Rubber is a versatile material. With so many varieties and uses, it can be overwhelming to try and wrap your head around. What’s easy to understand, however, is that rubber is the best material for when you need sealing, protecting, or dampening.
It’s a Seal
Rubber plays a crucial role in sealing solutions, which is why many industries depend on rubber seals in their operations. Rubber gasket seals, such as o-rings, are installed between two surfaces to prevent leaks of fluids or gases. In the medical field, rubber seals ensure patient safety and help maintain equipment. The synthetic rubber Viton is commonly used here because it performs well at high temperatures. Liquid silicone rubber is also utilized because it does not cause harmful or dangerous effects on the body.
The oil and gas industry relies on rubber sealing in pipeline gaskets and valve seals to handle high pressure and chemicals. Again, Viton is popular for its resistance to high temperatures, and NBR is used for its ability to resist oil and grease. In electronics, rubber seals protect vital internal components like chips and wires from water and dirt. Silicone or EPDM may be chosen since they offer high weathering resistance.
Means of Protection
Rubber is often used as a barrier to protect against various physical, natural, and chemical threats due to its elasticity and durability. For example, silicone rubber is excellent for high temperatures (up to 305°C/580°F) while remaining flexible in cold conditions, thanks to its internal stability. Viton is resistant to chemicals like oils and acids because it contains fluorine, which forms bonds that are difficult for chemicals to break.
Certain types of rubber also offer strong electrical resistance thanks to their insulating properties—the ability to resist the transfer of electricity—which is vital given the potential dangers. Nitrile rubber is frequently used in the energy and power industries for electrical wire coating. Silicone rubber is found in power generation equipment, and EPDM is often used in the energy sector.
The Dampened Effect
Vibration arises from imbalances in a machine’s rotating parts. If uncontrolled, vibration can damage equipment or cause failure. Rubber is commonly used to dampen these vibrations due to its outstanding ability to stretch before breaking, known as elongation. Effective rubber materials for damping include butyl rubber, EPDM, ECO, and natural rubber, depending on the specific needs and environment.
Shock absorption is another essential property of rubber. Thanks to its elastic nature, rubber cushions impact while maintaining firmness. It can also quickly reshape itself after an impact, absorbing shock efficiently. Rubber is used in gym mats to cushion the force and noise of dropped weights, and in industrial machine pads to absorb shocks and reduce noise between machine parts.
Contact the Experts
If you’re looking for help with your next project, let us know. After all, we’re a leading designer and manufacturer of o-rings, rubber seals, and custom sealing devices.