
6 Solar Panel Parts and How They’re Made
A solar panel has several parts that work together to convert sunlight to electricity. Many solar panel manufacturers partner with companies that can efficiently produce the required quantity and quality of panel components. At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we provide rubber and plastic extrusion services to make components for various solar panel applications. Here are some of the main solar panel parts and how they are made:
1. Solar Cells
Solar cells are also known as photovoltaic cells and are the heart of a solar panel. They absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. These cells are typically made from thin layers of semiconducting materials like silicon. The manufacturing process involves cutting the silicon into wafers, doping them with impurities to create the necessary electrical properties, and adding metal contacts to facilitate electricity flow. Solar cells come in various colors, configurations, designs, and technologies.
2. Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the protective barrier between the solar cells and the environment. This prevents water, dirt, dust, and other contaminants from damaging the delicate solar cells. It also protects them from mechanical shocks, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. Encapsulation is created using ethyl vinyl acetate, or EVA, a durable and flexible polymer. The EVA is layered over the solar cells, then heated and laminated to create a protective layer.
3. The Junction Box
A junction box houses electrical connections and protects them from environmental factors. You can find this box on the backside of the solar panel. The junction box contains diodes that prevent reverse current flow and facilitate the wiring of multiple panels in an array. Junction boxes are made from durable plastic. Our rubber and plastic extrusion services can provide the components needed to make these junction boxes. These components include electrical coverings, cable trays and inserts, and other protective parts.
4. Backsheet
The backsheet is the bottom layer of the solar panel that protects it from moisture and provides electrical insulation. Backsheets can be made from different plastics or polymers, each offering varying grades of UV resistance, thermal stability, and protection. The process of creating a backsheet involves extruding the polymer into thin sheets and laminating them onto the panels. Our rubber and plastic extrusion services can provide the high-quality materials needed for this solar panel component.
5. Tempered Glass
A sheet of tempered glass covers the front surface of a solar panel. This glass provides protection against weather conditions, UV radiation, and physical impacts while allowing sunlight to pass through to the cells. Tempered glass is typically made by heating and cooling regular glass in a controlled manner to increase its strength and durability.
6. Frame
The frame is what holds all the components of a solar panel together. It provides structural support and protection for the panel. The frame also facilitates solar panel installation by offering mounting points. Aluminum is the material solar manufacturers prefer for this purpose due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-fabricate properties.
Contact Clark Rubber & Plastic for Rubber and Plastic Extrusion Services
Solar panels require various rubber and plastic parts. At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we offer rubber and plastic extrusion services to help solar panel manufacturers get the needed parts for their projects. Whether you require large, small, or complex designs, we have the resources to fulfill your extrusion product requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and learn more about our extrusion services.

Rubber and Plastic Manufacturing for Home Appliances
The materials used to manufacture home appliances determine their function and dependability. At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we understand the importance of quality materials for home appliance production. We are a plastic manufacturer that provides reliable rubber and plastic products to retailers in various industries, including home appliance companies.
Methods for Manufacturing Rubber and Plastic for Home Appliances
We use specialized processes and techniques to create the highest quality rubber and plastic components for home appliance production. Our methods include:
Plastic Injection Molding
We use high-precision plastic injection molding machines to create plastic components for home appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The process utilizes melted plastic and a mold to create precise components that meet the product design specifications. Some of the plastics we produce through plastic injection molding include polycarbonate, nylon, HDPE, ABS, and thermoplastics.
Plastic Extrusion
Plastic extrusion produces continuous lengths of plastic parts used in appliances such as cooktops, microwaves, ovens, and other kitchen appliances. We are a high-quality plastic manufacturer with equipment that can co- or tri-extrude, meaning it can combine two or three materials into a single product. We use various certified grades of materials to create the highest-quality components for home appliance production.
Rubber Molding
Rubber injection molding produces rubber components for appliances such as power cords, hoses, sealing gaskets, and seals. It is a process used to create products that have intricate shapes and require a high level of precision. We use hot and cold rubber molding to create products such as Neoprene, Viton, EPDM, Nitrile, and SBR.
Rubber Extrusion
Rubber extrusion is a process that produces continuous lengths of rubber components for appliances. Our equipment can make complex shapes with high levels of accuracy and precision. We rely on custom dies instead of presses to create rubber components for appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, and dishwashers. Our specialists can produce rubber parts with various durometers, textures, and colors.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Our products are designed and manufactured with quality in mind, so we have stringent testing and quality assurance procedures. We use advanced inspection methods, including:
Ultrasonic Testing
We use ultrasonic testing to inspect rubber and plastic components for any defects or irregularities. The process involves using high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws in the material before it’s approved for production. It’s a non-destructive test where we can quickly and accurately identify any potential issues. The process is also used to inspect components for dimensional accuracy.
Tensile Testing
The components we create for home appliance production must undergo tensile testing to determine their strength and durability. We use specialized equipment to test the components for any signs of weakness, and if they do not meet our strict standards, they are rejected. Our products are meant to endure the rig of appliance use, and our rigorous testing supports their dependability.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis tests for any inconsistencies or anomalies in the material. Our experts analyze the chemical composition of the materials to determine the best grade and type of plastic or rubber for each application. We also test for any potential risks or hazards that could arise from using certain types of materials.
Get Quality Home Appliance Components From a Reliable Plastic Manufacturer
At Clark Rubber and Plastic, we know that the quality of home appliance components determines their performance and longevity. We take great care in producing the highest-quality components for any home appliance product. Contact us today for reliable, quality parts for your home appliance projects. Our professionals will work with you to customize a solution that meets your exact needs.

Plastic and Rubber Services for the Automotive Industry
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.

What Type of Polymer Is Used for Plastic Injection Molding?
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.

What Types of Plastic Can Be Extruded?
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.

What Products Can Be Made With Rubber Extrusion?
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.

What Is Plastic Injection Molding Commonly Used For?
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.

Why You Should Use Clark Rubber and Plastic as Your Plastic Manufacturer
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.
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