Rubber Bonding

Rubber Bonding

Many different kinds of polymers are used to make rubbers. Rubber bonding can employ natural rubber or one of the many types of synthetic rubber, including neoprene, EPDM and nitrile. Each kind of rubber has its own strengths, which may include resistances to extreme temperatures, water, wear and certain chemicals. The strengths and weaknesses of a particular kind of rubber should be considered when selecting a rubber for bonding processes. The common rubber to metal bonding involves a variety of metallic substances, which like the rubber varieties depends on the application. Steel and steel alloys, brass, copper, beryllium and titanium are all utilized. Aluminum bonding is now the most common because of its ductility, strength and light weight nature, as well as the economical trait of being cheaper then other metals without sacrificing quality. Fabric and rubber are bonded together for applications including rubber car and truck tires, inflatable rubber dams and covers for pools and other outdoor objects that need protection. Glass and fabric are also bonded together sometimes, creating precision medical supplies such as vacuum massagers.

Bonded rubber is produced in a couple ways, depending on the material it is being bonded with. All rubber bonded to metal products go through the same sort of basic process. A metallic substance is chosen and shaped and placed, after being thoroughly cleaned, into a mold that is only slightly large then the part itself. Keeping the piece of metal steady within the mold, while also ensuring that the molten rubber that is being inserted completely covers the part, is a precise and patience evoking process. Once that is done though, the rubber just needs to harden, the mold removed and the rubber and metal bonded object is complete. Rubber bonded components and products are common in manufacturing, to isolate vibration and noise in certain applications. The automotive industry uses a particularly large amount of these. For example, the steering wheel is joined to the steering column by various rubber bonded parts and the foot pedals and bumpers are commonly produced by way of rubber and metallic materials. Rubber bonded goods can also be found in the aerospace, agricultural, engineering, electric, food service, printing and pharmaceutical industries.