Synthetic rubber is an important category of materials in the manufacturing industry. It has a wide range of applications, particularly in the creation of products such as automotive tyres, hoses, flooring and belts. This is a favourable alternative compared to natural rubber because the material is considerably economical and highly durable. There are different types of synthetic rubber materials to consider if you are interested in fabricating pertinent custom products. These include EPDM rubber, thermoplastic vulcanizate and neoprene. Here are some of the critical factors to consider when choosing the ideal synthetic rubber material for your application.

Dimensional Stability

When choosing ideal synthetic rubber for your application, you should consider its dimensional stability and strength. In general, most rubber products are exposed to high pressure during their applications. If the material cannot withstand the conditions, it will cause premature failure and necessitate replacement. Ideally, you should look for a material with the same mechanical performance as natural rubber, especially for high demand applications. Natural rubber is known for its flexibility and great durability in terms of strength. TPV has the same level of stability and strength. However, if your application is light-duty, you can consider an alternative like neoprene which has moderate flexibility and good strength.

Extreme Temperature Performance

Rubber products are exposed to adverse temperature due to their specific application or as a result of the surroundings. Therefore, if the product that you plan to fabricate will be exposed to such harsh environment, you should carefully consider the material's ability to resist damage by heat. Ideally, you should check the maximum and minimum service temperatures. This is essentially the highest and the lowest temperature level in which a rubber product can be utilised. Beyond this limits, the material will harden or crack. Both EPDM and thermoplastic vulcanizate perform quite well in extreme temperatures. An alternative like neoprene is average in its resistance, so it is suited for standard environmental applications.

Chemical Resistance

If your custom rubber products will be exposed to any type of chemical material, it is important to evaluate the aspect before material selection. Naturally, there is no material which is resistant to all types of chemical degradation. Therefore, you will have to find the most compatible choice. For example, neoprene has exceptional resistance to general oil and grease but will be corroded by chemicals like sulphuric acid. In addition, choose synthetic rubber which displays stability when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

If you are uncertain about the right choice, you should consult your fabricator for comprehensive guidance.

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