Plastic Injection Molding

What Are Specialized Rubber Molding Services and How Can I Use Them?

Specialized rubber molding services turn raw materials into usable consumer products. These processes craft rubber into small and large components like gaskets and rubber mats. Molding services are used in many industries, like automotive, solar, and home appliance manufacturing. Here is more information about custom molding services and how businesses can use them:

Specialized Rubber Molding Services

The rubber molding process is used to create three-dimensional products . The molds are custom-made for each product based on the customer’s specifications. These molds can create products in high and low production quantities. The types of raw materials used in injection molding include natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, EPDM, SBR, and fluorocarbon rubber. These rubber products are melted at high temperatures to prepare them to be injected into the custom mold requested by the client. Customers can choose the rubber material that best aligns with their product goals and company values.

The molding machine, or the horizontal press, holds the mold in place while the rubber is injected. This machine can exert up to 400 tons of clamping force, which helps fabricate parts with tight tolerances and exceptional finishes. After the rubber has set into its specialized shape, manufacturers use durometer gauges to test the hardness of the rubber. The hardness reading indicates the final product’s ability to withstand damage from impact and friction. Manufacturers use optical comparators to inspect the surface quality of the final product, checking for defects and dimensional accuracy.

Industries That Use Rubber Injection Molding

Many industries use rubber mold production to create prototypes that evolve into high-level manufacturing operations. These products range from small gaskets and grommets to major sealing systems and motor housings. The automotive industry uses molded rubber as weather stripping on doors and windows. They also use rubber hoses and seals within the engine area. Manufacturers in the solar and alternative energy industries use molded rubber gaskets to fill the gaps between solar cells. These gaskets seal the panels, making them waterproof and resistant to other elements.

Home appliance producers use rubber molding to create specialized parts that protect various machinery and electrical components. These rubber parts protect the appliances from moisture, dust, and other potential contaminants that could cause premature wear. The rubber also protects appliance users from electrical shock and contact injuries. Industries that use molded rubber include the medical, military, and industrial sectors. Companies that use design software and file formats like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Catia can send their product specifications directly to manufacturers to make the production process more efficient.

Explore Specialized Rubber Molding Services

Clark Rubber and Plastic offers customizable molding services to help your business create high-quality products. We provide a range of rubber materials to help your molded product meet your company’s goals and preferences. We also offer rubber extrusion services to produce various profiles, shapes, and forms. Our molding and extrusion processes align with the safety and quality standards of the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Contact us today with information about your project to receive a free quote.