When it comes to designing rubber products, before the manufacturing stage, there are some important features that the design will need. Rubber components and products are used in highly specialist machinery across many industries so must have certain properties to enable them to withstand the rigours of such use. Here are some essential design features that should be incorporated into any design for rubber products:
Tolerance
Elastomers (types of rubber) can all go through a certain amount of shrinkage. The amount of shrinkage will depend on the type of compound, the moulding method applied and of course, the design. The tolerance of the rubber is essential to have a product that is efficient and resilient. When it comes to getting the right tolerance for your needs, speak to professionals like Meadex Rubber Moulding. Visit a site like Meadex Rubber Moulding for information and advice.
Geometry
Due to manufacturing limitations, there will be some restraints on how an end product can look. Taking into account the elasticity of rubber and the moulding method employed, these factors will need to be considered at the design stage. When a design is simple, and preferably geometric, the manufacturing will be easier. More complex geometric designs might require additional treatments and finishes after moulding. This is likely to result in increased production costs and a higher chance of error and part rejection. A simpler design has benefits in terms of cost, reproducibility and quality.
Compatibility
Knowing in which environment a rubber product will be used is essential to guarantee the product is compatible with that environment. Thankfully, the huge amount of polymers and manufacturing techniques means there is a solution for every application required. When it comes to the proper handling of chemical substances, the choice of rubber is important, particularly for applications involving corrosive materials. It is wise to seek professional advice so the right material can be chosen depending on the environment that the product will be used in.
Shore Hardness
There is a scale that is used to measure and compare the hardness of different rubber compounds. This is measured by using a durometer which presses a spring-loaded rod against a surface to provide a reading. This records the indentation that is left on the surface. A low score means there is softness whereas a high score reflects a harder material. This is how resistance to indentation is measured. Shore hardness experiments can also reveal how flexible a material is or how stiff it is. This is useful information when designing a product.
Seeking professional advice can help designers with important decisions such as which tools to use to make manufacturing easier and more economical. They can also assist with choosing the right material for the product and at the best price. Prototypes of the design can be produced so that testing and evaluation can take place before large quantities are manufactured. All these factors are vital in designing the right product at the right price that still meets functionality needs for the intended market.
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