Rubber Extrusions
Precision made extrusions from an exceptional British manufacturer

When quality and delivery on time is non-negotiable, then you need a manufacturing partner you can rely on. As a British manufacturer, with over 60 years’ experience, we can rely upon us to deliver your project to specifications and on time. No need to worry about goods being stuck in customs or container delivery issues; when you deal with Ley Rubber, you deal directly with manufacturing at source.

Our ISO9001 Certification coupled with state-of-the-artmanufacturing capabilities, can turn your design concept, sample or drawing into a product in the shortest of timeframes.

Whatever your requirements, from U Channels, P Profiles, D fenders, Buffers, Rubber Tubing, Sponge Cord, right through to complex bespoke extrusions such as Expansion Joints and Curtain Walling, Ley Rubber can provide the solution you need.

Working to the tightest E1 industry standards, you are completely assured of the precision and quality of all our rubber extrusion products.

If you value, quality British engineering, precision products at super prices, along with friendly and knowledgeable customer service, then why not talk to us today?

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Rubber Extrusions and Rubber Profiles

 Rubber extrusions are used in a wide variety of different products across the world. You’ll find them being employed in many manufacturing sectors such as the car industry and a whole range of different places. In fact, you probably wouldn’t have half the products on the market today without this highly specific and useful process.

Rubber extrusion involves processing the rubber through a screw and then ‘squeezing’ it into a specific profile. Once the rubber hardens, you have a highly durable seal or other component for your product. Finding the right rubber extrusion manufacturers in the UK for your business is essential. Whether you’re an existing company or a new startup, getting the best product delivered on time for the best price is important. The good news is that this is something that Ley have been doing successfully since 1956!

Rubber Profiles

Rubber profiles are indispensable components that play a crucial role in various industries. These flexible, durable, and versatile products are manufactured from high-quality rubber materials, making them perfect for a wide range of applications. From sealing and insulation to protecting and cushioning. Rubber profiles find their way into many sectors, including:

  • Agriculture
  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Defence
  • Energy
  • Food & Medical
  • Glazing
  • Marine
  • Rail & Coach
  • Scientific

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of rubber profiles, exploring their properties, manufacturing process, and diverse applications, while highlighting their significance in modern industries.

Understanding Rubber Profiles:

Rubber profiles, also known as rubber extrusions or rubber seals, are long, continuous sections of rubber that have been shaped and moulded to meet specific requirements. They are formed through a process called rubber extrusion; wherein raw rubber material is forced through a die to create the desired cross-sectional shape. The extruded rubber profiles can vary in size, shape, and durometer (hardness) to fulfil a wide array of applications.

Properties and Advantages:

Rubber profiles are chosen for their exceptional properties, which make them ideal for various applications:

  1. Flexibility: Rubber profiles can be designed to bend and conform to complex shapes, allowing for a perfect fit in various applications, such as door and window seals.
  2. Durability: With excellent resistance to wear, tear, and weathering, rubber profiles maintain their integrity even in harsh environmental conditions, providing longevity to the applications they serve.
  3. Temperature Resistance: Rubber profiles can withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low, making them suitable for applications such as car seals.
  4. Chemical Resistance: Certain rubber compounds can resist the harmful effects of chemicals, making rubber profiles ideal for applications in laboratories, chemical processing plants, and industrial settings.
  5. Sealing Properties: Rubber profiles exhibit outstanding sealing capabilities, preventing the leakage of fluids, air, and dust in various industrial applications.
  6. Vibration Damping: The resilient nature of rubber profiles allows them to absorb vibrations and shocks, making them essential components in machinery and automotive parts.
  7. Sound Insulation: Rubber profiles also offer sound-dampening properties, reducing noise pollution in buildings, vehicles, and appliances.

Rubber Profile Manufacturing Process:

The manufacturing process of rubber profiles involves several steps:

  1. Rubber Compound Preparation: The process begins by selecting the appropriate rubber compound with specific properties required for the application. This compound is prepared by mixing raw rubber with additives, fillers, and curing agents.
  2. Extrusion: The rubber compound is then fed into an extruder, a machine equipped with a rotating screw, which pushes the material through a die of the desired shape and size.
  3. Vulcanisation: After extrusion, the rubber profile undergoes vulcanisation, a curing process involving heat and pressure. This step enhances the rubber’s strength and stability.
  4. Cutting and Finishing: Once vulcanisation is complete, the continuous rubber profile is cut to the desired lengths and subjected to finishing processes, such as trimming, surface treatments, or adhesive application.

Applications of Rubber Profiles:

The versatility of rubber profiles enables their application in various industries:

  1. Automotive Industry: Rubber profiles are extensively used in the automotive sector for window and door seals, weatherstripping, gaskets, hoses, and vibration dampers.
  2. Construction Sector: In construction, rubber profiles find use as glazing gaskets, expansion joint seals, roofing membranes, and door frame seals.
  3. Manufacturing and Machinery: Rubber profiles serve as conveyor belt seals, machinery guards, and bellows for protecting moving machine parts.
  4. Electrical and Electronics: Rubber profiles are utilised in electrical enclosures, wire and cable insulation, and grommets.
  5. Marine and Aerospace: In marine and aerospace applications, rubber profiles act as watertight seals, window gaskets, and aircraft door seals.
  6. Food and Beverage: Rubber profiles compliant with FDA regulations are employed in food and beverage processing for seals and gaskets.
  7. Medical Industry: Rubber profiles with biocompatibility are used in medical devices and equipment, such as catheters and tubing.

Choosing the Right Rubber Profile:

Selecting the appropriate rubber profile for a specific application requires considering several factors. If you have any questions about which profile would be correct to meet your needs, our friendly team will be happy to advise. Call us on 0151 545 2727.

  1. Material Compatibility: Ensure the chosen rubber compound is compatible with the environment and substances it will encounter.
  2. Temperature and Weather Resistance: Choose a rubber profile that can withstand the anticipated temperature range and environmental conditions.
  3. Compression and Recovery: Consider the compression and recovery characteristics of the rubber profile to ensure it performs optimally in the application.
  4. Size and Tolerance: Accurately measure the dimensions required for the application and consider the tolerances needed for a proper fit.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: For applications in specific industries, like food, medical, or aerospace, verify that the chosen rubber profile meets the relevant regulatory standards.

Maintenance and Care:

Proper maintenance and care can significantly extend the lifespan and performance of rubber profiles:

  1. Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect rubber profiles for signs of wear, damage, or degradation.
  2. Cleaning: Clean rubber profiles as needed using appropriate cleaning agents and methods to remove debris and contaminants.
  3. Lubrication: Apply suitable lubricants to rubber profiles to ensure smooth operation, especially in dynamic applications.
  4. Replacement: Replace worn or damaged rubber profiles promptly to prevent potential leaks, malfunction, or safety hazards.

Rubber Profiles – Answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What materials are used to make rubber profiles?

Various rubber compounds are used to manufacture rubber profiles, including EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), Nitrile (NBR), Silicone, Neoprene (CR), Natural Rubber (NR), and more. Each material offers specific properties suitable for different applications.

What are the applications of rubber profiles?

Rubber profiles have diverse applications in industries such as automotive (seals, gaskets, weatherstripping), construction (glazing gaskets, expansion joint seals), manufacturing (conveyor belt seals, machinery guards), electrical and electronics (enclosure seals, wire insulation), marine and aerospace (watertight seals, window gaskets), and many more.

How are rubber profiles installed?

Rubber profiles are typically installed by pressing or sliding them into the designated grooves or channels of the application. Depending on the profile’s design and the application, adhesive or mechanical fasteners might also be used to secure the profile in place.

What are the key properties of rubber profiles?

Rubber profiles possess several essential properties, including flexibility, durability, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, sealing capabilities, vibration damping, and sound insulation.

How are rubber profiles manufactured?

The manufacturing process of rubber profiles involves preparing the rubber compound, extruding the material through a die, and then subjecting it to vulcanisation to enhance its strength and stability. After vulcanisation, the profiles are cut to the desired lengths and undergo finishing processes.

What factors should be considered while choosing a rubber profile?

When selecting a rubber profile, it’s crucial to consider factors such as material compatibility with the application, temperature and weather resistance, compression and recovery characteristics, size and tolerance requirements, and regulatory compliance (if applicable).

How can I maintain rubber profiles?

Proper maintenance includes regular inspection for wear and damage, cleaning using suitable agents, applying lubrication as needed, and promptly replacing worn or damaged profiles.

What is the shelf life of rubber profiles?

The shelf life of rubber profiles can vary depending on the material used and storage conditions. Generally, rubber profiles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and their shelf life can last for many years.

Are there specialised rubber profiles for specific industries?

Yes, certain rubber profiles are designed and manufactured to meet industry-specific requirements. For instance, there are FDA-compliant rubber profiles for food and beverage applications, biocompatible profiles for medical use, and fire-resistant profiles for aerospace and transportation sectors.

Can rubber profiles be custom-made?

Absolutely! The team at Ley Rubber have a wealth of experience in creating bespoke profiles to meet the needs of our clients.

Rubber profiles can be custom-designed and manufactured to suit unique applications and specifications. Customisation allows for optimal performance and ensures the perfect fit for specific applications.

What is the difference between solid and sponge rubber profiles?

Solid rubber profiles have a uniform, compact structure, while sponge rubber profiles have a cellular, porous structure. Sponge rubber profiles offer enhanced compressibility and flexibility, making them suitable for applications requiring vibration isolation or cushioning.

How can I determine the hardness (durometer) of a rubber profile?

The hardness of a rubber profile is measured using a durometer gauge, which provides a numerical value. The durometer scale commonly used is Shore A, with higher numbers indicating harder rubber and lower numbers representing softer rubber.

Can rubber profiles be recycled?

Yes, many rubber profiles can be recycled. The recycling process involves grinding down the rubber material to be reused in various applications, such as rubber flooring, playground surfaces, and more.

How do rubber profiles contribute to energy efficiency?

Rubber profiles, particularly those used as seals and gaskets, help improve energy efficiency by preventing air and fluid leakage in buildings, vehicles, and appliances. This sealing capability reduces energy losses and improves insulation, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Rubber Extrusions Answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions

Are rubber profiles and rubber extrusions the same thing?

No, rubber profiles and rubber extrusions are not the same thing, although they are related concepts in the field of rubber manufacturing.

Rubber Profiles:

Rubber profiles are long, continuous sections of rubber that have been shaped and moulded to meet specific requirements. These profiles are manufactured through a process called rubber extrusion. During rubber extrusion, raw rubber material is fed into an extruder, which contains a rotating screw that pushes the material through a die of the desired cross-sectional shape. The extruded rubber comes out in a continuous length, and then it undergoes vulcanisation to enhance its strength and stability. Once the rubber profiles have been cured and processed, they are cut to the desired lengths for various applications.

Rubber profiles are highly versatile and find applications in sealing, insulating, protecting, and cushioning in various industries such as automotive, construction, manufacturing, electrical, marine, and more.

Rubber Extrusions:

Rubber extrusions refer to the manufacturing process of creating rubber profiles. The process involves forcing raw rubber material through a die to produce a continuous cross-sectional shape, as described above. The extrusion process is used to form long, continuous rubber sections that can be cut to the required lengths for specific applications. These extrusions can take various forms, including solid profiles with a uniform structure and sponge profiles with a cellular, porous structure.

In summary, rubber extrusions are the process of creating rubber profiles, while rubber profiles are the end products resulting from the rubber extrusion process. The terms are often used interchangeably since rubber profiles are the most common output of the rubber extrusion process. However, it’s essential to understand the distinction between the two concepts to better grasp their roles and applications in various industries.

What are rubber extrusions?

Rubber extrusions are long, continuous sections of rubber that have been shaped and moulded to specific profiles using an extrusion process. The process involves forcing raw rubber material through a die to create the desired cross-sectional shape.

What are the advantages of rubber extrusions?

Rubber extrusions offer several advantages, including cost-effectiveness in high-volume production, consistent and precise shapes, excellent material properties, and suitability for complex profiles.

What materials are used for rubber extrusions?

Various rubber compounds are used for extrusions, such as EPDM, Nitrile, Silicone, Neoprene, Natural Rubber, and others. Each material offers specific properties suitable for different applications.

What are the applications of rubber extrusions?

Rubber extrusions are widely used in industries such as automotive (seals, gaskets), construction (glazing gaskets, weatherstripping), manufacturing (conveyor belts, hoses), electrical and electronics (wire insulation, grommets), marine and aerospace (window gaskets, seals), and many more.

 

How is the rubber extrusion process carried out?

The rubber extrusion process involves feeding raw rubber material into an extruder, which contains a rotating screw that pushes the material through a die of the desired shape. The extruded rubber is then cured through vulcanisation to enhance its strength and stability.

What is the difference between rubber extrusion and injection moulding?

Rubber extrusion produces continuous shapes, whereas injection moulding produces discrete parts. Extrusion is ideal for long, continuous profiles, while injection moulding is better suited for intricate three-dimensional shapes.

Can rubber extrusions be custom-made?

Yes, rubber extrusions can be custom-designed to meet specific requirements and applications. Customisation allows for optimal performance and ensures the perfect fit for unique projects.

What factors affect the quality of rubber extrusions?

The quality of rubber extrusions can be influenced by factors such as material selection, die design and manufacturing, process parameters (temperature, pressure), and post-extrusion curing.

What are the common challenges in rubber extrusion?

Some common challenges in rubber extrusion include die swell (where the extruded rubber expands after leaving the die), air entrapment, die design complexity, and achieving consistent dimensions along the extruded length.

What is the maximum length of rubber extrusions?

The length of rubber extrusions can vary depending on the equipment used and the material’s characteristics. In some cases, rubber extrusions can reach several meters in length.

How are rubber extrusions cut to size?

After the extrusion process, rubber profiles are cut to the desired lengths using cutting machines, knives, or saws. Precision cutting ensures accurate dimensions for the final product.

Can rubber extrusions be coloured?

Yes, rubber extrusions can be coloured using pigments or dyes added to the rubber compound during the preparation phase. This allows for the production of extrusions in different colours as per specific requirements.

What industries benefit from custom rubber extrusions?

Industries that benefit from custom rubber extrusions include automotive, construction, electrical and electronics, marine, aerospace, and manufacturing, among others.

Are rubber extrusions environmentally friendly?

Rubber extrusions can be environmentally friendly, especially when using eco-friendly rubber compounds and recycling processes to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Can rubber extrusions be used for sealing applications?

Yes, rubber extrusions are commonly used for sealing applications, such as door and window seals, gaskets, weatherstripping, and O-rings, due to their excellent sealing properties and flexibility.

Rubber profiles are indispensable components that offer a wide range of benefits and applications in diverse industries. Their versatility, durability, and sealing properties make them essential for maintaining efficiency, performance, and safety in various applications. From the automotive industry to aerospace, construction, and beyond, rubber profiles continue to play a vital role in modern technology and infrastructure. By understanding their properties, manufacturing process, and suitable applications, industries can harness the full potential of rubber profiles and capitalise on their advantages.

Ley Rubber is a family run business, established in 1956 and based in the North West of England. We have grown from a moulding press shop into a market leading manufacturer of rubber extrusions and mouldings. For more than 60 years, Ley Rubber has been providing solutions to a broad spectrum of Industries in a variety of elastomeric and thermoplastic materials.

As a British manufacturer, we offer short lead times to anywhere in the United Kingdom and regularly support customer expedite requests for more urgent requirements. We pride ourselves on our service levels and, the integrity of our products; this is demonstrated by having ISO9001 certification for over 25 years. Our service does not end when your order is dispatched, we provide excellent after sales support that is class leading. With a culture of continuous improvement embedded in our organisation, year on year, we invest in our people and our plant.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please get in touch.