Molded rubber is used in a variety of products. You can find gaskets, washers, hoses, boots, and countless other products made of molded rubber. It is a durable, long-lasting material that is versatile. But unless you’re familiar with it, you’re probably wondering how molded rubber is made.
What is molded rubber?
The term “molded rubber” refers to any rubber object or component made by the molding process. The molding process is characterized by the use of moulds. The mold is a hollow shell. To produce molded rubber, a manufacturing company will fill or inject a mold with liquefied rubber.
How rubber is formed
There are several different molding processes used to make molded rubber, the most common one being compression molding. During compression molding, the mold is preheated and liquefied rubber is poured into the cavity. A plug is then placed on top of the mold cavity to seal it while pressure is subsequently applied. When the liquefied rubber is pressurized, it expands to fill any cracks and crevices in the mold cavity. Once the liquefied rubber cools, it hardens so the casting can be removed.
In addition to compression molding, injection molding is also commonly used to make molded rubber. Injection molding lives up to its name by injecting liquefied rubber into a mold cavity. The liquefied rubber is stored in a heated barrel placed on top of the molding machine. It is then injected into the mold cavity through a nozzle.
The third molding process used to make molded rubber is transfer molding. Transfer molding is perhaps the most unique molding process. During the transfer molding process, liquefied rubber is stored in a tank located between the top plate and the gate. The liquefied rubber then flows into the mold cavity, where it is the same size and shape as the mold.
Benefits of Molded Rubber
Regardless of how it’s made, molded rubber has several benefits. For example, it will not rust and corrode. Molded rubber has no material in it, so it can withstand wet conditions without rust or corrosion.
Molded rubber is relatively inexpensive. Manufacturing companies can make it quickly and easily, and because of its low production costs, they often sell molded rubber at a lower cost than other rubber materials.
Molded rubber also allows for the production of custom products and components. For such custom applications, custom tooling is required. As long as the mold is the correct size and shape, the product or part will be produced.
