Rubber extrusion is a manufacturing process that involves the formation of rubber into a specific mold and shape. This process creates a range of rubber products used in various industries. Though it’s commonly used in the automotive and construction industries, other industries benefit from it. Here are the major industries that use extrusion for their products:
The Automotive Industry
Rubber extrusion creates various rubber components, such as weather strips, bumpers, seals, and hoses. Your car’s interior components, such as the dashboard and seats, are also framed with rubber. The tire industry uses rubber profiles to create treads that can improve the vehicle’s traction. Extrusion creates airbag releases, brake pads, and other safety-enhancing components.
The Construction Industry
The construction of high-rise buildings uses rubber profiles to help absorb vibration and reduce noise pollution. Profiles made of rubber can also be used as sealants for insulating doors and windows. The construction of bridges uses rubber profiles where the vibration level is high.
The Medical Industry
The medical industry uses rubber-extruded products to improve medical devices’ efficiency and functionality. Rubber profiles create components such as medical tubing, catheters, and laser sheaths. The rubber profiles used to create these devices are highly customized. This keeps them compatible with various chemicals and sterilization processes. Rubber profiles are tested to verify safety in medical use.
The Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry uses rubber-extruded products such as sealants and gaskets in military and civilian aircraft. These specialized rubber products play a role in aircraft safety, and their customized nature enables them to fit specific applications. Rubber extruded products create vibration- and sound-proofing systems for aircraft.
The Electrical Industry
The electrical industry relies on rubber extrusions for its insulative properties. Extrusions produce electrical wires and cords, which require excellent electrical insulation and resistance to heat, water, and chemical exposure. The electrical industry benefits from this application using rubber profiles for cable harnesses and gaskets.
The Food Industry
The food industry uses rubber extrusions due to their non-toxic and non-absorbent properties. Extrusions produce food-grade seals, gaskets, and tubes, which need to be hygiene compliant. The extrusions for food processing plants are FDA-compliant and can withstand varying temperatures and chemical washdowns to maintain hygiene levels.
The Consumer Goods Industry
The consumer goods industry is composed of a range of products that utilize rubber extrusions — from appliances, toys, and baby products, to footwear, furniture, and packaging components, among others. Consumers expect flexibility, durability, and soft-touch components in their products, and extrusion offers these properties with mass-production capacity.
The Sports and Recreation Industry
The sports and recreation industry uses rubber extrusions to design and manufacture protective gear, shock absorbers, mats, and fitness equipment. Fitness and sports enthusiasts can enjoy exercise routines without fear of injuries due to the high-quality rubber profiles used in their equipment. The cushioning properties of rubber profiles make it good for playground equipment. This allows kids to stay protected during their play.
The Oil and Gas Industry
As oil and gas exploration expands globally, components are required that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures. Leak-proof hoses and pipes made using rubber extrusion are heat and chemical resistant. This suits them for various applications, like fuel delivery, hydraulic piping systems, and oil/gas transportation and storage.
Get the Best Out of Rubber Extrusion
Rubber extrusion’s ability to combine precision, versatility, and mass production continues to make it a valuable solution for different applications. The versatility of rubber shaping enables it to adapt to different tolerances and provides a range of benefits to manufacturers and consumers. As technology advances, more industries integrate extrusion into their manufacturing processes. Contact a local rubber and plastic manufacturer for more information about this process.