Rubber
Flexible and durable materials, ideal for manufacturing high-performance products
General Properties
Rubbers are essential materials in industry thanks to their unique combination of flexibility, strength, and durability. Whether natural or synthetic, they offer properties perfectly suited to demanding environments, mechanical stresses, and a variety of chemical conditions. From neoprene to silicone, each type of rubber has specific advantages that allow it to meet the most precise technical requirements. This overview provides a clear summary of the most popular industrial rubbers and their performance characteristics.
Neoprene
(Polychloroprene)
Neoprene is distinguished by its chemical stability and flexibility over a wide temperature range, while offering better resistance to degradation than natural or conventional synthetic rubbers.
Industrial Applications
Neoprene is a versatile, all-purpose roller used for general conveying and manufacturing. It offers a good balance of moderate oil resistance, mechanical strength, and weatherability.
Advantages
- Resistant to ozone, sunlight, and weathering
- Compatible with many chemicals
- Maintains its properties over a wide temperature range
- Exceptional physical strength and durability
- Resistant to damage from bending and twisting
- Maximum operating temperature: 121°C (250°F)
Nitrile
(NBR / Buna N)
Nitrile rubber is the standard for the printing industry (offset inks), textiles and packaging. It is highly resistant to oils, greases, and solvents, preventing the roller from swelling during use.
Industrial Applications
Rollers, and components exposed to oils or humid environments, including in the textile, paper, and metallurgical industries.
Advantages
- Excellent resistance to oils and hydrocarbons
- High resilience and durability
- Water resistance
- Maximum operating temperature: 121°C (250°F)
EPDM
(Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a versatile elastomer used in many industries, including UV coating lines, and environments exposed to ozone or ketones. It has excellent weather and chemical resistance.
Advantages
- Resistance to polar solvents, acids, and strong bases
- Excellent resistance to water, ketones, and esters
- Exceptional resistance to ozone and weathering
- Maximum service temperature: 177°C (350°F)
Limitation : Not suitable for petroleum products or as an electrical insulator
Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is ideal for laminating machines, plastic manufacturing, and high-temperature processes (up to 250°C / 480°F). It is prized for its superior non-stick release properties.
Advantages
- Excellent release and non-stick properties
- High chemical resistance
- Exceptional stability over a wide temperature range
- Resistant to extreme environments, cold, and heat
Hypalon
(CSM – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene)
Hypalon rubber is distinguished by its resistance to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasion making them ideal for rollers in the textile manufacturing, chemical processing and flexographic industries.
Advantages
- Low moisture absorption
- Good dielectric properties
- Heat and flame resistant
- Excellent abrasion and weather resistance
- Maximum operating temperature: 149°C (300°F)
Natural Rubber
(Polyisoprene)
Natural rubber offers exceptional elasticity and resilience, with good resistance to breaking and tearing.
Industrial Applications
Natural rubber (NR) rollers are highly prized for their exceptional elasticity, tear strength, and superior grip. They are most effective in non-chemical, ambient environments such as wood transformation, paper handing, conveyor systems, textile manufacturing and feed rollers where superior grip and traction is required.
Advantages
- Excellent resistance to wear and permanent deformation
- Good flexing properties, even at low temperatures
- Maximum operating temperature: 100°C (212°F)
Limitation : Sensitive to chemicals and prolonged exposure to sunlight or ozone.
| Rubber Type | Chemical Resistance | Weather/UV Resistance | Operating Temperature | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neoprene (Polychloroprene) |
Attacked by:
|
|
Max 121°C (250°F) |
|
|
| Nitrile (NBR, Buna N) |
Attacked by:
|
Low UV resistance | Max 121°C (250°F) |
|
|
| EPDM |
Resistant to:
|
Excellent resistance to ozone and weathering | Max 177°C (350°F) |
|
|
| Silicone rubber | Resistant to many solvents, oils, and diluted acids | Excellent environmental stability | -55°C to +-250°C (-67°F to +482°F) |
|
|
| Hypalon (CSM) |
Resistant to:
|
Excellent UV and weather resistance | Max 149°C (300°F) |
|
|
| Natural rubber / Polyisoprene |
Sensitive to:
|
|
Max 100°C (212°F) |
|
|
Note: Special formulations can be developed upon request to meet specific industrial needs, offering customized properties.
CONTACT US to select the right rubber for your industrial needs.