Rubber products exhibit an array of characteristics, and each characteristic’s purpose can be brought to fruition with its correct application. To make optimum use of Rubber’s several purposes a modification process is incorporated. During this process, the rubber compound is customized so that it can meet its intended need. The process is called Rubber Extrusion and the products acquired after undergoing this process are called Rubber Extruded Products.
The machine which allows this process is called an extruder and is used to produce rubber parts of continuous length. The original rubber compound is softened, chemically induced, and pressurized to allow its passage through a die to acquire the desired shape. This blog will explore the process of Rubber Extrusion, the different types of Rubber Extruded products, and their industrial applications
What Does the Rubber Extrusion Process Look Like
- Selection of the Material: The first step is to choose a suitable rubber compound. The quality of the final product is going to be determined by the type of rubber compound chosen to initiate the process.
- Preparation: It’s during this process additives like chemicals, fillers, etc., are added to the rubber compound. Other operational functions, like the correct batch number, are thoroughly checked during this process as well.
- Feeding: The uncured rubber is fed to an extruder with the help of a funnel-shaped container called the Hopper.
- Vulcanization: Here, the rubber is exposed to heat. This helps the rubber to improve its overall quality and functionality.
- Cooling: Water is used to cool the extrudate. This process enables the extrudate to remain smooth and less greasy.
- Shaping and Cutting: This can be viewed as the finishing stage. Several steps can be involved here depending upon the requirement. These may include giving the finishing touches, acquiring the desired shape, coating the material, etc.
Also Read: Advantages of Using Rubber Moulding Products in Industrial Applications
Rubber Extruded Products and Their Industrial Application
The products acquired through the process of rubber extrusion are called rubber extruded products which can be put to several industrial uses. To speak about their qualities, these products are typically lightweight and durable. Here we will look at some extensively used Rubber Extruded Products and their industrial applications:
| Types of Rubber Extruded Products | Industrial Applications |
| Gaskets | · Used to seal the gaps between two mating surfaces. It helps in preventing the leakage of chemicals, gases, fluids, etc.
· Oil, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace, Food and Beverages industries have benefitted from Gaskets. |
| Tubing | · Tubing is a long piece of rubber and is used as a medium of transportation to allow the passage of liquids and gases effortlessly.
· They are durable and equipped to resist different chemical properties due to which they do not succumb to corrosion. |
| Weatherstrips | · These are used to seal doors (at home and in industries), prevent accumulation of dust, help prevail balanced temperature conditions and have qualities of a weather-resistant material. |
| Rubber Seals | · The primary purpose of them is to secure or fasten joints in machinery.
· They are also used in the manufacturing process of products mostly at the packaging stage, where these rubber seals are utilized for their airtight property. |
| Hoses | · There is a diverse range of Hoses and each of them serves a different purpose as per the industry they are used in. However, the most common advantage of hoses lies in their capability to transfer liquids and gasses.
· The chemical industry especially has benefited due to the existence of a hose. |
| O-rings | · O-rings are extremely durable and are used to prevent leaks, they are inexpensive, reliable and can withstand harsh conditions. Their efficiency lies in the compression quality they possess. |
| Pipes | · Apart from their primary function, transportation, rubber extruded pipes are a viable option mainly due to their flexibility, protection they offer against abrasion and good resistance to extreme temperatures and various chemical compositions. |
Conclusion
The products secured and invented from the process of Rubber Extrusion have garnered significant attention as they have added a new avenue for the utility of rubber as a resource and have allowed its usage to the fullest.
Shree Rubber Works holds expertise in this technique and produces the best quality rubber extruded products. Apart from this, our proficiency lies in manufacturing and producing a wide range of rubber goods. If you are looking for a manufacturer with a diverse product range with ample industrial experience, Get in touch with us.