Elastomer compounds are specific polymer chains that have useful properties, which allow them to mimic many capabilities of natural rubber. For this reason, such compounds are used in many applications where natural rubber is useful but lacks certain features or resistances. Many different elastomeric products exist, each with their own set of properties, but general advantages include the following.
Multiple Shapes: This is an obvious but sometimes overlooked point. Professional elastomeric services offer a variety of customization and engineering options for their products. This is particularly valuable if your company requires highly customized rubber parts for production. Thanks to the latest CAD software, specifications can be plotted out down to the smallest detail and easily shared between companies. This cuts down on development and errors, ensuring you get the rubber solutions you need.
Multiple Colors: Color is not usually listed in the general properties of elastomeric compounds, but from a business perspective is an often-important consideration. If you need synthetic rubber parts or products for consumer sales, you probably also have a specific color in mind. Elastomeric compound manufacturers can often include chemicals and dyes to help you achieve the specific shade you have in mind.
Testing Processes: Not all producers offer this service, but customized rubber compounds do offer a variety of testing options. A wide number of compounds are used in elastomers, from nitrile to silicone, and each of them acts differently, especially when customized in particular ways. For this reason, testing procedures are an excellent way to see how products perform in their intended applications. This provides useful data for future production, production, and product instruction.
Resistance to Oil and Chemicals: Customized rubber can be created to withstand very particular types of chemicals and oil. Natural rubber, no matter how customized, tends to decay easily in the presence of oils and any type of petroleum derivative in general. Synthetic compounds offer resistance against common factory elements like oils and chemicals, but resistance varies based on the type of material being considered. Neoprene, for example, is often used because of its resistance to general chemicals. Acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) rubber compounds are used in engines and settings where frequent exposure to oil is an ongoing problem. Other compounds have their own specific capabilities in this regard as well, allowing companies to tailor resistances to applications.
Specific Temperature Needs: In addition to requiring resistance against oil or certain chemical solutions, companies may also need elastomeric materials that have temperature or weather resistances. Natural rubber products have very set limitations in this regard, so synthetic versions may be necessary. Hydrogenated nitrile, for example, offers strong heat resistance. Ethylene-propylene (EPDM), on the other had, offers both resistance to extreme weather and defense against colder temperatures. Outdoor, climate-based, and refrigeration-based applications may all require specific rubber solutions.
Cost Savings: Not only are certain elastomeric compounds cheaper to manufacture than natural rubber, but synthetic rubber also offers certain long-term cost advantages. When the proper compound is chosen, it will outlast inferior options and cut down on maintenance expenses. For companies unsure of what options will work best for them, seeking consultation or advice from a professional elastomer firm can help find such cost savings and work out the best methods of application. New compound options constantly rise in favor in the market, so if you have been using a particular compound for a few years, it may be worthwhile to look into newer options to see if they offer better cost options.
Dennis Goldman is a professional blogger that provides that latest information on the development of custom rubber compounds. He writes for Elite Elastomers, a single stop solution for rubber and elastomeric compounds for high demand industries.
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