Rubber diaphragms are flexible seals that prevent unwanted transmission of substances between two places. These substances can be liquids, gasses or solutions. Molded rubber diaphragms are characteristically tough, versatile and dynamic. Typically, rubber diaphragms act as a barrier between two areas; they are essential in many flow control applications.
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Rubber Diaphragms
Rubber diaphragms are commonly constructed from elastomers such as silicone, natural rubber, viton, fluoroelastomers, flurosilicone, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR) and EPDM rubber. Every variety of rubber features its own tolerance for pressure, and no two rubber materials are identical in terms of chemical reactivity. A given rubber diaphragm will be usable in pressure switches, flow regulators, activation mechanisms, fluid control valves, pumps and accumulators. However, an EPDM rubber diaphragm will not be useful in regulating fuel pressure, as EPDM breaks down when exposed to petroleum products. Nitrile rubber, on the other hand, can easily withstand prolonged contact with fuel. All kinds of industries make use of rubber diaphragms; just a few examples are the automotive, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, industrial and textile industries.
Three main fabrication methods account for most of the rubber diaphragms produced on an industrial scale: compression molding, injection molding and transfer molding. Compression molding squeezes raw rubber material in a heated mold cavity; this ensures that the rubber will come into contact with every surface in the mold cavity. Transfer molding is similar to compression molding, except that the raw rubber is first placed in a heated transfer chamber until it is liquefied, then it is pressed into the heated mold by a plunger. Injection molding is the most common method as it can produce high-quality parts in high-volumes with short production times. There are several different types of rubber diaphragm configurations, the most common of which are flat, top hat, and dish shapes. Flat rubber diaphragms offer a limited stroke capability and are made from various rubber materials. Top hat diaphragms offer the longest stroke capability, but they are limited by their height. Dish shape diaphragms have a sidewall that slopes gradually that allows them to be flexed in both directions. Whether a rubber diaphragm is compression molded, transfer molded or injection molded, the only limit to diaphragm design is its engineer's budget and creativity.
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Rubber Diaphragms Image Provided by Timco Rubber Products, Inc.
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