Consulting with a rubber supplier or rubber manufacturer when choosing or designing a rubber product for an application ensures that the application has the essential design features necessary for the application to function properly. Rubber is a unique material&#;it&#;s not only a natural material but is a common synthetic material derived from thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomers. The majority of products referred to as rubber are actually one of these types of elastomers.
A rubber manufacturer or rubber supplier can break down rubber design features such as rubber tolerance, chemical compatibility, a rubber&#;s material resistance requirements, and secondary operations necessary to finish the product. Being familiar with these factors are not only important but necessary when designing or choosing a product for a specific application.
Rubber tolerance or, more precisely, dimensional tolerance, is inherent in the manufacture of any rubber material. Measuring final dimensional tolerances can be difficult. For starters, rubber is a flexible material that, in order to work effectively, contracts and expands during usage. On top of that, some rubber products are cut from rubber strips or sheets; others are molded to a particular shape. In either instance, the material is subject to a number of variables in production that other solid materials like metal, wood or plastics are not.
Fortunately, a rubber manufacturer will work to minimize these variables to an acceptable final tolerance that meets the tolerance tables published by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). The tolerance tables help rubber suppliers communicate with their customers across a wide variety of industries.
Rubber products are mostly manufactured with different kinds of thermosetting and thermoplastic elastomers. The manufacture of these materials is designed for specific products that require properties unique to their application. One important property is to offer varying resistance to different chemicals that they come into contact with. A rubber product or component can be designed for a benign environment or a highly corrosive one. Chemical compatibility ensures that the right material is used for the right application. Always check that the material is chemically compatible with the intended application.
The hardness of rubbers and like elastomers is an essential design feature to determine the material&#;s resistance. That hardness is referred to as its durometer. To add to the confusion, a durometer is not only a form of measurement that indicates the hardness of material but is also the name of the instrument or gauge that is used to measure that hardness.
The Shore durometer specifically measures the hardness of rubbers and elastomers. During manufacturing processes, the durometer is used to ensure that the material results in the level of hardness required for a given application, such as a gasket or tire. The material must have resistance to localized deformation when a force is applied to it. Material resistance is an important factor to consider when specifying a material from rubber suppliers.
Molded rubber products or parts are manufactured using a mold cavity that is cut to represent the desired geometry of the finished rubber product. Its final shape can be affected by dimensional tolerances, i.e., the variations that occur in the dimensions of a cut part. When molded, rubber parts can have minor variations resulting from the dimensions of a mold&#;s cavity, common shrinkage that may occur during curing or cooling, or the shrinkage that may occur to the base elastomeric compound used in producing the material.
Secondary operations are essential design features that occur during post-molding. Trimming, deburring and hollowing of rubber parts are common applications that can also result in dimensional variation of finished parts. Be aware when ordering or designing parts through a rubber manufacturer or if consulting with a rubber supplier, that tolerance friendly geometries of rubber parts are favorable to secondary operations, mass production, will have less dimensional variation and are more cost-effective.
What is the difference between plastic and rubber?
Are you wondering about the difference between plastic and rubber? Understanding their unique properties and applications can help you make informed choices. In this article, we delve into the key distinctions between plastic and rubber. From composition and physical properties to environmental impact and practical uses, we will provide a detailed comparison and help you make a better decision about these versatile materials.
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Plastic and rubber are two materials that have become incredibly ubiquitous in our modern world. They are present in a wide range of products and industries, influencing various aspects of our daily lives. Understanding the fundamental differences between plastic and rubber is essential to appreciate their unique properties and applications.
Plastic, as a synthetic material, has gained tremendous popularity due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It is used extensively in packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, and countless other industries. Plastic can be molded into different shapes and forms, offering flexibility and a wide range of physical properties.
Rubber, on the other hand, is a material known for its elastic properties. It can be either natural or synthetic. Natural rubber is derived from the latex sap of specific plants, while synthetic rubber is manufactured from petroleum by-products. Rubber materials possess excellent elasticity, resilience, and resistance to abrasion. These properties make rubber ideal for applications such as tires, seals, gaskets, and various industrial and consumer products.
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Plastic and rubber have become highly prevalent materials in our modern world.
Plastic is a synthetic material composed of polymers, which are long chains of repeating molecular units. The composition of plastic can vary depending on the specific type, but it often includes additives, fillers, and reinforcing agents to enhance its properties. The molecular structure of plastic allows for flexibility in design, enabling manufacturers to create products with different shapes, sizes, and physical properties.
However, the environmental impact of plastic is a significant concern. Plastic waste takes a long time to degrade, with some types estimated to persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Improper disposal and inadequate waste management systems have led to widespread plastic pollution, particularly in oceans and waterways. Today, to address the issue of plastic pollution, there are several environmentally friendly plastics that have been developed. These types of plastics have high recyclability or are made from renewable sources, helping to minimize their impact on the environment.
In response to the problem of plastic pollution, various environmentally friendly plastics have been developed.
On the other hand, plastic offers several advantages over rubber in various applications. Here are some of the key advantages of plastic:
Rubber can be either natural or synthetic. Natural rubber is derived from the latex sap of certain plants, with the most common source being the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, is manufactured through chemical processes using petroleum byproducts. Rubber consists of long polymer chains with a high degree of cross-linking, which gives it its unique elastic properties. The structure of rubber allows it to stretch and return to its original shape, making it highly resilient and durable.
In terms of environmental impact, rubber, particularly natural rubber, is considered more environmentally friendly as it is derived from a renewable resource. However, the manufacturing processes involved in both natural and synthetic rubber production can have environmental impacts. These processes often generate waste materials, and release pollutants into the air and water. By adopting environmentally friendly practices, we can work towards minimizing the negative environmental consequences associated with rubber production and use.
Due to its renewable resource origin, natural rubber is often regarded as more environmentally friendly in terms of its impact compared to plastic.
Plastic's versatility enables its use in various industries and applications. Here are some examples of products that showcase the wide range of plastic applications:
Meanwhile, rubber has a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive, footwear, and manufacturing. It is commonly used in tires, industrial seals and gaskets, footwear, conveyor belts, automotive components, medical equipment, sports and recreation products, and consumer goods. Rubber's properties, including elasticity, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals, make it suitable for diverse uses. Whether it's providing grip on the road, sealing fluids, absorbing shock, or enhancing product flexibility, rubber plays a crucial role in numerous applications across different sectors.
Both rubber and plastic are popular in various industries such as automotive, medical devices,...
Moreover, understanding the differences between plastic and rubber is crucial for product development and selection of the appropriate material. Here's why it holds such significance:
Differentiating between plastic and rubber is vital for effective product development and material selection.
In summary, plastic and rubber differ in composition, physical properties, applications, and environmental impact. While plastics are versatile but have significant environmental concerns, rubber is known for its elasticity and can be more environmentally friendly when derived from renewable sources. Both materials have their unique characteristics and play essential roles in various industries and everyday products.
If you are in search of a reliable source for high-quality plastic materials, look no further than EuroPlas. We specialize in a diverse range of plastics, particularly in environmentally safe bioplastics. Don't hesitate to contact us directly to discuss our products or view our blog for the latest updates in the plastic industry.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Rubber and Plastic Board. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.