Your 10 point checklist to help identify the best rubber solution for your requirements
08 March 2024
Not sure which type of rubber product you need? No problem!
Based on our experience gathered since 1984, we have produced this 10 Point Checklist of considerations and the information required, to help us help you.We often find that our customers do not always give us the complete specification for the rubber for the particular purpose it is required. It should always be borne in mind that we have many different natural and special synthetic rubber compounds listed and available for use.
From the information we receive about any particular product, we have to select the correct quality. In many cases there are only shades of difference between which can ensure a final product being either the correct one for the job or one which only gives reasonably satisfactory service.
There are, of course a number of occasions when the bare mention of the type of product will indicate the exact quality due to our long experience of manufacturing that particular type of product for that particular type of Industry.
A further reason for asking you to consider all of the following items of information is that it is surprising how often one small yet relevant fact can be left out of the general working conditions applicable to a particular rubber product. That small fact may seem unimportant to you but quite often it can be crucial to us when selecting the correct quality.
1. Be ultra specific
What is the precise function of the article or material?
Think about how the industrial rubber component is going to be used and what function it will need to perform. It’s important to provide as much detail as possible.
2. Know and confirm the ‘usual’ operating temperature
What will be the operating temperature?
Consider carefully what the normal operating temperature or temperature range the rubber solution will be subjected to. What are the likely maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be encountered and for what periods? It is also useful to consider whether different parts will be at different temperatures. For example will the inside and outside of a hose be conveying a hot liquid?
3. Consider and advise on exposure to light, radiation and gases
What is the likely exposure to light, radiation and gases?
Will the rubber be subjected to sun or strong light, atomic radiation, outdoor air, corrosive gases like chlorine or atmospheres containing ozone? Knowing what the exposure will be is vital to ensuring the right industrial rubber solution is specified.
4. Exposure to liquids
What liquids, if any, will the rubber be exposed to? – for example:
Water (fresh or sea) or rain
Anti-freeze solutions
Liquid fuels
Lubricating oils or greases
Hydraulic fluids
Refrigerants
Corrosive chemicals, such as acids, strong alkalis or hypochlorites, etc
Also, it is useful to consider whether the rubber will be exposed to the liquid on a continuous or intermittent basis..
5. Abrasion or cutting needs
Will the rubber be subjected to abrasion and cutting?
It is useful to know if the rubber will be exposed to any rubbing, abrasive or cutting action. If the rubber will be it is also useful to have details, including those of any materials producing abrasion.
6. Electrical requirements
What electrical requirements exist?
If there are any electrical requirements, it is useful to know what these are. We need to make sure that the industrial rubber can meet these requirements. For example, insulation resistance, dielectric strength (breakdown strength), dissipation of static charges (anti-static or conductive rubber) or low dielectric power loss.
7. Types of surfaces
What will the rubber be in contact with?
Here, it is useful to think about what surfaces the rubber will be in contact with, as well as considering whether stain resistance is important.
8. Flame resistance
Is flame resistance required and if so to what degree?
Different industrial rubbers react in different ways to flames and it is therefore important to have an understanding of what level of flame resistance is required.
9. Sample availability
Are samples available for review?
10. Exact requirements
What are the exact requirements and potential?
You’ll discover plenty more information within our Ask The Expert Rubber Products Guide regarding the variables to consider when deciding on your elastomer sheetings, mouldings, seals, diaphragms and die cut gaskets.
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