Rubber is a popular material in the automotive industry since it’s lightweight and provides shock absorption. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we offer rubber molding for engines, brakes, seals, steering, and solenoid valves. We used certified rubber materials to manufacture high-quality products.

What Is Rubber Molding?

Rubber molding is a manufacturing process used to produce rubber parts and components. Our skilled technicians fill rubber inside a mold cavity, applying pressure and heat to form the desired shape and size. We incorporate cutting-edge technologies to handle a variety of materials, such as:

• Natural rubber
• Nitrile
• Neoprene
• Viton
• Silicone
• Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
• Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)

Our manufacturing process entails inspection using optical comparators to check rubber quality. We also test rubber materials using durometer gauges to review hardness value. Our experts use the right rubber materials to make different automotive components. Neoprene can be suitable for making tubing for engine fluids, while nitrile rubber can work well for sealing components.

Types of Rubber Molding

We use different techniques to mold rubber into functional automotive components. Here are some types of rubber molding that we utilize at Clark Rubber and Plastic:

Injection Molding

In this process, our technicians inject rubber material into the mold cavity under high pressure. We use injection molding for manufacturing designs with complex geometry like sharp contours, holes, and curvature. Due to sufficient curing time and pressure, the final product can last longer.

Injection molding can produce small- to medium-sized rubber parts in different sizes and shapes. We use this process to manufacture cable grommets, O-rings, diaphragms, anti-vibration mounts, seals, and gaskets. Injection molding can also produce bushings, rubber hoses, and tubes.

Transfer Molding

During transfer molding, our experts place the rubber material in a transfer pot and then move it to the mold cavity using a plunger. Transfer molding requires heat and pressure to produce durable automotive parts. The mold design can create large cavities with ease.

This molding process can produce automotive components with high precision and excellent mechanical properties. Transfer molding can be effective for making bellows, rubber-to-metal bonded parts, and vibration dampers. We use transfer molding to manufacture shock-absorber bushing with reliable resistance to environmental conditions.

Compression Molding

In this process, we place rubber material into a heated mold cavity and use a hydraulic press to get the desired shape. Compression molding doesn’t rely on material flow, meaning it can handle different rubber materials. This process can produce many parts simultaneously, reducing manufacturing time and costs.

We use compression molding to produce different automotive parts, such as electrical insulators, dust covers, and engine covers. This process can also manufacture suspension bushings and brake pads. Compression molding can make engine mounts in many shapes and sizes.

Get Quality Rubber Molding Services

Rubber molding is versatile and can produce a variety of automotive components. Our facilities incorporate advanced equipment to produce high-quality products in high or low quantities. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we have horizontal presses for fabricating parts to produce exceptional finishes and tolerances.

Plastic injection molding is a key process for automotive, healthcare, solar, and appliance businesses. The process results in custom-molded parts and components central to these industries’ operations. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we use high-quality polymers to deliver components for projects of different complexities. Here are some common types of polymers:

Polycarbonate 

Polycarbonate is a lightweight, transparent polymer that can support light transmission. The polymer is also strong and durable, making it ideal for our clients in the automotive industry. It’s commonly used for clear windows. It can also be suitable for tinted windows as it retains its strength even when pigmented.

Polycarbonate is one of our core injection molding polymers because it can maintain its physical properties even when exposed to high temperatures. It can offer a high level of dimensional control as its shrinkage is uniform and predictable. 

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

This polymer’s relatively low melting point makes it easy to mold. It’s one of our top injection molding plastics because it’s exceptionally tough, even when exposed to low temperatures, and has a high impact resistance. The polymer can also support different surface finishes, colorants, and textures. 

Its strength and impact resistance makes it a great choice for clients in the automotive industry—it can be used to manufacture auto body parts and dashboards. The consumer industry can also benefit from this polymer as it can make products like protective headgear and electrical outlets. 

Nylon 

Nylon is one of our popular polymers known for its abrasion resistance, strength, noise-dampening properties, and toughness. It’s used in injection molding applications like bearings, slides, gears, and other mechanical components. The polymer can also be used in the appliance industry as an electrical insulator.
 
Nylon has different grades, each with unique impact resistance, flexibility, water absorption, and melting point properties. For example, Nylon 12 has a low melting point, whereas Nylon 66 has a high one. Our staff can help you choose the most suitable option depending on your intended use. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

We recommend PVC to our clients because of its high durability and versatility. The polymer is available in rigid and malleable forms to fit different industries’ uses. In its malleable form, the polymer can be ideal for businesses in the consumer and appliance industries—it can be used in packaging and encase copper wiring. Its rigid form can be suitable for making products like water pipes, flooring, and children’s toys. 

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a polymer made from petroleum. It’s a popular injection molding plastic at Clark Rubber and Plastic as it has a high strength-to-density ratio. This makes it ideal for making products like recycling bins, toys, and water and gas pipes. 

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

TPU is a flexible polymer that offers high chemical resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance, and strength. It’s well-suited for parts like gaskets, gears, and wheels in the automotive industry. The polymer can also be a suitable choice for our appliance industry clients as its dimensional stability makes it ideal for manufacturing products like phone cases. 

Different Polymers Can Be Used In Plastic Injection Molding

Plastic injection molding helps produce a wide variety of plastic products. Common polymers used in the process include polycarbonate, PVC, nylon, and ABS, each with unique properties. 

Clark Rubber and Plastic can support your production processes by supplying close-tolerance plastics from our wide range of polymers. Our experts can help you choose the most suitable plastics based on your durability and strength requirements. Contact us for high-quality plastic parts today. 

Plastics are everywhere due to their simpler manufacturing requirements, versatility, and longevity. Plastic extrusion involves melting plastic to create many shapes and is commonly used for high-volume production. At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we specialize in providing custom, high-quality rubber extrusion. Here are the types of plastic that can be extruded:

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

HIPS is a thermoplastic styrene plastic material that is easy to process, hard, and rigid. The material exhibits the high impact resistance attributes of rubber additives and the stiffness of polystyrene.

HIPS is not vapor-proof or waterproof and is considered a cost-effective general-purpose material. The material is used for appliances in the point-of-purchase, appliance, electronics, and automotive industries.

HIPS can be recycled if that’s appropriate for your project. The advantages of using HIPS plastic extrusions include the following:

• Good rigidity
• High gloss
• Low cost
• FDA grades available

We utilize sustainable manufacturing practices to make custom extruded parts. Our facility has the latest extruding equipment capable of manufacturing complex and simple shapes to match your exact specifications. We are dedicated to manufacturing high-quality components and parts that meet your expectations.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate’s clarity and strength make it an excellent choice for protection, glazing, and lighting applications. The plastic material is used to produce luminaries, diffusers, and lenses.

Polycarbonate can be used in both sheet and profile forms. The strong polymer has high-temperature resistance, excellent optical properties, and high impact resistance due to its high transparency.

Extruded polycarbonate is regularly used to protect display cabinets, electrical cabinets, refrigerators, and walls. The material has a high gloss appearance and can be colored with ease which makes it attractive. The benefits of polycarbonate include the following:

• Impact resistant and naturally strong
• Able to be molded
• Heat resistant
• High dimensional stability

We can produce custom rubber profiles in a variety of shapes and sizes. We have the manufacturing capabilities to create the products that you need in a cost-effective and timely way. Our company can work with various materials to deliver the best results.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS has strong resistance to corrosive chemicals and physical impact. The material is an opaque polymer that is available as a colorable or natural compound. The plastic material can be above a specific temperature and solidifies when cooled.

ABS is meant for indoor applications since it’s not weatherable because of poor UV resistance. The product is used for applications in the marine, plumbing, construction, furniture, appliance, and hydroponics industries.

Materials made using ABS extrusions can be produced in all colors. The benefits of using ABS plastic extrusions include the following:

• Recyclable
• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Offers good electrical properties
• Moisture resistant
• Resilient against corrosive chemicals

If you are considering ABS extrusion for your new project, we are the right company to help you. We are equipped to produce the shapes, forms, and sizes in the colors, thicknesses, textures, and densities required for your project.

Find the Best Plastic Extrusion Manufacturer

At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we are a renowned plastic extrusion manufacturer that creates a wide range of custom products. Our facilities can deliver quality components in low or high production quantities. We work to push the boundaries of rubber extrusion technology and innovate new solutions, so choosing us will be a competitive advantage.

We also offer a comprehensive list of other services, including special packaging, milling, assembly, notching, taping, and more. Let us be your single-source solution for all your plastic part production needs.

Rubber and plastic usually make up small pieces of big machines, such as seals or insulators, but they make all the difference in terms of function. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we work on the cutting edge of rubber and plastic extrusion. This manufacturing process that allows us to create components that fit perfectly for appliances, cars, and more. 

What Is Rubber and Plastic Extrusion?

Extrusion is a method of shaping hot, malleable rubber or plastic to create exact shapes. During the process, the rubber or plastic is pushed through a metal die so it takes the desired shape. This process is similar to pushing pasta dough through a spaghetti maker. The benefits of this method are numerous, but the most important one is the precision we are able to achieve. If we can make the die, we can make the plastic or rubber component. 

What Products Can Be Made With Rubber Extrusion?

We make a wide variety of products using rubber extrusion. In fact, almost every aspect of modern life relies on rubber components in some way. Here are a few of the most common ways people use rubber extrusion pieces today:

Auto Parts

Rubber extrusion components are vital in car manufacturing. Rubber hoses that carry fluids inside the engine, rubber seals to prevent leaks, and gromets and bushings to prevent unwanted friction are all examples of extrusion products. Many cars also have rubber floor mats and rubber coating on the pedals to prevent slippage. Last but not least, tires are also made with rubber extrusion; high-quality tires with reliable tread are a necessary component of car safety. 

Appliances

Many household appliances require rubber extrusion pieces to work properly. If you take a look around your kitchen, you will find that your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher have rubber seals on the doors to prevent leaks and ensure that they close completely. In your laundry room, you will also find rubber seals on your washer and dryer. Laundry machines also use rubber cushions to prevent excessive vibration. As you can see, rubber is a necessary part of many home appliances.

Clean Energy 

Rubber extrusion pieces are also vitally important in the making of solar panels. This environmentally friendly energy relies on the use of panels with large surface area to capture the light and heat from the sun. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we make a kind of silicon rubber that works perfectly for this purpose. Rubber components in solar panels include rubber inserts, electrical coverings, and more. Our silicon rubber is also useful in the wind energy industry. We use it to make vacuum seals for the blades on wind turbines. 

What Can We Do for You?

Rubber extrusion components are part of a wide variety of products that make life easier. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we are ready to assist you with all of your rubber extrusion needs. Contact us today for a quote, and we will bring all of our experience and expertise to the table for you. 

Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process used to create custom-molded products and components for various industries. The process helps produce cost-effective, high-quality plastic parts that are dimensionally consistent and identical. At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we have a dedicated team that can work on projects of any complexity and size. Below are the common uses of plastic injection molding:

Electronic Casing

The main exterior of most electronic devices is made of plastic casing that protects the wiring and interior components. These devices include phones, remote controls, television, printers, and computers. Each device has custom enclosures or plastic housings made using injection molds.

Plastic enclosures consist of a lightweight material that offers protection and durability. When it comes to electronics such as smartphones and tablets, the lighter and sleeker the plastic housing, the better. Clark Rubber & Plastic can customize high-quality plastic casing to meet the specifications of any electronic device.

Electronics are sensitive to water and harsh environments. Plastic enclosures shield internal components from these elements. Electric devices plugged into wall sockets, like hair dryers and blenders, have plastic casings designed to prevent electronic currents from escaping and protect the user.

We offer custom plastic enclosures for all applications and sizes. Our company takes pride in fast turnarounds and short lead times on your projects. Clark Rubber & Plastic tackles both large and small orders with efficiency and flexibility.

Automotive and Machinery Components

Automotive and mechanical companies are among the primary industries that benefit from injection molding. Cup holders, dashboards, bumpers, radio controls, and other components are manufactured using the injection molding process. With injection molding, we can create components with superior surface finishes, high durability, and complex shapes.

Clark Rubber & Plastics can scale the process to produce identical products in high quantities, from exterior body panels to engine components.

We use modern equipment designed for molding, injection, and insert processes. Our experts will help you select materials that meet the industry requirements for environmental exposure, strength, and durability.

Healthcare Supplies

Many healthcare products are made of disposable plastic manufactured through injection molding. They include containers like test tubes or beakers, plastic syringes, implants, and surgical equipment.

Healthcare facilities depend heavily on multifunctional plastic products manufactured in bulk. These disposable products are intended for single use to help prevent the spreading of disease or germs.

We will work closely with you to provide affordable, high-quality solutions, regardless of the size or complexity of your project. Our reliable team will finish your plastic molding project on time and meet your expectations.

Hire the Best Plastic Injection Molding Manufacturer

At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we strive to develop and utilize the latest technologies for plastic injection molding manufacturing. We are a leading plastics and rubber manufacturer serving the automotive, solar, military, appliance, and medical industries.

Our facility has some of the most advanced equipment in the industry. We strive to consistently increase our capacity to meet and even exceed our client’s expectations. Contact us to learn more about our processes and how we can help you create your product.

Plastic and rubber materials are subject to wear and tear after exposure. To counter this, you need strong materials that withstand harsh conditions and can last for a long time. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we provide top services as a plastic manufacturer. We make quality and long-lasting rubber and plastic materials.

Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when you work with Clark Rubber and Plastic:

Best Plastic Manufacturer

At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we manufacture high-quality materials that pass the test of time. Our strong plastic and rubber are not easy to destroy by routine wear and tear. With our plastic and rubber products, you may be able to eliminate the cost of constantly replacing the materials in your budget.

High-Quality Manufacturing Practices

We have a team of competent manufacturers who work day and night to give you the best quality. Here are some of the products and services we offer:

Plastic Molding and Injection

We have modern equipment to help with the injection and plastic molding process. Our trained staff will help you choose the best materials for molding strong and durable plastic. We produce market-standard plastic construction and storage materials for inserting and over-molding. Our plastic molding warehouse has specific settings and customization to produce the ultimate quality plastic products.

Rubber Molding Services

At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we have high-technology facility equipment that the industry recommends to deliver desirable rubber molding services. We have a separate service room for plastic and rubber materials. Our skilled team focuses on producing the best rubber services, from molding to compression. We customize our services to fit the industry and serve a wide range of customers with different rubber needs.

Precise Die Cutting

If you need automotive die-cutting services, we are your go-to company. Our staff handles motor housing, gaskets, bumpers, and structural components to give you all the components for your car. Take advantage of the die-cutting process to make unique products for your personal or professional use.

Customer Service

Regardless of the size of your company or need, we offer you the quality service and respect you deserve. We can adjust our process to fit your needs. With our experience and know-how in the industry, you can get exactly what you want to be made from plastic. Our staff is always willing to listen to you.

We will respond to you as soon as possible. We are here to answer your inquiries and advise you properly. Clark Rubber and Plastic will prioritize your needs during the entire manufacturing process.

Work With Us Today

Clark Rubber and Plasticis dedicated to producing high-quality rubber and plastic products that will last as long as you need. With our experience and variety of services, we can provide you with anything you need. Whether you need wholesale rubber parts or plastic for a personal project, contact us today. With Clark Rubber and Plastic, you can manufacture any plastic or rubber part. Don’t wait to work with our qualified team.

Plastic extrusion is a process that takes molten plastic and forces it through a die. This process creates profiles, sheets, rods, or tubes. The plastic extrusion process can also create thermoplastic and thermoset materials. To get the best results from extrusion, understand the different types of dies and how to use them. Here’s more information on plastic exclusion:

Plastic Extrusion’s Industrial and Domestic Applications

We use plastic discharge to create long, continuous shapes from plastic resins. The company does this with various plastics, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. We then melt the plastic material and push it through a die, which gives it the desired shape.

Plastic discharge creates objects of a uniform cross-section out of plastic. We use this process to create items like pipes, tubing, and window frames. 

Plastic exclusion is better than other methods, such as injection molding. This process allows for much greater control over the finished product’s shape. 

Different Types of Plastic Extrusion

We use many different types of plastic materials in extrusion. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of plastic used is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is a strong and lightweight material. 

Other common plastics used in the process include polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

We use extrusion to create various products, including pipes, tubing, hoses, and cable. It can be used to produce packaging materials such as bags, films, and wraps. We also employ extrusion to create furniture, toys, and other objects.

Equipment Used In Plastic Exclusion

•    Extruder
•    Extrusion die
•    Vacuum tank
•    Oven
•    Cooling conveyor belt
•    Chiller unit 
•    Air Knife 
•    Take-off system (puller/cutter)

Advantages Of Using Plastic Extrusion

Some of the other advantages of using plastic discharge include:

An Ability to Create Long, Continuous Lengths of Material

This is ideal for applications where you need a long, uninterrupted piece. An example of such pieces is piping or fencing.

An Ability to Create Complex Shapes

With plastic exclusion, it is possible to create most shapes. These are shapes that would be very difficult to produce using other methods.

A High Degree of Precision

The extrusion process allows for a high degree of control over the finished product. Parts produced via extrusion will often be very accurate, more so than other methods used to mold products.

A Wide Range of Materials

We can extrude almost any type of plastic. This gives designers a wide range of options for choosing suitable materials and colors.

A Fast and Inexpensive Process

This makes it ideal for mass production. The process is very versatile and can create various shapes and sizes. Plastic discharge often produces a more robust and durable product.

Wrapping Up

Plastic exclusion has many advantages that make it an attractive manufacturing process. Its speed and versatility make it an excellent option for creating complex shapes. The process also produces the shapes with high accuracy. 

Our rubber and plastic manufacturing plant offers accurate plastic extrusion. Work with Clark Rubber and Plastic today to get unique plastic molded products. 

Most consumers look at those solar panels on a home or on a huge solar farm and know that they’re somehow producing energy, but they don’t look much further than that to see everything that goes into making these devices.

How are solar panels made? What are they made of?

This technology has grown and evolved over the years, producing more energy, more efficiently, which has led to much more widespread adoption across the country.

The need for high-quality components, however, has not changed. In order to achieve the results and continue to develop the technology, every component needs to contribute to the efficient operation of the photovoltaic solar panel.

So, let’s take a closer look at what, exactly, goes into the making of solar panels.

The Main Components of Solar Panels

There are a wide range of chemical components and other materials that go into a solar panel, and everything has to pull its weight in order to produce enough energy to be a sustainable and effective source of energy.

The main component of almost all photovoltaic (PV) panels is a crystalline silicon wafer. These silicon semiconductors are what actually generate the electricity. Simply put, when they’re hit with sunlight, the electrons are popped out, which generates usable power.

There are three types of solar panels currently available for consumers: monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, and thin film solar panels. These each use variations of the silicon material, but the manufacturing processes are similar. The way each of these silicon components function, though, can have an impact on the overall performance of the solar cell, so it’s important to discuss your options before choosing your materials.

There are, of course, many other operational parts that play a big part in a cell’s functionality, which includes the wiring, glass, anti-reflective coatings, metal, and more. Let’s not forget the wide range of plastic and rubber solar panel components that are used for: fast clamp inserts, solar panel rubber inserts, solar frameless clip assemblies, electrical coverings, and a variety of other components.

How It All Comes Together

The manufacturing process has become fairly standard across the industry. It all starts with those crystalline silicon wafers.

Silicon cells are created by melting the silicone down and mixing it with a number of other components. Silicon – found in sand – is readily available, but converting it into the high-grade silicon that produces energy can be a costly and energy intensive. (More on this, below.)

From there, the silicon in converted to ingots and then sliced into wafers. These wafers are used to produce solar cells which are then used in the construction of a solar panel. This requires everything to be correctly configured and connected. The conductive metal, the base houses for the cells, and everything else has to work together in an efficient manner to transfer the electricity where it needs to go.

Is The Production Process Environmentally Friendly?

While there’s no doubt that the energy produced by a solar panel is very clean, it would be disingenuous to say that the manufacturing process is in the same category.

Many detractors will be quick to bring this up in any discussion of clean energy, and there is a point to this side of the argument. When you manufacture anything, there will be some kind of biproduct that you have to deal with, whether that’s more carbon dioxide or other leftover chemical elements.

However, the solar panel technology and manufacturing techniques have continued to improve greatly over the years. Now, they are using more environmentally friendly materials and processes, and designs include “end of life” plans from the very beginning so that the eventual disposal will also be more environmentally conscientious.

It’s a matter of looking at the big picture. Manufacturing processes will always have some kind of environmental impact, but with a lifespan of more than 25 years, making solar panels can spread that impact out over all that time while it constantly produces clean energy.

If you have any questions about what goes into these solar panels, and which of our components are used in this process, contact us today to learn more.