Rubber molding is the creation of desired products of different shapes and sizes from raw rubber. This process provides customized products for industries such as automotive, appliance, solar, and others. These industries use rubber products made of materials of different quality, durability, and strength. Here are some of the materials used in rubber molding:
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) contains butadiene and styrene mixed through polymerization. The polymerization process makes the end product moderately durable and resistant to abrasion. Since butadiene and styrene are available rubber monomers, SBR may be less expensive than other rubber materials. Different industries can use it to make general-purpose rubber products such as cable insulators, roll covers, and tire treads.
EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber contains three monomers: ethylene, diene, and propylene. The polymerization of these three monomers makes EPDM highly resistant to sunlight, acids, coolants, and extreme temperatures. These properties make it ideal for making electrical insulators and seals for the automotive industry. EPDM is also used to produce gaskets, hoses, and O-rings.
Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is an elastomer that contains butadiene and acrylonitrile monomers. It is synthetic and low-cost since both monomers are readily available. Nitrile rubber is highly resistant to petroleum-based fluids, such as petrol and diesel, due to the acrylonitrile monomer found in it. This property, coupled with its high tensile strength, makes it suitable for making vehicle components such as engine hoses, oil seals, and gaskets.
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene, also called poly-chloroprene, is a synthetic rubber material formed from polymerization of an organic compound called chloroprene. It is resistant to petroleum-based fluids, water, high temperatures, and extreme weather conditions. Neoprene's chemical components are hardened and durable, making it the material of choice for making seals, tubing, and gasoline hoses. These molded products are used in the automotive, defense, and aerospace industries. Orthopedic braces used in the healthcare industry also contain neoprene rubber.
Viton Rubber
Viton is a type of synthetic rubber fortified with fluoropolymer elastomer. The polymer makes it strong and resilient enough to withstand extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures and humidity. It is also resistant to oil and chemical corrosion, making it ideal for use in the automotive industry. Engine parts like O-rings are molded with viton rubber.
Natural Rubber
Latex harvested from a rubber tree and processed in its original state is called natural rubber. The latex is collected in containers and left to settle before being refined through rubber molding. Since natural rubber is light and water-proof, various industries use it to make adhesives, insulators, tires, medicinal tubes, and shock absorbers. Polymerization of its monomers increases the strength and durability of natural rubber.
Quality Materials for Rubber Molding
Rubber molding produces customized products for the automotive, consumer, defense, and health industries. These products range from insulators and seals to hoses and protective covers. Rubber molding manufacturers produce rubber products with the correct polymerization ratio to fit particular uses in different industries. Contact a reliable rubber molding company today to learn more about creating high-quality rubber products for personal or company use.
