Due to innumerable benefits, rubber sheets are used for multiple purposes in different industries. They were and are still an integral part of the manufacturing process. Surprisingly, many industries are incomplete without rubber sheets.
Years ago, there were limited types of rubber sheets available for sale in the market. It means people had restricted choices. But today, the rubber sheet manufacturers have come with different types of industrial rubber sheets and it has become challenging for people to decipher which type is appropriate for the particular application.
To make your decision easy, we have listed the different types of rubber sheets, their characteristics, and their use.
SBR rubber sheet – Styrene-butadiene rubber, abbreviated as SBR is known for being hard and durable. A particular type of polymer is used to manufacture SBR rubber sheets and their chemical resistance property as well. As the sheet is resistant to friction, it is used in manufacturing tires, shoe soles, rubber cutting boards, and specialty rubber gaskets.
NBR rubber sheet– Nitrile or NBR rubber sheet is resistant to heat, gas permeability, and oil. This rubber is highly versatile due to its durability and resistance. The NBR rubber sheets are used for manufacturing gaskets, o-rings, oil seals, and engine hoses in the automotive industry. It is utilized in aviation and aerospace for self-sealing fuel tanks and bladders. Other than this, it is frequently used in making medical gloves.
Rubber sheet manufacturers
CR rubber sheets– It’s the oldest synthetic rubber used for industrial purposes. The CR rubber sheet is less susceptible to degrading, corrosion and burning compared to other rubber sheets. These characteristics allow the industrialists to use this rubber sheet in high-pressure gaskets, belts, and adhesive. Also, it’s used for weather-stripping on emergency exits and fire doors.
EPDM rubber sheet – Ethylene propylene Diene monomer rubber or EPDM rubber sheet has a strong resistance to hot and cold temperatures. So, this rubber sheet type can be used in every season and temperature. Usually, an EPDM rubber sheet is used in roofing as a waterproofing sealant and other outdoor applications. Also, it is used in the automotive industry as a sealant as it is insulating and noise-reducing.
Natural Rubber sheet– It comes from latex found in the Hevea brasiliensis tree, the para rubber tree. The primary characteristics of a natural rubber sheet are its durability and resistance to extreme temperature. Also, it is elastic, flexible, and has resistance to degrading, abrasion, and surface friction. With these characteristics, this sheet is used in manufacturing tires, gloves, flooring and roofing, balls, and insulation.
Silicone Rubber Sheet– Silicone or polysiloxane rubber sheet is highly resistant to temperature extremes, ultraviolet rays, ozone, and fire. It is available in both solid and liquid products and does not react to most chemicals. So, it is used in the manufacturing of medical equipment like respiratory masks, baby care items, cosmetic applicators, and cooking utensils. The only drawback is it is expensive.
Viton rubber sheet– Used for different industrial purposes, the Viton rubber sheet is resistant to chemicals, alkalis to acids, oil and can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. The Viton rubber sheet primarily contributes in automotive to manufacture shafts seals, check valves, military flyer binders, cut gaskets, etc, and in aerospace to manufacture sheet stock, fuel house, fuel injector O-rings, etc.
With the knowledge of different industrial rubber sheet types, we hope you will ask for the right option from a rubber sheet manufacturer.