Markets Served
Mining Industry
When you open your smartphone, laptop, or other mobile devices, you most likely don’t consider what they’re made of. The United States Geological Survey reports that over one-half of your mobile device is made of mined materials. Mining is the reason we can enjoy so many luxuries in the form of electronics, appliances, and more. More +
Rubber Parts & Mining Equipment Applications
RPM offers advanced rubber molding solutions tailored to meet precise specifications and industry standards. With expertise in compression, transfer, and injection molding, we deliver high-quality, durable rubber components designed for diverse applications. Each of these machines contains many different parts. To keep these parts safe, the machine should be well equipped with rubber vibration control products.
| Application | Common Parts | Common Processes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolter | Rubber seals, vibration mounts, grommets, and bushings used to reduce noise and protect bolting machinery components from wear. | Compression molding for durability and high resistance to tearing, injection molding for complex shapes and precise tolerances. |
| Personnel Carriers | Door seals, rubberized flooring, suspension bushings, and noise-dampening pads to ensure safety and comfort for operators. | Transfer molding to create durable, shock-absorbing parts, extrusion for flexible seals and tubing. |
| Drills | Drill head seals, anti-vibration pads, and rubber bushings designed to protect drilling components from impact and abrasion. | Precision extrusion for high-quality seals, vulcanization for enhanced material properties like heat and wear resistance. |
| Utility Vehicles | Weather-resistant seals, vibration dampeners, rubber grommets, and protective boots for wiring and moving parts. | Compression molding for long-lasting durability, injection molding for custom shapes and parts, die-cutting for precise component production. |
| Boom Lift | Rubber buffers, hydraulic seals, wear pads, and anti-slip mats to enhance safety and maintain equipment longevity. | Injection molding for intricate parts, precision die-cutting for custom shapes, and vulcanization for improved mechanical properties. |
| Rockbreaker | Shock-absorbing rubber pads, high-impact seals, dust boots, and vibration control mounts used to withstand high-pressure environments. | Compression molding for robust, wear-resistant parts, transfer molding for strong, flexible components, vulcanization for enhanced impact and abrasion resistance. |
| Sprayers & Cannons | Seals for high-pressure hoses, rubber diaphragms, gaskets for spray nozzles, and flexible tubing to withstand chemical exposure. | Extrusion for long, flexible seals and tubing, compression molding for durable gaskets and seals, vulcanization to improve chemical and temperature resistance. |
| Explosive Chargers | Rubberized cable protectors, shock-absorbing mounts, impact-resistant seals, and gaskets for secure, safe handling of explosive materials. | Injection molding for high-precision parts, compression molding for impact resistance, vulcanization for enhancing durability and safety properties under high-stress conditions. |
Use our interactive infographic to find rubber parts for your Mining application:
Rubber parts work to protect your equipment by isolating heavy vibration. For example, an engine mount absorbs the energy emitted from an engine. This reduces high frequencies and protects surrounding parts from damage.
Want to learn more about engine mounts? Check out our blog: What is an Engine Mount and How Does it Work?
Off-Road Vehicle OEM’s Guide
Our free resource provides detailed information on sandwich mounts, vibration isolation analysis, mounting strategies, and more.
Challenges
Mining equipment, while heavy-duty, is sensitive. Like any machinery, this equipment requires proper upkeep and immediate repairs when necessary.
Not only are workers at risk when machinery doesn’t work the way it should, but operating costs will increase. There are many challenges to using mining equipment, here are a few:
Maintenance
According to Caron Business Solutions, repairing and maintaining mining equipment accounts for 30-50% of total costs in a mine. Mining machinery undergoes incredible amounts of stress. Constant drilling, rock breaking, and lifting are all strenuous activities – even for a machine. This means that machines are requiring preventative maintenance or breaking down from damage.
Operator safety
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2020, there were 29 mine worker fatalities. While the number of mine-related fatalities has stayed under 30 in the past 6 years, there is not enough of a reduction to point to any major changes in equipment safety mechanisms.
Increasing costs
The strain of increasing costs for mining companies has made it more important than ever to keep equipment in good shape. Repairs and downtime only add to the overwhelming list of expenses. Providing shock and vibration control solutions will decrease repairs and downtime while keeping personnel safe.
Trends
There are so many incredible innovations coming into the mining industry. From smart technology-enabled equipment to drone usage for difficult conditions – the list is endless. While this technology can take a long time to develop, design and manufacture, it can provide incredible benefits that will change the way mining works.
These new technologies will add another layer of productivity to the mining industry. Take a look at two of the biggest trends in the mining industry:
Low Emission Mining Equipment
According to McKinsey, two top mining companies have pledged a 30% decrease in carbon emissions by 2030. Many mining companies are reducing emissions by switching to liquid biofuels, implementing hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains, and using battery electric vehicles. Typically, electric mining vehicles use more sensors than traditional vehicles. Sensors are sensitive to heavy vibration and require proper protection. Using rubber flex bolt sandwich mounts and other types of mounts can combat this problem and ensure sensors are working the way they should.
Mining Robotics & Safety
One major innovation used to keep workers out of harm’s way is the use of autonomous mobile robots to inspect mines. These robots are controlled by workers and used to examine potentially dangerous conditions such as flooded pathways, unstable ground, and more. The robots are equipped with sensors that tell the operator about air pressure, oxygen levels, and other parameters. They also use a camera to show the operator exactly what it is that they are facing. If implemented more often, robotics could reduce workplace injuries and fatalities. To safeguard this autonomous equipment, it should be fitted with the proper isolating rubber parts.
From Our Catalog
Featured products from our catalog for mining applications
Center Bonded Mounts
81 Products
Anti-Vibration Flange Mounts
44 Products
Large Sandwich Mounts
8 Products
Bushings
25 Products
Conical Mounts
22 Products
Grommets
128 Products
O-Rings
395 Products
Rubber And Sponge Bulb Seals
3 ProductsRelated Resource
The Engineer’s 7-minute Guide to Rubber Molded Parts
Our free resource is a quick-reference guide to help you determine if exploring a rubber part is right for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to your questions here or contact us directly for any additional inquiries.
What are the benefits of rubber compression molding?
Compression molding offers several advantages, including high production rates, excellent dimensional stability, and the ability to produce complex shapes with intricate details.
Which is better? Natural rubber or synthetic rubber?
Natural and synthetic rubbers each have strengths. Natural rubber is great for flexibility, while synthetic rubbers can be customized for specific needs like heat resistance. The best choice depends on the specific application.
How do I select a vibration isolator for my application?
To select the right vibration isolator, start by determining the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations, the weight of the equipment, and the desired level of isolation. Contact the team at RPM for assistance.
What is rubber-to-metal bonding?
Rubber-to-metal bonding involves creating a strong and durable connection between rubber and a metal surface, resulting in a composite material that combines the flexibility and shock absorption of rubber with the strength and rigidity of metal.
What is an engine mount and how does it work?
An engine mount is a flexible component that isolates the engine from the vehicle’s frame, reducing vibrations and noise while allowing for slight engine movement during operation.
What is a rubber sandwich mount?
A rubber sandwich mount is a vibration isolation device consisting of two metal plates with a layer of rubber sandwiched between them, used to reduce the transmission of vibrations.
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