What is rubber moulding and what are its applications?

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The process of rubber moulding takes uncured rubber or an elastomer and transforms it through compression, transforming or injecting. During this process, the rubber is put under great pressure, which, combined with heat, begins a chemical reaction called vulcanisation or curing. This makes the polymer chains in the rubber material cross-link which will then turn the rubber into a usable product.

Heat and pressure have to be applied to create the chemical reaction and all rubber manufacturers use similar compression, transforming or injecting processes of various types to make their rubber products. Whilst natural rubber is still used by manufacturers, synthetic rubber products such as silicone, neoprene and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) offer similar strength and durability to natural rubber but have better longevity, endurance and flexibility.

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Uses for Rubber Mouldings

Rubber can be moulded into many different shapes and forms, which means that it is extremely useful for a range of different purposes, both in the domestic and industrial sectors. In industry and manufacturing, the flexibility and durability of rubber mean that it is frequently used for seals and cushioning and its stability means that it is used to limit vibrations in industrial machinery. Uses for rubber mouldings include washers, seals, grommets, isolators, bushings and bumpers. Specialists such as https://www.meadex.co.uk/rubber-moulding offer a wide range of custom rubber moulding products.

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Rubber Mouldings in Industry

Rubber moulded products have a wealth of uses in many different industries and manufacturing processes, and the strength and durability of rubber mean that it is trusted in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electrical and agriculture. In the automotive sector, rubber is used in many different elements of a vehicle’s construction, from brakes and clutch seals to battery gaskets and interior cushioning. Rubber is also an important element in the construction of electric cars.

In the aerospace industry, the rubber mouldings used must be of extremely high quality and construction to withstand dramatic variations in temperature, be resistant to extreme weather conditions and, for safety, be resistant to gas, oil and fire.