Rubber parts can be found in many of today's manufactured products. Rubber offers a lightweight and affordable alternative to metal, and it can outperform many metals in certain applications. Vulcanization is an essential process used to turn rubber compounds into usable custom rubber parts.
There are three unique types of vulcanization that can be used to create reliable rubber products.
1. Open Vulcanization
The open vulcanization process harnesses heat and steam to help transform rubber compounds into usable products. Hot-air ovens can be used for open vulcanization, but large manufacturing plants typically steer clear of these ovens because they can't offer efficient heat transfer.
The more common form of open vulcanization used in the manufacturing industry involves steam. Rubber products are placed in large autoclaves that produce saturated steam. Saturated steam lowers curing times and allows rubber compounds to become vulcanized at higher temperatures.
2. Continuous Vulcanization
Another type of vulcanization that is used by manufacturing plants is continuous vulcanization. When this type of vulcanization is used, uncured rubber compounds are vulcanized first and are then cut into their final shape after vulcanization is complete.
The uncured rubber compounds travel in a continuous line along a curing medium so that vulcanization can occur. Some popular curing mediums include microwaves, infrared light, and high-energy radiation. Hoses, cables, conveyor belts, and flooring are all rubber products that are made using continuous vulcanization.
3. Press Vulcanization
The final type of vulcanization process being used by large manufacturers is known as press vulcanization. As its name suggests, press vulcanization relies on a series of press molds to help transform uncured rubber compounds into usable rubber components.
The press mold generates heat and pressure, which are the essential ingredients in the vulcanization process. Any custom rubber components that need to have a specific shape or that feature cavities in their design need to be created using press vulcanization.
Accuracy is essential in press molding. The uncured rubber compound mixture being used must carefully be measured out so that there is minimal excess inside the mold cavity. Too much rubber compound could prevent vulcanization from happening correctly. Too little rubber compound will compromise the integrity of the finished rubber product.
It's best to leave press vulcanization to an experienced professional capable of measuring out the exact amount of uncured material needed for each custom rubber component.
Vulcanization can turn compounds into a flexible yet durable rubber product by using heat and pressure. Choose the vulcanization process that will help you achieve your desired results when investing in custom rubber products in the future.
You can't have an industrial plant without the right equipment. What equipment you need, exactly, depends on the industry you are in. If you make granite counters, for instance, you will need some saws and cranes. If you make plastic straws, you will need molds and mixers. One thing is true across all industries, however. You need to take care to source the materials from good suppliers who stand behind their products, and then you need to take good care of your equipment. Learn more about the equipment and supplies used in industrial settings as you read this blog on the topic.