Rubber Molding Material
Rubber is a range of elastic substances harvested from rubber trees or manufactured synthetically from petroleum-based monomers. Its basic structure can be manipulated and enhanced through the use of chemicals, additives and processing techniques, resulting in thousands of elastomers with unique properties for specific environments. So rubber molding material is popular for kinds of molding services.
Customized Rubber Molding Solutions
Green Manufacturing and Sustainable Development
Rubber Molding Materials Options
With a wide variety of rubber molding materials to choose from, cost-effective solutions for molded rubber material options, and even custom rubber parts to see if they can meet your needs.
Choose the Right Material for Your Custom Rubber Parts
Key considerations for your custom rubber parts with compression molding service. Here are some tips to help you select the ideal rubber material for your specific needs, assisting you in making informed decisions for superior custom rubber products.
1. Consider Application Requirements
- Assess environmental factors like temperature and chemical exposure.
- Determine load-bearing capacity.
- Ensure the plastic can withstand the application’s specific conditions.
2. Evaluate Material Properties
- Focus on characteristics such as flexibility, strength, and electrical conductivity.
- Match material properties to your project’s performance needs.
3. Balance Cost with Performance
- Weigh material costs against performance requirements.
- Choose a material that meets your budget while delivering the needed performance.
4. Check Machinability
- Evaluate how easy it is to work with the material during manufacturing.
- Consider the complexity of your custom parts and choose a material that can be efficiently machined.
5. Determine Longevity
- Assess the expected service life of your custom parts.
- Consider wear and tear factors to select a material that provides durability over time.
What Is Rubber Molding?
Rubber molding is a versatile manufacturing process that produces a wide variety of products for a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, and healthcare industries, producing rubber-to-metal parts, rubber gaskets, hoses, seals, and more.
It is accomplished through a variety of rubber molding process options, with injection molding, compression molding and transfer molding being the three basic rubber molding methods in use today.
Difference Between Natura and Synthetic Rubber Molding Material
There are two types of rubber: natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Natural rubber comes from the rubber tree, also known as the Para Rubber Tree or Rubber Tree, and synthetic rubber has been developed as the demand for rubber continues to grow. Many specific types of rubber are available, and they have been developed by our chemists using selected ingredients according to the purpose.
This is why there is also a difference between natural and synthetic rubber in the molding process:
| Type | Natural Rubber Molding Material | Synthetic Rubber Molding Material |
|---|---|---|
| Molding Process | Primarily uses calendering, compression molding, extrusion | Utilizes injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, calendering |
| Vulcanization | Longer, sensitive to temperature and pressure | Adjustable based on material; faster overall |
| Temperature | Lower, typically 140°C-160°C | Varies by type; high-temperature resistance possible |
| Mold Design | Requires considerations for high elasticity | Flexible, depends on rubber type |
| Processing | More challenging due to stickiness | Easier, improved with additives |
| Wear Resistance | Needs additional treatments | Formulated for excellent wear resistance |
| Recycling | Difficult, higher environmental impact | Some types are recyclable, better environmental performance |
| Applications | Tires, shock absorbers, conveyor belts, seals requiring high elasticity and wear resistance | Automotive seals, oil seals, hoses, cable sheaths, O-rings where oil and chemical resistance are critical |
Properties and Uses of Common Rubber Molding Materials
NR (Natural Rubber)
NR Material Characteristics:
- High Elasticity: Quickly returns to its original shape after stretching and compression, suitable for dynamic applications.
- Abrasion Resistance: Maintains a low wear rate when in contact with other objects, making it ideal for tires and conveyor belts.
- Tear Resistance: Exhibits high tear resistance, reducing the risk of damage.
- Poor Aging Resistance: Prone to oxidation when exposed to sunlight and oxygen, leading to decreased performance.
- Poor Oil and Heat Resistance: Not suitable for high-temperature applications or those involving contact with oils.
Natural Rubber Molding Applications:
- Tires: High elasticity and abrasion resistance make it ideal for tire manufacturing, providing good grip and comfort.
- Conveyor Belts: Its abrasion resistance makes it suitable for industrial conveyor belts.
- Shock Absorbers: High elasticity is used in automotive suspension systems to enhance driving comfort.
- Sealing Rings: Serves as a sealing material in some applications to prevent liquid leakage.
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)
NBR Material Characteristics:
- Oil Resistance: Excellent resistance to oils, making it suitable for environments involving petroleum-based liquids.
- Abrasion Resistance: Capable of withstanding high wear, making it suitable for mechanical components.
- Heat Resistance: Maintains performance within a certain temperature range, suitable for high-temperature environments.
- Poor Low-Temperature Performance: May harden and lose elasticity in low-temperature environments.
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Molding Applications:
- Oil Seals: Widely used for oil seals in automotive and industrial machinery to prevent oil leakage.
- O-Rings: Suitable for hydraulic systems and applications requiring high gas-tightness.
- Fuel Hoses: Its oil resistance makes it ideal for fuel transfer hoses.
- Rubber Gloves: Used in medical and industrial fields, providing good oil resistance and protection.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM Material Characteristics:
- Weather Resistance: Resistant to damage from sunlight, rain, and other natural elements, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
- Ozone Resistance: Excellent resistance to ozone, prolonging material lifespan.
- Heat Resistance: Maintains performance at elevated temperatures, suitable for high-heat environments.
- Moderate Oil Resistance: While not as good as NBR, it performs well in certain chemical environments.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber Molding Applications:
- Automotive Seals: Prevents water and wind intrusion, enhancing vehicle comfort.
- Cable Sheathing: Protects cables from damage due to its good electrical insulation properties.
- Roof Waterproofing Materials: Used in building rooftops to resist water penetration.
- Hoses: Suitable for the transfer of various liquids and gases.
CR (Chloroprene Rubber)
CR Material Characteristics:
- Good Oil Resistance: Maintains performance when in contact with oils and chemicals.
- Aging Resistance: Resists oxidation, extending product lifespan.
- Ozone and Weather Resistance: Suitable for outdoor applications, reducing material degradation.
- High Mechanical Strength: Suitable for high-load and high-stress applications.
Chloroprene Rubber Molding Applications:
- Conveyor Belts: Used in industrial conveyor belts for transporting heavy objects, capable of withstanding high loads.
- Sealing Components: Acts as a sealing material in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to prevent leakage.
- Hoses: Suitable for transporting various liquids and gases.
- Waterproof Materials: Commonly used in construction for waterproofing and protection applications.
FKM (Fluoroelastomer)
FKM Material Characteristics:
- High Heat Resistance: Performs well at temperatures up to 200°C.
- Oil Resistance: Exhibits exceptional resistance to various oils and chemicals.
- Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Unaffected by most chemicals, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- Ozone Resistance and Aging Resistance: Maintains performance over prolonged use.
Fluoroelastomer Rubber Molding Applications:
- Aerospace Industry: Used in sealing components for high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
- Automotive: Commonly used for engine seals and components in fuel systems.
- Chemical Industry: Used for sealing and protection in chemical processing equipment.
- O-Rings: Provides excellent sealing performance in high-temperature and chemical environments.
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)
SBR Material Characteristics:
- Good Abrasion Resistance: Demonstrates low wear in various applications.
- Aging Resistance: Can maintain good performance under appropriate conditions.
- Cost-Effective: Relatively low cost, suitable for large-scale production.
- Lower Elasticity and Oil Resistance Compared to NR and NBR: May perform poorly in certain environments.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Molding Applications:
- Tires: Commonly used in the tread of automotive tires, providing good grip.
- Conveyor Belts: Widely used in industrial conveyor systems.
- Shoe Soles: Suitable for manufacturing sports and work shoe soles.
- Shock Absorbers: Used in the damping systems of various machinery.
Silicone Rubber
Silicone Rubber Material Characteristics:
- High and Low Temperature Resistance: Maintains performance in a temperature range of -50°C to 200°C.
- Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Resists attack from a wide variety of chemicals.
- Aging Resistance: Retains good performance even in harsh environments.
- Soft and Elastic: Ideal for manufacturing sealing components and gaskets.
Silicone Rubber Molding Applications:
- Medical Devices: Used in surgical instruments and biocompatible materials.
- Kitchenware: Manufactured into heat-resistant baking molds and kitchen utensils.
- Electronic Components: Used for sealing and protecting electronic components from moisture.
- Automotive Industry: Commonly utilized for seals and insulation materials in vehicles.
Rubber Molding Material Comparison Chart
| Rubber Material | Temperature Resistance (°C) | Tensile Strength | Oil Resistance | Chemical Resistance | Aging Resistance | Elasticity | Abrasion Resistance | Electrical Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR | -50°C to +70°C (low) | HIgh | Low | Low | Low | HIgh | High | Medium |
| NBR | -30°C to +100°C (medium) | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| EPDM | -50°C to +150°C (high) | Medium | Low | High | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| CR | -40°C to +100°C (medium) | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| FKM | -20°C to +200°C (very high) | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High | medium | HIgh | Low |
| SBR | -50°C to +100°C (medium) | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | HIgh | Medium |
| Silicone | -50°C to +200°C (very high) | Low | Low | High | High | Medium | Low | High |
