Dual Durometer Rubber Extrusions
What is dual durometer rubber extrusions?
It is a co-extrusion process that fuses two materials of different physical properties into one uniform or consistent cross section. The most common of these extrusions is the combination of a rigid material, for strength, with a soft or flexible material, for function, into various one-piece profiles.
What are the advantages of dual durometer rubber extrusions?
By joining two materials of different physical properties, structural integrity and flexible function can be combined into one part. For example, when a rubber gasket must be attached to a metal part to provide a closure seal, a dual durometer rubber extrusion combines both functions into one piece, which significantly reduces assembly costs while enhancing performance and function.
Purpose and Application
Dual durometer extrusions can serve a variety of purposes. Most often, the harder material serves as means of attachment, and the softer compound completes the seal. Sometimes, however, co-extruding polymers is done for cosmetic purposes. There are many ways to get creative when designing a seal— using multi-color, multi-durometer, notches, holes and PSAs. You can mix and match, or, put them all into one package. Contact us today and get more information and let us help start on your new project.
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Dual durometer extrusions in practice
Common builds: a rigid base with a soft sealing bulb, a soft lip on a firm clip-on carrier, or a firm profile with a soft gripping face. Each puts hardness where the job needs it.
Dual durometer parts cut assembly steps because the seal and the mount are one piece. Tell us the hardness for each section, the mating surface and the installed compression. See Solid Rubber Extrusion and Sponge Rubber Extrusions for related options. Send a drawing or sample through the quote form and we will review it with you.