Custom Rubber Molding
Custom rubber molding services from The Rubber Group include rubber injection molding, rubber compression molding, and rubber transfer molding for quality molded rubber parts . We also specialize in rubber-to-metal bonded assemblies. For small or large parts that require special compounds or commercial-grade elastomers, The Rubber Group provides the custom rubber products that you need.
Rubber Injection Molding
Rubber injection molding feeds uncured rubber from a hopper into heated barrel. The elastomer is then pushed by a screw-type plunger into a heated chamber. This material flows through a gate and runner system into mold cavity. The mold remains at the proper temperature until the rubber is cured.
The advantages of rubber injection molding include:
- Quicker cycle times
- Custom shapes with little flash
- Support for wide range of durometers
Rubber Compression Molding
Rubber compression molding forms uncured rubber into a desired shape. First, the elastomer is pre-heated until pliable and then put into an open mold cavity. Closing the mold forces the rubber to fill the cavity, where the elastomer is keep under heat and pressure until cured.
The advantages of rubber compression molding include:
- Lower tooling costs
- Small production runs
- Suitable for larger, heavier parts
Rubber Transfer Molding
Rubber transfer molding places uncured rubber into part of a mold called a pot. When the ram is closed, the rubber flows into the cavity through a runner and gate system. The elastomer remains under high pressure and temperature until curing is achieved.
The advantages of rubber transfer molding include:
- Mid-to-high volume production
- Shorter production cycle times than compression molding
- Support for complex geometries and tight tolerances
Rubber-to-Metal Bonding
The Rubber Group provides rubber-to-metal bonding for injection, transfer, and compression molding. Applications include vibration mounts, assemblies which consist of an elastomeric pad and threaded metal fastener. Rubber-to-metal bonding is also used with massive railcar suspension components that weigh over 200 lbs.
To ensure strong bonds, special rubber-to-substrate adhesives are required. Bonding rubber-to-metal requires surface preparation, primer and adhesive application, and the type of value added manufacturing services that the Rubber Group provides. Rubber-to-plastic bonding is available, too.
Expert Custom Rubber Molding Services
The Rubber Group provides compression, injection, and transfer molding services to markets such as process control, transportation, medical devices, isolation mounts, and consumer products. For applications that require them, we can mold parts as small as 1/8” diameter. Our press line ranges up to an 800-ton capacity with platens that measure 48” x 72”.
To learn more about our custom rubber molding services, contact The Rubber Group.