Rubber Trim Manufacturers and Companies

Rubber trim is created from raw natural or synthetic rubbers, such as EPDM rubber or silicone. EPDM (ethylene propylene monomer (M-class)) is an elastomer that is valued for its highly superior temperature resistance, ozone resistance and weather resistance. It is also exceptionally resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light and exhibits good resistance to steam, water, acids, alkalis and oxygenated solvents. EPDM also displays a good amount of electrical insulation properties and maintains flexibility at low temperatures.

Regardless of its exact composition, rubber trim is processed in a rubber extruder, a machine that forms the raw material, or stock, into workable material using heat and pressure. Typically, rubber extruders consist of a hopper, a conveyance channel, a long screw and a die. To begin the process, manufacturers first dump a stockpile of raw material into the hopper. From the hopper, the stock is directed into the conveyance channel, where a long screw helps move it toward the die. As the temperature increases, the screw also helps pressurize the churning stock until it is malleable and nearly molten. Once it reaches this state, the stock moves into the die, a preformed metal mold, and takes on its shape. After it passes through the die, the newly formed trim is allowed to both cool and harden. Dies used in rubber extrusion can be made into virtually any shape, creating an almost endless field of possibilities for trim design. Going beyond simple geometry, they can even allow for the adornment of the trim with patterns or special designs. After rubber trim has been extruded, it typically undergoes some sort of finishing. The simplest finishing touches would be cutting the trim down into different lengths and then shipping it. However, many other options are available as well, such as putting the trim through vulcanization, a strengthening process that makes the trim better able to withstand harsh conditions and outdoor exposure. Rubber trim can additionally be modified to be more chemical and temperature resistant and it is typically available in an array of different colors.

It is good for car doors, machinery and outdoor applications in general. Silicone can be any number of synthetic rubbers in the silicone family. Generally, it displays thermal stability over a wide chemical range, low toxicity and low chemical reactivity. In addition, it can be made specially with specific properties that benefit certain applications. Most often silicone rubber trim is used in the food and beverage, sanitation and hygiene, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Sometimes, rubber trim is manufactured with a flexible or rigid metal core, which adds strength and helps the trim absorb shock and impact. Typically, the metal core is either steel wire or segmented steel. For outdoor applications, steel wire makes the best core, because it is able to tolerate impact even in cold temperatures. Segmented steel cores, on the other hand, which contain cold-rolled steel, are known for their good elongation properties. In other words, they are known to be able to extend or stretch well while under stress.

Rubber trim is an endlessly useful product with applications all year round, whether an application is in the kitchen, in the car, around a window or on an airplane. With the help of the right manufacturer, you can enjoy all the benefits of wellmade rubber trim, no matter your requirements. To keep your trim effective and healthy, you can both clean it and treat it from time to time. To clean rubber trim, simply wash it with soap and water. In some cases, this need only be done twice a year, while other trim, such as automotive trim, requires regular cleaning to stay looking fresh. To extend their working life, you can treat rubber trim products with a protectant six to eight times a year. Among the most common protectants are water-based vinyl and rubber dressing, a gel product that you can rub on using a cloth. If the trim is regularly exposed to sunlight, which is typically the case with exterior trim, then you should select a protectant that also contains ultraviolet (UV) protection, to keep the trim from fading. Be careful to not allow the treatment to dry, however, or it may stain the trim.

 

More Rubber Trim Information