One of the most versatile materials on the planet, rubber allows for a multitude of manufacturing processes to get to the right part for virtually any application. In this article, we’ll cover how the extruded rubber process works, the advantages of using rubber extrusion, and the typical parts created by this process.
How the Extruded Rubber Process Works
The manufacturing of an extruded rubber part begins with the tooling of a die designed specifically for the product. The exact size and shape of the future rubber part are cut out of solid steel, leaving negative space for the rubber to be shaped by.
With a completed extrusion die, the rubber compound made from raw materials of choice for the part is placed into a hopper.
This hopper feeds directly into the die, increasing the temperature and pressure placed on the material. As the rubber meets the die, the rising pressure pushes the material against the die, shaping the part as it escapes through the negative space in the die.
Unlike injection or compression molding, extruded rubber parts have the ability to swell because there isn’t a hard mold to prevent it. The degree of the swelling and the impact on the final piece varies depending on the material compound’s durometer properties.
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Advantages of Using Rubber Extrusion
Rubber extruded parts are a great option if you’re looking for a solid component that has very specific variances in its shape. Extrusion allows for multiple lengths of the same part profile. Extrusion is also an economical way to fabricate rubber parts as it significantly reduces the waste of the rubber material in its process.
This process does not require a pre-form to be created, shortening the production phases and time.
Extruded Rubber Parts
Standard extruded rubber parts include:
- Tubing
- Door Seals
- Window Seals
- Edge-protection
- Dust Seals
- Gaskets
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