Rubber extrusions may not be as well-known as other rubber components, but they are an essential part of various industries. They are a versatile and cost-effective way to create custom rubber parts that meet specific requirements. If you're new to rubber extrusions, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know.
What are Rubber Extrusions?
Rubber extrusions are a manufacturing process that produces a continuous length of rubber in a specific cross-sectional profile. This process creates a hose, tubing, window seals, door seals, automotive gaskets and other custom rubber parts. Extrusion begins with the rubber material being fed into a machine called an extruder. The material is heated and pressurised, causing it to flow through a die, which gives it the desired profile. The extruded rubber is then cooled and cut to the required length.
Types of Rubber Extrusions
Various elastomers are used to make rubber extrusions, with the most common being EPDM, Nitrile, Neoprene, and Silicone. Each of these materials has its unique properties, such as UV resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, and flexibility. The choice of material depends on the application requirements, such as temperature range, environmental conditions, and mechanical properties.
Process of Rubber Extrusions
Rubber extrusion starts with CAD drawings or 2D cross-section drawings that define the required dimensions. It's essential to choose the right material for the application, and the rubber extrusion manufacturer will guide you through the process. Once the die is created, the extruder is configured to give the desired extrusion rate. The quality of the rubber extrusion depends on the die design, material quality, and the process of manufacturing.
Benefits of Rubber Extrusions
Rubber extrusions are widely used due to the many benefits they offer. They are cost-effective since custom mould tooling isn't required to create different profiles. Extrusions have high consistency since they are produced in a continuous manner. Rubber extrusions have excellent weather resistance, making them effective in outdoor applications. Rubber extrusions are also easy to install, providing a tight seal that is necessary for proper functioning.
Applications of Rubber Extrusions
Rubber extrusions are used across many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and marine. In the automotive industry, rubber extrusions provide weather sealing, weatherstripping and colour-matching requirements. The aerospace industry uses rubber extrusions in hatch seals, cabin door seals, and engine gasket seals. In the construction industry, rubber extrusions are used in window and door seals, shower seals, and glass seals. In the marine industry, rubber extrusions are used to prevent leaks and to prevent water from entering the vessel.
Rubber extrusions are an essential part of various industries due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. Understanding the process of rubber extrusions, types of extrusions, benefits, and applications is crucial when designing custom rubber parts. The right rubber extrusion manufacturer will guide you through the process of creating the best extrusion for your application.
Contact a professional for more information on rubber extrusions.
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