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As a leader in the specialist rubber and plastics industry, CB Frost have long served many of the major sectors of UK manufacturing. From our early roots in Birmingham, the city of a thousand trades and the birthplace of the commercial plastics industry, we have seen huge change in the last 98 years. Not only have we stayed up to date in the development of new materials and technologies, but we have witnessed the birth of many new industries that have provided new opportunities for us.

With our technical knowledge and experience, combined with our investment in in-house manufacturing capabilities, CB Frost are well placed to supply products and materials for the UK manufacturing market. In 2019, our key sectors include:

Rail

CB Frost have long been involved in the rail sector in the UK and further afield. We work closely with two giants of cellular sponge manufacturing, Rogers Corporation for the Bisco range of Silicone sponge and Armacell for insulation, devising innovative solutions to serve the requirements of modern engineering.

We have extensive experience of supplying materials and components for major projects such as the Victoria Line Underground, Sub Surface Lines, Electro Star, IEP/Crossrail and MK3, to name only a few.

CB Frost were ahead of the game in ensuring all rail materials met EN45545-2 (the European Standard for fire safety in the rail industry) before this standard was introduced as mandatory across Europe, helping rail industry manufacturing clients to ensure they were compliant when the time came in 2018.

Lighting

Lighting is another key manufacturing sector for CB Frost. Through our knowledge of the lighting sector, we have developed specialist sealing materials featuring characteristics including low outgassing, UV stable properties and excellent compression sets. We work with our lighting clients to select the optimum sealing materials for each application.

MoD

We are proud to be an approved supplier to the Ministry of Defence, manufacturing a range of high specification products for land and naval systems.

Construction

CB Frost have long been a supplier for the UK construction industry, manufacturing a range of sealing products for major construction projects. Further afield, we supplied sealing materials for the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement Project.

Electrical Enclosures

The CB Frost team develop and manufacture suitable seals and sealing materials for commonly used enclosure styles, as well as bespoke enclosure sealing solutions.

Automotive

Our extensive range of extreme temperature and weathering resistant materials leave us well placed to serve the UK automotive industry. Our in-house capabilities also allow us to produce components in very large quantities to suit the manufacture of vehicles.

Agriculture

As a supplier for manufacturers in the UK agriculture industry, we have developed an in depth understanding of the challenges faced by modern farmers, especially with reference to sealing applications and the need for precision.

Energy and Solar

As with our products and materials for lighting and electrical enclosure manufacturers, we are well placed to supply the energy and solar sector with sealing materials that protect from the ingress of water, dust and other potentially damaging substances, as well as withstanding a range of weather conditions.

Heating and HVAC

We supply a wide range of materials that are well suited to withstanding the challenges presented by heating and air conditioning units, including high and low temperatures.

Contact CB Frost

To find out how CB Frost can assist you in your manufacturing processes, or to discuss our work in different UK manufacturing sectors in more detail, please call our knowledgeable team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.

From small beginnings in 1921, CB Frost & Co have now been manufacturing gaskets in Birmingham for almost 100 years. In this time, we have seen great developments in plastics and other materials, gasket manufacturing techniques and manufacturing technology in general.

CB Frost has always strived to be at the forefront of the evolving rubber and plastics industry, delivering ‘quality without compromise’ to supply consistently excellent gaskets and components to clients throughout the world. Continue reading “Gasket Manufacturing in Birmingham”

During June, CB Frost had the opportunity to showcase our range of rail industries on a nationwide tour with the Rail Industry Technology Roadshow. Daniel Brock, Business Development Manager, was our representative throughout the travelling exhibition, presenting our Armaflex® range of materials, including Rail SD, SD-C, ZH and ZH-C insulation foams.

After visiting Alstom in Widnes, Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe, and Bombardier in Derby, in week 2 of the show, we made stops at Siemens in Northampton and Network Rail in Milton Keynes before finishing the event at CAF, Newport. Although rain attempted to put the dampers on many of the days, we were able to make the most of the event. Our travelling exhibition space was covered, so the bad weather didn’t impact proceedings too much. Even the former Transport Secretary Peter McCloughlin came on the bus!

Following the last day of the event, CAF provided a tour of their facilities after the show was finished, showcasing their onsite capabilities.

From taking part we obtained over 500 contact details and gained over 152 enquiries. Representatives from the Rail Industry Technology Roadshow contacted us to let us know that we came in ‘top of the league’ in terms of the numbers generated against all other exhibitors – an achievement that we are very proud of.

Daniel Brock said: “The response we got from exhibiting at the Rail Industry Technology Show was outstanding. Excellent clientele and really engaging discussions. We are now currently enjoying the mammoth task of following up on all enquiries. Thank you to all that came to talk to us about our Armaflex® and CB Frost range of specialist rail industry materials.”

For more information on Armaflex® cellular silicone materials for the rail industry, call our knowledgeable team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.

 

Following the announcement of our expansion and relocation, work is now underway on our new premises.

Exterior signage has been installed on the front of the building and internal work will begin imminently. Our new signs display our updated logo, along with our contact details (which will remain the same).

In the near future, plant and machinery will be moved from Digbeth and all production will switch to our new headquarters. With the introduction of our new high-speed cutting and kiss-cutting press, we will be able to increase our production capacity, as well as increasing production speed and efficiency.

We will make further announcements in the near future you keep you up to date with the latest developments at CB Frost. Once the move to our new home is complete, we look forward to announcing our grand opening day, where our loyal customers will be invited to visit our new and improved headquarters.

For more information on our manufacturing capabilities and our catalogue of materials, browse cbfrost-rubber.com or call our knowledgeable team on +44 (0) 121 773 8494.

The Rail Industry Technology Roadshow is currently underway, taking in major sites across the UK, including Siemens, Alstom, Network Rail, Bombardier Rail, Hitachi and CAF. As part of CB Frost’s on-going development, we have taken it upon ourselves to showcase our material range and capabilities, literally taking them on the road as part of this unique travelling exhibition for rail industry technology and materials.

As a result of our commitment to fire safety and protection, we are proud to work in partnership with Armacell to supply the Armaflex® range of materials including Rail SD, SD-C, ZH and ZH-C insulation foams.

Armaflex® Rail SD is a high-tech and innovative closed-cell thermal insulation material, designed specifically for use in the rail industry. The closed-cell structure of this elastomeric foam-based material allows for improved fire-retardant properties and low smoke generation, to meet hazard level 2 according to EN45545.In the event of a fire, it is self-extinguishing, does not drip and does not spread flames.

In addition to its excellent fire protection properties, Armaflex® is also a highly effective material for applications such as insulation and protection for air conditioning, and refrigeration air ducts and pipes, including fittings, elbows and flanges. The closed-cell structure of the material, combined with Microban® antimicrobial product protection provides an effective barrier to water vapour, reducing the risk of corrosion, mould and mildew, to improve indoor air quality.

Throughout the roadshow, members of the Armacell team will be working alongside us to exhibit their Armaflex® range of Rail compliant materials to potential customers.

The first stop of the 2019 Rail Industry Technology Roadshow was Alstom’s site in Widnes, Cheshire. There was a great presence from the staff, including engineers, production team, purchasing, and senior management.

The second stop was the Hitachi site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

There were over 150 visitors to the roadshow, with potential customers arriving up until the last moment.

Our next exhibition location was Bombardier in Derby, with Siemens in Northampton, Network Rail in Milton Keynes, and CAF, Newport still to come.

For more information on Armaflex® Rail SD products, you can click here, or call our knowledgeable team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.

Our roots span over 95 years, with a heritage strongly intertwined with the beginnings and development of the commercial plastics industry itself. Established in 1921 in Birmingham, CB Frost & Co began work at the forefront of rapid development in plastics and mouldings. Fast forward nearly 100 years and it is time for the next exciting phase of CB Frost’s vast history to unfold.

After the recent Management Buyout, CB Frost have been going from strength to strength. Off the back of this success, we are expanding our business and moving to exciting new premises.

Birmingham as a city is facing massive changes under the Big City Plan. This 20-year City Centre Masterplan is part of a vision to encourage and support Birmingham’s continuing transformation into a world class city centre.

A key part of the Big City Plan is the development of HS2. Close to our current base in Digbeth, work is underway on the new HS2 Curzon Street station, which is certain to be a catalyst for economic growth. At the heart of our great city and the national railway network, Curzon Street will be a landmark destination that changes the landscape of Birmingham, an icon that the local community can be hugely proud to host.

CB Frost will be taking advantage of the changes to the city, and with our knowledge and expertise, particularly within the Rail industry, we feel very excited about what the future holds, not only for CB Frost, but for Birmingham as a whole.

Work is currently underway on our new premises and we look forward to the next chapter in CB Frost’s long history. As part of our expansion, we have also invested in a new high-speed cutting and kiss-cutting machine, which will help us to improve the efficiency of our processes and increase our manufacturing output. The new machine will assist in the production of a wide range of components for use in many industries.

Further announcements will be made in due course to keep you abreast of any developments and we very much look forward to inviting our loyal customers to the grand opening day when all is complete.

For more information on our catalogue of materials and products, or to learn more about our capabilities, please contact our team on 0121 773 8494, or browse cbfrost-rubber.com.

 

 

 

At CB Frost we are able to supply and manufacture an extensive range of extruded silicone cellular sponge profiles to suit all types of applications. Whether our clients need standard shaped profiles such as square, rectangle or circular, or completely bespoke extruded profiles, we can fulfil their needs. Our profile sections can be supplied in complete coils, cut down to specific lengths, or even fabricated into rings of the required size, using our inhouse jointing equipment.

Closed cell silicone profiles can also be supplied in different grades to suit their intended application, including EN45545-2 rail compliant, UL94 V-0 grade, and general-purpose grades. To provide a durable solution to a wide range of uses, silicone sponge provides excellent resistance to ozone, UV and general weathering.

We can also supply sponge in densities ranging from 200kg/m³ to 530kg/m³.

Standard Silicone Sponge Profiles

Silicone Sponge Rectangle Sections

Rectangle extruded profiles can be supplied in thicknesses of between 3mm and 40mm and up to 100mm wide, dependent on the intended application.

Silicone Sponge Squared Sections

Square sponge profiles can be supplied from 3mm to 50mm squared to suit customer requirements.

Silicone Sponge Cord

We cut silicone sponge cord (circular sections) with diameters of 2mm to 50mm, dependent on the grade of sponge specified.

Silicone Sponge Extrusions to supply the Rail Industry

CBF SIL-V0 Sponge – EN45545-2

Last year, the new European standard for fire safety (EN45545-2) became mandatory in the rail industry. As a result of our connections and experience working with rail industry partners, we were able to stay ahead of the game, providing an extensive catalogue of EN45545-2 compliant materials.

With the introduction of EN45545-2 in mind, we launched our new lightweight silicone sponge, CBF SIL-V0. Specifically designed to improve fire and smoke safety for the rail industry, it is compliant with the new European fire safety standard EN45545-2 (R22/R23 – HL3) and can be extruded to form a number of simple shapes (square, rectangle and circular) as well as more technical profiles.

CBF SIL-V0 provides an ideal material for LCD display gaskets, anti-vibration strips and seals, HVAC, electrical enclosures, gap fillers and many other applications within the rail industry. Its closed cell structure means that in addition to being fire safe, it is resistant to water, moisture and dust.

For more detailed information on extruded sponge profiles, or for assistance in choosing the right materials for a specific application, please call our sales team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.

Over time, as a result of the many challenges faced by farmers, the agricultural sector has seen a lot of technological advances. The population is growing, resulting in more demand for agricultural produce, however, available farming land is also shrinking, leaving farmers to produce more food in a much smaller area. At the same time, farmers must also alter their practices to minimise environmental impact. As a result, the demand for innovation in the agriculture sector has increased considerably.

Whilst precision farming machines and technology certainly help farmers to be much more efficient, they can also cause a number of problems. For example, should machinery fail, this can lead to downtime that can be extremely costly for farmers big and small. As a result, investment in the best materials and bespoke designed components is essential to ensure the dependability of key machinery during the busiest farming seasons.

At CB Frost, our knowledge and experience in manufacturing rubber and plastic components means that we have a thorough understanding of the problems within the farming industry, particularly with reference to sealing materials.

We can supply an extensive range of materials to suit sealing applications for farming:

• EPDM is well suited to outdoor applications where machinery is exposed to a variety of weather conditions. It is resistant to UV and ozone, atmospheric ageing and the majority of water-based chemicals and vegetable-based hydraulic oils.
• Viton is well-suited to applications where a strong resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals and oils is important. For Petrochemical seals and gaskets, Viton A grade is well suited as it resists aggressive hydrocarbons, extreme temperatures and other extreme conditions.
• PTFE is well suited to applications where resistance to high strength chemicals and low friction sealing capabilities are important.
• Nitrile rubber is a high resilience material with an excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbon oils and fluids.
• For general purpose gasket use, 65 shore reinforced natural rubber/SBR blended rubber sheeting with a cotton insertion is ideal.

With our inhouse capabilities, we can also manufacture a wide range of rubber components and products. Our capabilities include, but are not exhaustive of:

• Gaskets and washers cut from sheet material
• Compression moulded components
• Extruded components

To learn more about our services and products, or to ask for advice in choosing the right materials for agriculture sector components, please call out friendly and knowledgeable team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.

As a company that believes in ‘quality without compromise’, we are always seeking to find new ways to improve our processes, whether this be through continued staff training and development, or investment in new technologies to increase efficiency and allow us to provide a wider range of bespoke products for our customers.

To help increase our efficiency in manufacturing a wide range of components for multiple industrial sectors, CB Frost have recently invested in a new high-speed die cutting press for thorough cutting and kiss cutting.

The range of applications for our new machine include but are not limited to:

• Individually die-cut gaskets, seals and washers
• Kiss-cut and supply on rolls, self-adhesive sponge products (as above) with scrap web automatically removed leaving components ready to issue

With an eye on increasing production and improving the speed and efficiency of our cutting processes, we decided to invest in this high-speed die cutting press. The new machine has been manufactured in Taiwan and is currently in the process of being shipped to our premises in Birmingham.

The new cutting machine is designed to operate at speeds of up to 100 strokes per minute, allowing us to considerably increase our cutting capacity, whilst maintaining pin point accuracy. The press will cut a wide range of materials in different thicknesses. The high-quality engineering and rigid construction combined with depth of precision will allow us to produce components with a clean finish that are ready to be packed and sent to customers immediately. As a result of the accuracy of the machine, scrap material is also much reduced, which will create considerable savings in the long term.

For more information about our manufacturing capabilities, please browse cbfrost-rubber.com or call our team on +44(0) 121 773 8494.

At CB Frost we are extremely proud to be an approved supplier to the Ministry of Defence. Supplying the UK’s land and naval services with a range of specialist gasketing, sealing and insulation products certainly helps keep us on our toes as we are required to constantly ensure that every aspect of our business is up to date with the latest MoD requirements. Specification is everything.

For a number of years, we have been working alongside a number of first tier companies, including well-known names BAE, Babcock Defence and General Dynamics. Working with these respected companies, CB Frost are the first choice for supplying sealing solutions for the MoD.

We are required to supply a considerable range of specialist, high specification products, in an extremely timely fashion. To do this, we are also required to ensure that both our working methods, machinery and equipment are always up to date with the latest advances in technology, as well as guaranteeing that all members of our team receive essential ongoing training to continue assisting in the production of MoD high specification products.

Our MoD products

Our inhouse production capabilities include cutting gaskets from sheet material, compression moulding and extrusions. Working to MoD specifications, we have the ability to manufacture products in highly complex designs, of any size or shape.

CB Frost manufacture and supply an extensive range of solid and sponge rubber components, using a variety of different materials depending on the intended application. Some of the products most commonly requested by the Ministry of Defence include:

• Noise/thermal insulation pads
• Gaskets
• O-rings
• Rubber gaiters
• Seals for doors and windows
• General seals and gaskets
• Noise reduction insulation foam
• Specialist foam gaskets
• Bespoke turret seals

With each project, we work extremely hard to deliver products to exact specifications and on time. We take great pride in achieving this!

To learn more about our extensive range of services and products, or to find out how CB Frost can be a key supplier to your business, please feel free to call our team on +44(0)121 773 8494.