Rubber extrusion is a common manufacturing process. It involves the use of an extrusion machine to create rubber products. In addition to electrical connectors and grommets, rubber extrusion is used to make seals. Here’s everything you need to know about extruded rubber seals.
What Are Extruded Rubber Seals?
Extruded rubber seals are leak-preventing seals that are made of extruded rubber. They are characterized by their manufacturing process. As previously mentioned, extruded rubber seals are made via rubber extrusion.
Manufacturers heat raw rubber, after which they force it through a die. As the rubber goes through the die, it will take the shape of the die. Extruded rubber seals are available in O-rings, gaskets and other types of seals; they are simply characterized by their rubber extrusion-based manufacturing process.
What Materials Does Rubber Extrusion Support?
Rubber extrusion is used to create rubber parts, such as rubber seals. There are many different types of materials supported by rubber extrusion support, however.
Some of the different materials that rubber extrusion supports include the following:
- Nitrile
- Natural rubber
- Neoprene
- EPDM
- Silicone
- Urethane
- And more
How Extruded Rubber Seals Work
Extruded rubber seals work like most other types of seals: They are placed around mating surfaces to prevent liquids, gases or air from leaking out.
Leaks can occur around the mating surfaces of hoses or other parts if there’s not a seal in place. As the liquid or gas inside of the hoses becomes pressurized, it will expand. This thermal expansion will allow the liquid or gas to leak out of the hoses. Placing an extruded rubber seal around the mating surface will protect against leaks such as this.
Benefits of Extruded Rubber Seals
Unless you’ve used in them, you might be wondering what benefits extruded rubber seals offer. They are resistant to heat. Other types of seals may fail when exposed to heat. Extruded rubber seals, on the other hand, can withstand hot temperatures without failing.
Extruded rubber seals support customization. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements. This includes the ability to create extruded rubber seals of different shapes, sizes and profiles. And you can choose extruded rubber seals in different materials, including those listed above.
Another benefit of extruded rubber seals is longevity. You don’t have to worry about them degrading. Because they are made of extruded rubber, they will withstand the hands of time for many years to come.