Our Guide to Rubber Extrusions
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September 8, 2020
In our last blog, we focused on gaskets, their uses, and the manufacturing processes used to produce gaskets at CB Frost. In addition to creating flat gaskets and seals, cut from roll stock material using our highly efficient cutting presses, we also use a range of other...
In our last blog, we focused on gaskets, their uses, and the manufacturing processes used to produce gaskets at CB Frost. In addition to creating flat gaskets and seals, cut from roll stock material using our highly efficient cutting presses, we also use a range of other processes to create simple and complex products, for example, rubber extrusions. We commonly use the extrusion process to create 3D products for an extensive variety of uses.
The Rubber Extrusion Process
At CB Frost, we supply extruded profiles in a range of solid and sponge materials, such as EPDM, Neoprene, Nitrile, Silicone and Viton, each of which have unique qualities. We supply extruded profiles into various sectors, using our expertise to help specify the ideal material to suit each process, based on the strengths and weaknesses of each material to conditions that an extruded part will be subject to.
The extrusion process creates objects with a fixed cross-sectional profile. To achieve this, a raw rubber material (or combination of materials) is heated and then pushed through a die of the required cross-section, under high pressure. Rubber extrusion can create simple or highly complex profiles – it all depends on the complexity of the shaped die.
Dies are made from materials such as stainless steel, ensuring that they keep their shape and ensure accurate production for repeat production rubs. Stainless steel does not rust and is able to withstand the pressure it is subjected to during extrusion, making it an ideal die material.
Depending on customer requirements, we can supply extruded profiles in coil form, cut them to length to suit specific applications, or even fabricate them in order to produce gaskets or seals.
Fabricated Rubber Extrusions
To create fabricated or bonded extrusions for use as seals, we can use hot splicing or vulcanising processes, depending on the quantity of rubber extrusions required. For low volume gasket production, vulcanised joining is a cost-effective and reliable process, joining profiles together to create a range of shapes, for example, tubing, square or rectangular profiles, or O-rings. The hot splicing process uses heat to bond profiles together effectively.
Common Applications
Extruded products can be made to suit many different applications in all sectors. Common applications include:
- Door and window seals
- Tubing
- Connectors
- Vibration reducing gaskets
- Window seals for rail and mass transit
- Concrete pipe and manhole gaskets
- Coupling gaskets
To discuss the benefits of extrusion, talk about your extrusion needs, or to ask for advice on extrusion materials, please call us on 0121 773 8494 and our experienced team will be glad to help you.
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