Choosing a Material for a Rubber Injection Molded Project

Which Rubber Material Should I Choose For My Injection Molding Project?

For rubber injection molded products, you will have to take in a number of factors when choosing the best material for the job. Of all the different types of rubber materials, synthetic or non-synthetic. If you want the best performance out of your product you will have to know some of the basic characteristics of these common rubber materials.

NR

Our natural rubber is the original rubber material, grown from the rubber tree known as Hevea brasiliensis.
Also, natural rubber is a great choice for automotive gaskets and seals. Where natural rubber may be less than sufficient compared to other rubber is in its comparably lower resistance to certain chemicals, oils, sunlight, and the environment.

small-silicone-rubber-bellowA Virgin Silicon-Rubber

They are typically odorless.  This material starts clear.  No color or additives are in the virgin material.  Many then add in colors to blend into the colorless base.  These are usually FDA grade silicones. Moreover, silicone offers the same benefits of natural rubber, but it is also able to provide superior resistance to chemicals as well as resilience in high and low temperatures. You can find silicone in many rubber components in automobiles.

Fluoro

Compared to regular silicones, these are very expensive.   Its properties include high versatility, strength, and fuel/oil resistance.

FDA Silicone

This material is free of peroxides, ozone and UV resistant, and has low volatility.

Electrically Conductive

Electrically conductive silicones are a very versatile material for injection molds. They are in used in the automotive industry, as well as for industrial and military applications for their sturdy nature.

Fiberglass-reinforced

So fiberglass-reinforced silicones have recently been gaining popularity in injection molded parts due to their high strength and high temperature resistance properties.  The fibers have a bond.  Mostly weaved as well.  This depends on the application.

Summary

When starting to plan your rubber injection product, it’s important to understand the types of rubber material available and which of them will be the best application for your purpose. The key is to find out what performance each material has.   However, getting the right family of materials is most important.  Then fine tuning the performance will enhance and prolong the life. Form, fit and function is typically most important.

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