Environmental conditions play a significant role in the effectiveness of O-ring performance. The effects of weather on an O-ring and the ozone can easily impact the integrity of the seal, leading to failure. Though the doughnut-shaped rings are well-suited for the most demanding jobs, adverse conditions such extreme heat or cold, degrees of moisture—wet, rainy,… Read more »

The demand for industrial rubber products touches near every industrial sector. Rubber’s unique properties supply many performance-demanding applications, and it’s no wonder that the current market value of $106 billion in 2018, and an expected growth rate of 6% through 2027. It is widely used in the construction and infrastructure projects, and in terms of… Read more »

A car’s suspension quite literally and figuratively rides on its bushings. Deciding on installing rubber bushings vs. polyurethane ones is no less a decision than choosing the difference between a smoother, quieter ride compared to a better feel in how the car handles and steers. There is that much of a difference. Both rubber and… Read more »

As the market for the renewable energy industry grows, so does an increased need for rubber seal material to protect components and parts from failure during operation. Renewable energy, also referred to as clean energy, derives from natural sources or processes that can be constantly or readily replenished. The most common or widely known forms… Read more »

Consulting with a rubber supplier or rubber manufacturer when choosing or designing a rubber product for an application ensures that the application has the essential design features necessary for the application to function properly. Rubber is a unique material—it’s not only a natural material but is a common synthetic material derived from thermosetting or thermoplastic… Read more »

Seal failure can cause serious problems for production and performance in mechanical or hydraulic systems. Without functioning seals, fluids and lubricants will seep out, contaminants can enter, or the required pressure will not be maintained. If seal failure occurs, the machinery or engine could seize up, and the entire system could go offline and lead… Read more »

Material applications for silicone rubber are often thought of as a sealant. True, the material is used for o-rings and gaskets, but it is much more versatile. Silicone rubber grommets and tubing are examples of the many other products and components that are made from the material. Silicone rubber is a highly-resistant elastomer, i.e., a… Read more »

Polyurethane and rubber are two common elastomeric materials used in the manufacturing of products in many industrial sectors. The automotive industry, in particular, relies on each of these materials for many parts—gaskets, tires, belts, and hoses—for example. When it comes to a vehicle’s suspension, polyurethane vs. rubber bushings are often compared for their similar mechanical… Read more »

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and Viton are two thermoset elastomeric polymer materials that are used in applications across many industrial sectors. Though there are differences between the two, each material is noted for its very good compression strength, flexibility, and weatherability. However, what makes EPDM rubber sheeting a popular roofing material and Viton a… Read more »

Gaskets and o-rings are those familiar mechanical seals placed between separate substrates in order to prevent leakage when the substrates are connected. High-temperature seals may be more well-known than low-temperature ones, but in either instance, the sealant must meet material requirements to withstand extreme temperatures, immense pressure, and constant wear. Therefore, it’s important to know… Read more »