Mistakes To Avoid During the Rubber Extrusion Process
19th August, 2022
Rubber extrusion is a process used to manufacture rubber, whereby synthetic or natural rubber is forced through a shaped die, and later vulcanized to harden the material into the desired end product.
The rubber extrusion process can be highly complicated and there are a number of common mistakes that people make. In this article, we are taking a look at the mistakes you need to avoid during the rubber extrusion process.
See our article on The Rubber Extrusion Process to find out more about the process itself and the benefits of using this method for rubber manufacturing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Material
It is important to consider the different rubber materials that could be used for your project. There are a number of rubbers that can be extruded, such as natural rubber, neoprene, Viton, and silicone, all of which have different properties and have optimum use in different environments.
To ensure you are choosing the correct material for your project, you need to assess the environment it will be used in, identifying key requirements of the rubber. For example, if you need your rubber product to withstand low temperatures, then a suitable material option would be natural rubber.
Design Issues
It is critical that you consider your designs thoroughly when extruding rubber to avoid costly errors.
Whilst sharp, 90-degree corners provide a sleek look for your rubber extrusions, they are prone to leaking, which can be problematic for certain uses. To avoid this error, you should ensure your rubber designs include a small radius on corners.
Another design issue that is common during the rubber extrusion process is failing to anticipate rubber tolerances. Not all rubber tolerances are the same, however, compared to other materials rubbers has a broader tolerance, which needs to be accounted for during the design stage.
Failing to prototype is an additional design flaw. It is important to ask your supplier for 3D-printed examples as it allows you to assess fit, form and practicality and identify any potential issues. This ensures you avoid costly mistakes during production.
Custom Rubber Extrusion Specifications
At Aquaseal Rubber, we deliver bespoke rubber solutions that meet the needs of our clients. We will assess the operating environment the product will be used in, to ensure the most suitable rubber material is chosen for each project. All our products are available in a wide range of materials and are suitable for any environment.
Contact our team to find out more about our rubber extrusion process and for the best rubber solutions for your project.
