What are the Different Types of Rubber Molding?
Minor Rubber offers different types of custom rubber molding, including custom compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, and latex dip molding of rubber parts, including bellows and boots. For over 100 years, we have been manufacturing high quality molded rubber parts for industrial applications. Our experienced staff has the industry and application expertise to manufacture your custom part to exact specifications, ensuring that we will manufacture your part right the first time and deliver it on time and on budget.
Compression Molding
What is Compression Molding?
The most popular molding process, compression molding uses pressure and heat to mold the rubber into the shape required. Compression molding is a good manufacturing choice for large parts, parts that do not require tight tolerances, and low production quantities. It requires inexpensive tooling but is a labor-intensive process with longer loading and process times than other molding methods.
Minor Rubber’s compression molding press capabilities for our compression line range from 12” x 12” on the low end, up to and including 85” x 108” on the high end, with various press sizes in between.
Transfer Molding
What is Transfer Molding?
Rubber transfer molding uses a process similar to compression molding but has a transfer system on the top of the mold that feeds the rubber into multiple mold cavities when the press is closed. This allows for more efficient processing – tool and material loading times are reduced. It is used for large parts, parts that do not require tight tolerances, and higher production runs than compression molding.
Minor Rubber’s transfer molding press capabilities for our compression line range from 12” x 12” on the low end, up to and including 85” x 108” on the high end, with various press sizes in between.
Injection Molding
What is Injection Molding?
With injection molding, rubber is pre-heated before being injected into the mold. Since it is pre-heated, the rubber flows more readily into the mold, allowing for higher cure temperatures, shortening the curing cycle. Injection molding presses provide tight clamping, which results in little or no flash. Parts manufactured using injection molding may not require additional finishing. The process is used for high production runs and parts that require tighter tolerances.
Our injection press capabilities range from 24” x 24” up to 48” x 72”, with tonnage (clamping force) of 100 to 500 tons.
Latex Dip Molding
What is Latex Dip Molding?
For bellows and boots products, we offer latex dip molding. Parts are seamless and have a uniform wall thickness. Latex dip molded parts are available in natural rubber or Neoprene® 1 Latex.
Our facilities are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and managed using the latest technologies. With production facilities located in the United States, we have the flexibility and capacity to manufacture your parts efficiently and economically, while meeting the highest quality standards.
Minor Rubber’s custom rubber molding capabilities provide us with the ability to produce high quality products, providing you with a solution to your rubber part manufacturing challenges. Call today to see how we can be of assistance.