Our Process

Yes, plastics are polymers. Rubbers, elastomers are polymers. Plastics and rubbers are two different sets of polymers.

A polymer is a material with a long chain molecular structure, rather like spaghetti. These long chains are formed in reactors that polymerise or put together small units called monomers.

Polymers can be divided into two main groups – thermoplastics and thermosets. Thermosets are rubbers often used to make tyres, shoe soles and car door seals, just to name a few applications.

Thermoplastics are divided into two categories – semi-crystalline and amorphous. In general, amorphous polymers will scatter light and can be water clear. Depending on the polymer design, crystalline polymers can be translucent or opaque and find use in many household goods.

TPE, TPV and TPR are materials with elastic properties. These have a rubbery feel, and like all thermoplastics, can be recycled, reused and reformed into other products.

Yes! All rubbers and elastic materials are available in a range of colours. Depending on the application, we can recommend specific polymers that will retain their colour in service. Some polymers may discolour and fade under the influence of UV and artificial light.

Carbon black is black in colour and widely used as a reinforcing filler. This type of polymer design is cost-effective and efficient, providing the correct balance of physical properties required for any given application.

Non-black mineral fillers such as silicates, silicas, clays and calcium carbonates can produce different coloured rubbers. Our rubber design tools enable us to compound and produce non-black rubber parts.

The hardness of a rubber product defines its physical properties and its application to a large extent. It is the most fundamental property, along with density and specific gravity. Polymer hardness defines how much the rubber can be deformed without being damaged. In technical terms hardness is a synonym for modulus, the stress at a given strain – this defines the stiffness of the material.

High hardness equates to a stiffer material, low flexibility, and a higher tensile strength that is more resistant to abrasion. Conversely, lower hardness or softer materials equate to a less rigid (or low modulus) material. This can give your polymer design greater low-temperature flexibility, high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

As a general rule, a lower density indicates a rubber rich compound, meaning better quality. Higher densities are typically achieved by adding low-cost fillers.

In short, the answer is yes. There are a few techniques that rubber moulding companies employ.

A suitable rubber solution, usually solvent based, can be used to coat rubber onto metals. The polymer design is dipped and then vulcanised. Depending on the amount of rubber required, an over moulding may offer a better solution.

On metal parts, rubber can act as a barrier to heat and chemicals. Rubber insulates and offers a warmer surface to hold onto and provide grip or friction for leverage.

Rubber can be used in applications that cover a temperature range of 380°C. This covers use at temperatures as low as -80°C and up to 300°C! Some parts can be used at elevated temperatures and in the presence of gases, liquids and solids.

Exposing rubber parts to aggressive environments, in combination with high temperatures, presents its own challenges. The vast majority of rubber applications are well below the 150°C mark. Most are at ambient temperatures, with regular exposure to the elements, e.g. car tyres and car door seals.

Industrial and domestic applications are generally indoors and exposed to various corrosive and non-corrosive media. Typical rubber injection moulding applications include washing machine door seals, rollers in printers and copiers, and parts in water fittings such as domestic heating and bath fittings.

Natural rubber has the potential to be very environmentally friendly. However, the vulcanisation reaction means it has difficulty biodegrading. Synthetic elastomer manufacturers have been producing methane from sugar cane alcohol to reduce their reliance on crude oil and huge refining installations. The methane is then polymerised to produce the polymers, which are made into the rubber products we know and use.

These polymers are costly to manufacture, but production costs are likely to come down as synthetic elastomer manufacturers increase consumption of sugar cane alcohol and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Rubber products made from more eco-friendly polymers have the same properties as those made using fossil fuels.

Vulcanisation as the name implies is the process of application of heat to effect a three dimensional cross linked network. This produces a thermoset part that can be put under stress and strain to a degree without being permanently deformed. Vulcanisation can use many different chemicals and processes. It is a one way non-reversible reaction.