Choosing the Right Material for Rubber Molded Products
Leave a CommentUnderstand Application Requirements The first step to choosing the right material for a rubber molded part is understanding the unique requirements of its intended application. This includes: The product’s performance expectations, such as repeat flexing, fluid transfer, or vibration absorption. The product’s service environment. Variables to consider include extreme temperatures, humidity, fluid exposure, and others. Quality and regulatory requirements. Most rubber molded parts are required to adhere to some type of specification, such as an industry standard or OEM spec. Knowing these requirements is key to selecting a material that can adhere to all of them. Evaluate Common Materials and…
Understand Application Requirements The first step to choosing the right material for a rubber molded part is understanding the unique requirements of its intended application. This includes: The product’s performance expectations, such as repeat flexing, fluid transfer, or vibration absorption. The product’s service environment. Variables to consider include extreme temperatures, humidity, fluid exposure, and others. […]
Rubber Molding Processes: Injection, Transfer & Compression
Leave a CommentRubber molding is a widely used rubber manufacturing technique, with applications in countless industries and virtually limitless options for customization. From heavy-duty equipment and automotive components to sanitary food service equipment parts, rubber-molded goods are found in virtually every major industry. There are three primary types of rubber molding: Rubber injection molding Rubber transfer molding Rubber compression molding All three rubber molding processes have unique advantages in terms of design, production, and costs. Understanding each rubber molding process is key for manufacturers when making decisions about production. Rubber Injection Molding Rubber injection molding is a popular rubber molding method with…
Rubber molding is a widely used rubber manufacturing technique, with applications in countless industries and virtually limitless options for customization. From heavy-duty equipment and automotive components to sanitary food service equipment parts, rubber-molded goods are found in virtually every major industry. There are three primary types of rubber molding: Rubber injection molding Rubber transfer molding […]
4 Benefits of Partnering with a Domestic Rubber Parts Manufacturer
Leave a CommentWhat Is a Domestic Supplier? A common term in the world of manufacturing and commerce is “offshoring,” or the practice of buying materials and manufactured goods from overseas suppliers to take advantage of lower costs in other parts of the world. However, some companies are instead opting for “onshoring,” or partnering with domestic suppliers. A domestic supplier is a manufacturer who operates in the same country as their customers. In the United States, a domestic supplier is any supplier located on American soil. The Benefits of a Domestic Supply Chain 1. More Stability in the Supply Chain The COVID-19 pandemic,…
What Is a Domestic Supplier? A common term in the world of manufacturing and commerce is “offshoring,” or the practice of buying materials and manufactured goods from overseas suppliers to take advantage of lower costs in other parts of the world. However, some companies are instead opting for “onshoring,” or partnering with domestic suppliers. A […]
The Differences Between Rubber Molding & Rubber Extrusion
Leave a CommentRubber molding and rubber extrusion are two reliable manufacturing methods for rubber parts and components. Both methods are very popular in the rubber industry, but there are key differences between them. Rubber Molding Rubber molding refers to any rubber manufacturing process in which uncured rubber is placed inside a cavity or shape and then cured. Rubber molding is compatible with a wide range of both natural and synthetic polymers. Types of Rubber Molding There are three primary types of rubber molding. Rubber Injection Molding Rubber injection molding is one of the most popular types of rubber molding. The uncured rubber…
Rubber molding and rubber extrusion are two reliable manufacturing methods for rubber parts and components. Both methods are very popular in the rubber industry, but there are key differences between them. Rubber Molding Rubber molding refers to any rubber manufacturing process in which uncured rubber is placed inside a cavity or shape and then cured. […]
The Challenges and Rewards of Reshoring Manufacturing to the US
Leave a CommentThe term “reshoring” refers to the process of returning offshore manufacturing operations to a company’s home country rather than outsourcing labor to overseas locales. Many statistics indicate that reshoring trends were already on the rise, even before a trade war and pandemic made the idea more appealing. In 2018, 1,389 companies reshored operations, ultimately returning 145,000 jobs to the U.S., according to data from The Reshoring Initiative. Reshoring rubber manufacturing—and manufacturing in general—to the United States can improve product quality, reduce financial and business risks, and lower transport costs. Reshoring Challenges While reshoring offers a plethora of benefits, it’s important…
The term “reshoring” refers to the process of returning offshore manufacturing operations to a company’s home country rather than outsourcing labor to overseas locales. Many statistics indicate that reshoring trends were already on the rise, even before a trade war and pandemic made the idea more appealing. In 2018, 1,389 companies reshored operations, ultimately returning […]
EPDM vs. Neoprene vs. Silicone
Leave a CommentEthylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, and silicone are long-lasting and valuable alternatives to natural rubber. Learn about the specific characteristics of each material, their advantages and disadvantages, and the applications that suit each material best. EPDM EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber. EPDM has a saturated polymer backbone, which gives it better resistance characteristics than natural rubber and other unsaturated materials. The material is also relatively elastic and flexible, which makes it ideal for creating seals. Depending on the intended purpose for the raw EPDM material, it may often be combined with the following materials: Fillers (calcium carbonate,…
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, and silicone are long-lasting and valuable alternatives to natural rubber. Learn about the specific characteristics of each material, their advantages and disadvantages, and the applications that suit each material best. EPDM EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber. EPDM has a saturated polymer backbone, which gives it better resistance […]
Why Should You Use Synthetic Rubber Over Natural Rubber?
Leave a CommentRubber is available in both natural and synthetic variations. While both types demonstrate unique material characteristics that make them suitable for use in different applications, synthetic rubbers offer several advantages over natural rubbers that make them ideally suited for use in manufacturing operations. The following blog post provides a comparison between natural and synthetic rubbers, evaluating their distinct characteristics and applications. An Overview of Natural Rubber and Synthetic Rubber Production Natural rubber is an elastomeric polymer material that was adopted for commercial use in the early 1900s. It is most commonly derived from a Brazilian plant known as Hevea brasiliensis, but…
Rubber is available in both natural and synthetic variations. While both types demonstrate unique material characteristics that make them suitable for use in different applications, synthetic rubbers offer several advantages over natural rubbers that make them ideally suited for use in manufacturing operations. The following blog post provides a comparison between natural and synthetic rubbers, […]
What Are the Differences Between Rubber and Plastic Extrusions?
Leave a CommentAt Universal Polymer & Rubber, we are industry leaders in both rubber and plastic extrusion. Although these types of extrusions share similar qualities, their key distinctions make them well-suited for different applications. In this blog, we’ll clarify the similarities and differences between rubber and plastic extrusions as well as outline some of the more prevalent uses of each material. Rubber Extrusions During the rubber extrusion process, manufacturers build a die in the shape of the required cross section, then force the rubber through the die. The immense pressure under which this takes place makes the rubber soft and pliable, enabling manufacturers to…
At Universal Polymer & Rubber, we are industry leaders in both rubber and plastic extrusion. Although these types of extrusions share similar qualities, their key distinctions make them well-suited for different applications. In this blog, we’ll clarify the similarities and differences between rubber and plastic extrusions as well as outline some of the more prevalent uses […]
The Cost of Chaos, Part 2: Oil Price & Trade War Uncertainty Continues
Leave a CommentAs we discussed in the first part of this blog series, one of the best ways to create long-term response plans to volatility is to stay informed. “Ongoing volatility” is a great way to summarize the changes in oil pricing and the status of the U.S.-China trade war. Uncertainty surrounding market and political events can mean additional time and resources devoted to weathering the “storm,” so we’re keeping track of them to the best of our abilities, and relaying what we’ve learned. Read on to discover the latest developments in the oil market and trade war. Oil Price Developments Oil prices…
As we discussed in the first part of this blog series, one of the best ways to create long-term response plans to volatility is to stay informed. “Ongoing volatility” is a great way to summarize the changes in oil pricing and the status of the U.S.-China trade war. Uncertainty surrounding market and political events can […]
The Cost of Chaos: Economic Challenges Going Into 2019
Leave a CommentThe start of 2019 carries with it several uncertainties from 2018: for example, the instability of the global supply chain caused by the United States’ trade war with China, and volatile oil prices brought about partly by ongoing situations within Venezuela and the Middle East. Despite efforts by the federal government to alleviate some of the negative effects of these events, many small and medium-sized businesses must continue seeking new ways to adapt to an unstable global market. Here we outline these causes of uncertainty and how they impact businesses like UP&R: Volatile Oil Prices Oil prices have fluctuated dramatically…
The start of 2019 carries with it several uncertainties from 2018: for example, the instability of the global supply chain caused by the United States’ trade war with China, and volatile oil prices brought about partly by ongoing situations within Venezuela and the Middle East. Despite efforts by the federal government to alleviate some of […]