From medicine and healthcare to electronics, rubber products are used in a wide range of industries. Due to its precise results, countless rubber products are made through rubber mould manufacturing process. These parts are designed in a manner that allows them to fit into any equipment without any leakage. Plus, their ability to be molded in different shapes make them ideal for making custom products. If you are new to the world of rubber molding, here is everything you need to know about rubber mold manufacturing to make the best quality rubber products.
What Is Rubber Mold Manufacturing?
Rubber mold manufacturing is the process of converting uncured rubber into a usable product. It can be done through various process that involves reshaping and heating rubber to a metal cavity. The three most commonly used process by rubber molded parts manufacturers is compression molding, injection molding, and transfer molding.
Compression molding
Rubber compression molding is done by placing the uncured rubber into a heated mold, which is closed by using hydraulic pressure. The rubber is kept inside the cavity until it takes its final shape.
Injection molding
Rubber injection molding is done by injecting the rubber into the mold. It stays there for a specific amount of time until it acquires the desired shape. Many rubber moulding manufacturers use this process to create custom products.
Transfer molding
Under transfer molding, a measured amount of uncured rubber is loaded into the transfer pot. The ram is then closed, pushing the rubber through the runner into the part cavity. The rubber is heated for a set amount of time to cure rubber to its final shape.
Materials Used In The Process Of Rubber Mold Manufacturing
There are a wide variety of rubbers that can be converted into molds such as natural rubber and synthetic rubber-like foam rubber, silicone rubber, and EPDM.
Foam rubber
Foam rubber is made by foaming agents which makes the rubber air-filled and flexible. Sometimes foam rubber is made with a different variety of rubbers but most commonly it is made from polyurethane. Foam rubber can be pulled, pushed, stretched, and scrunched without any damage.
Many rubber molded products manufacturers produce foam rubber in two main types- open-cell foam rubber and closed-cell foam rubber. Open-cell foam rubber is used to make automotive seat padding and padding for pillows and mattresses. Whereas, closed-cell foam rubber is used to make knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, etc.
Silicone rubber
Silicone rubber is synthetic rubber made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. They come in two forms liquid and solid. Both forms are highly heat-resistant and stay stable when exposed to high temperatures and that is why they are used to make highly graded rubber products.
Due to its heat-resistant capabilities, it is highly preferred in metal casting. When uncured, silicone is extremely sticky and gel-like. It should be cured, vulcanized, and catalyzed to become a solid.
EPDM
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a type of synthetic rubber with a lot of premium qualities. It is known to have excellent resistance to steam, heat, and extreme weather. It also provides electrical resistance making it ideal for industries like automotive manufacturing and building construction.
Products That Are Produced Through Rubber Mold Manufacturing
Many custom rubber products are made through the process of rubber mold manufacturing. Such as rubber seals, rubber diaphragms, rubber grommets, rubber bushings, rubber washers, and rubber sheets.
Rubber washers and bushings
Many manufacturing machines have extremely vibrating parts, these washers and bushings are installed to absorb these vibrations in order to protect the people operating them.
Rubber sheet
Many rubber part suppliers install rubber sheets under machinery to prevent excessive vibrations and to improve the overall working conditions of the machine.
The Process Of Rubber Mold Manufacturing
- Figure out the details of the products that have to be molded like design, thickness, etc.
- Design the stock you will use to create the rubber product.
- Place the stock into the machine you want to use.
- Wait for it to cool and harden
- Take out the rubber shape.
Once, you have the finished product in hand, it may have some imperfections known as seams. if this happens, the rubber product has to go through some further processing.
Takeaway
Rubber mold manufacturing offers quite a lot of benefits when compared to other rubber forming procedures, this is the reason why they are preferred in many industries. They provide the best results when paired with large volume runs and also reduce production time. But, it is crucial to choose the right manufactured rubber products company to make the best rubber products. If you are looking for the best rubber mold manufacturers, then look no further than Custom Rubber Silicone Molds. We provide the best silicone molds at efficient prices. Our specialized team has the necessary skills required to produce premium custom-made rubber molds according to your requirements.
