Elastomer and Rubber Shapes

Elastomer and rubber shapes are available in finished and semi-finished stock formations. They are formed through processes such as molding, casting, extrusion, pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, rapid prototyping, and grinding. Common forms for elastomer and rubber shapes include bars, films, plates, profiles, rods and shims. Products with square, spherical, angular, rectangular, hexagonal, tubular, I-shaped, and T-shaped cross-sections are also available. Hollow stock is usually tubular or pipe-shaped and contains an open internal bore. Round stock is typically made of metal and used in the fabrication of ball bearings, ball valve balls, check valve balls, and measuring balls. Specialty elastomer and rubber shapes are manufactured according to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements or in-house capabilities.

Elastomer and rubber shapes use many different chemical systems and filler materials. Some chemical systems contain acrylics, elastomers, natural or synthetic rubbers, ethylene copolymers, silicone compounds, or vinyl systems. Others contain polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polybutylene terphthalate (PBT), or polyether block amide (PEBA) resins. Commonly used chemical systems include polyolefin, polypropylene (PP), polysulphide, and polyurethane (PUR). In terms of filler materials, some elastomer and rubber shapes contain chopped, continuous, wound, or aramid fibers. Others products contain glass or metal fillers, inorganic or reinforced compounds, or carbon or graphite powders. Unfilled elastomer and rubber shapes are also available. Typically, these raw materials are used as starting components in the production of finished coatings.

Elastomer and rubber shapes vary in terms of dimensions and features. Dimensions include thickness, length, width, inner diameter (ID), and outer diameter (OD). Features include electrical insulation and thermal insulation. Products that prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) are also available. Typically, these elastomer and rubber shapes have high electrical conductivity and low electrical resistivity. Flame retardant materials resist ignition or reduce the spread of flames when exposed to high temperatures. Dampening materials are used to reduce sound, vibration, or shock.    

Selecting elastomer and rubber shapes requires an analysis of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. Mechanical properties include tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation. Thermal properties include temperature range, thermal conductivity, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Resistivity, dielectric strength, and dielectric constant are important electrical properties. Optical properties include index of refraction, a measure of the speed of light in a material, and transmission.  

Elastomer and rubber shapes are used in many industries and applications. Some products are used in aerospace, automotive, marine, military, and tooling applications. Others are designed for electrical power and high voltage products such as generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and motor assemblies. Shapes that are designed for semiconductors and integrated circuit (IC) packaging are also available. Elastomer and rubber shapes that are suitable for medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing meet the requirements of agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Specialized products are used by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and repair, maintenance and overhaul (MRO) organizations.

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