A number of questions are often asked when it comes to the process of injection molding for any product, and some of these surround the sorts of materials that can be utilized here. A common example: Can rubber be injection molded?
At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we’re here to offer a huge range of custom injection molding services, providing the very best injection molded products for a huge range of applications and needs. The answer to the above question is yes, rubber can be injection molded – there are a few processes for doing so, and a few different reasons why you might consider this process. Let’s take a look.
Rubber Injection Molding Basics
For those unfamiliar, rubber injection molding is a process for creating rubber parts by injecting heated and liquefied rubber material into a mold. Once the material cools and solidifies within the mold, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity.
This process offers several advantages over traditional methods of shaping rubber, such as compression or transfer molding. With injection molding, you can create more complex shapes and designs with precision and accuracy. Additionally, because the molten rubber is injected directly into the mold, there is less waste compared to other methods.
Types of Rubber Injection Molding
There are a few different kinds of rubber injection molding processes that may be used, each with its own specific qualities and benefits:
- Organic rubber injection: In this process, rubber will first be mixed and stripped, then fed into an injection molding machine. Organic rubber is often used for smaller parts and products. This process is beneficial because it removes any need for pre-form placement, plus because it pre-heats the rubber. However, this pre-heating process may increase cycle time in some cases.
- Thermoplastic rubber injection: In a process that’s very similar to plastic injection molding, elastomers are processed like plastic materials to create a final product. This can save time and increase accuracy, but may not be an option for all rubber types.
- Liquid silicone injection: Finally, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) may also be used in this process. LSR is often chosen because of its high heat resistance and biocompatibility – it’s often used in medical or food-grade products, for instance. Because of the sealing involved, this process helps limit contamination.
Types of Rubber Often Used
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the rubber types often used for rubber injection molding:
- Natural rubber: Derived from latex, this is a highly flexible and stretchy rubber that’s often used for products like gloves, tires, or erasers. It has great friction and abrasion properties that make it ideal for seals, dampers, O-rings, and more.
- Nitrile rubber: A product of butadiene and acrylonitrile, this oil-resistant rubber is used for a range of products, including fuel hoses, gaskets, and seals.
- Silicone rubber: This synthetic rubber has great resistance to heat, UV rays, and weathering. It’s often used in medical devices and household appliances.
- EPDM rubber: Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a very durable material with excellent weather resistance and electrical properties. Because it can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments, it’s often used for outdoor applications like roofing or automotive parts.
- Neoprene: Known for its chemical stability and resistance to oil, this synthetic rubber is used in products like wetsuits, hoses, and industrial belts.
- Fluorosilicone: Similar to silicone but with an addition of trifluoropropyl that allows for high fuel and chemical resistance, making it ideal for use in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
- Urethane: This versatile material is used in a variety of products, such as wheels, gaskets, and shock absorbers. It has excellent wear and abrasion resistance properties.
Common Applications of Rubber Injection Moldings
While this again is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples of common applications for rubber injection molded products:
- Plugs and seals: Rubber plugs and seals are used to prevent leakage or contamination in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical.
- Gaskets: These are used to create a seal between two surfaces, often in engines or machinery. They can be made from various rubber materials depending on the application.
- O-rings: These are circular seals that fit into grooves and create a seal between two parts. They are commonly used in hydraulic systems.
- Medical devices: Many medical devices require high-quality biocompatible materials like LSR for safety and effectiveness. Rubber injection molding is an ideal process for creating these products with precision and accuracy.
- Household products: Many everyday household items, such as kitchen utensils, silicone bakeware, or rubber grips on tools, are made through rubber injection molding.
The answer is clear – rubber can certainly be injection molded. With various types of rubber materials available and a range of processes to choose from, this method provides numerous benefits for creating high-quality products in a variety of industries. At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we have the expertise and capabilities to produce top-notch custom injection molded products using various materials. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you!