermal resistance and maintains its flexibility at low temperatures. The rubber also has better abrasion resistance than natural rubber and grease and oil resistance. Synthetic rubber also has a long lifespan.
Some people are allergic to a protein in latex from rubber trees. Therefore, manufacturers deproteinize latex during rubber production to ensure no one gets injured from using natural rubber products. Synthetic rubber does not contain allergy-causing proteins, making it a suitable option for people allergic to latex.
Now that you know more about what a wondrous material rubber is, we hope you have more appreciation for it. At Accurate Products, we do not only know about rubber but also how to produce several rubber products for many industries, including the agricultural, automotive, HVAC, and gaming industries. Contact us today for all your industrial equipment rubber parts.
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.
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Extra parts are often needed for warranties, repairs, and defects. Instead of taking care of all the replacement part needs on your own, you can rely on a rubber manufacturing company to help with the process. With multiple options available, you can make the rubber replacement process go smoothly and fit your needs.
Check out four different ways a rubber company can help you with the manufacturing and distribution of rubber replacement parts to help fill repair and warranty needs.
Read More about 4 Options to Consider for Rubber Replacement Parts »
The automotive industry relies heavily on the rubber industry. Tires, engine mounts, and wiper blades consist of rubber. Some components in the engine compartment come from high-value synthetic rubbers, such as air-conditioning hoses and engine seals.
Read on to learn more about what rubber grommets are and their advantages in the automotive industry.
Acrylic rubber constitutes an alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM) by the chemical term. Therefore, the material falls in the specialty rubbers category. In addition, this rubber type has a high resistance to oxidation and heat. High resistance to oxidation means that the rubber isn’t highly reactive in chemical processes.
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Rubber is an indispensable raw material in parts manufacturing. Because of its various uses, manufacturers use varying methods to make rubber products. Extrusion molding is one of the methods used in manufacturing rubber parts.
Rubber extrusion is a highly demanded service in rubber product manufacturing companies. But, few people who pay for custom extrusion products know what the process entails. This article demystifies extrusion molding and highlights its benefits.
Rubber extrusion refers to the process of manufacturing rubber products with a specific shape by feeding them into an extrusion machine. The machine has three parts, a feed hopper, a heated shearing screw, and a die. During rubber extrusion, manufacturers use a die with the cross-sectional dimensions of the desired product.
Below are the six steps in the rubber extrusion process:
Most of the time, the rubber material swells as it passes through the die. Therefore, the final product has larger dimensions. As manufacturers make the die, they ensure it can accommodate the material when it swells.
Some common products manufactured through rubber extrusion include the following.
These seals fill gaps between windows, doors, and their frames to block wind and water. These seals come in handy for keeping you comfortable in your house or car during adverse weather conditions.
These products absorb shock from impacts to your vehicle during accidents. The size and shape of rubber fenders and bumpers depend on the type of vehicle. Thus, this is a vital consideration during extrusion.
Manufacturers even make custom extruded products based on your specifications.
Below are some benefits you can expect from extruded rubber products.
Manufacturers use high-quality rubber material to make extruded rubber products that last for years. A reputable rubber parts manufacturing company uses production methods that create products that can resist wear and tear.
During rubber extrusion, there is little raw material wastage. Manufacturers use less rubber material in production, which lowers production costs. Therefore, you can get many rubber products at a low cost.
You can have your manufacturer make custom rubber extrusion products based on your specifications. Using custom products allows you to offer your customers unique products. Extruded rubber products also offer consistency in quality. Hence, buyers are more confident using your products.
The dies used in extrusion can take on any shape you desire. You can create a variety of products using this manufacturing method. Thus, you have more freedom in design. Rubber extrusion also allows you to make similar products with varying lengths.
Extruded rubber commodities have multiple specifications and tolerances that allow them to withstand the rigors of frequent use. Depending on the type of rubber used, the commodities can withstand extreme temperature, friction, aging, abrasion, and wear and tear.
If you need a reliable extruded rubber parts manufacturer in the Midwest, look no further than Accurate Products. We are among the best product manufacturers that serve customers in multiple industries. You can trust us to make you high-quality products that meet your specifications. Reach out to us today for more information on our products and to discuss how we can serve you.
Many types of rubber are in use today, including both natural and synthetic rubbers. These rubbers vary in firmness, elasticity, resistance to heat, chemical resistance, and much more.
To choose the rubber type that will work best for your part or product, carefully consider the unique characteristics of each rubber, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the type. When you select the right rubber type for your application, you can help ensure that your final rubber part or product serves the intended purpose while staying in great condition for as long as possible.
Read on to learn about six of the most common types of rubber in use today, their characteristics, and a few of their most common applications. Read More about 6 Types of Rubber, Their Characteristics, & Their Applications »