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So, you walk into your local rubber shop, having a general idea for a project in mind, but you need a little more direction that that to get your project up and running. You’re likely to have many questions, questions like “To whom do you supply rubber?” or maybe “What kind of elastomer is best suited for my project?” Perhaps you’re even a bit more rubber-savvy than the average consumer and you wish to know what that particular company’s services are regarding stripping rubber or what their stock of rubber flaps consists of at the time being. It is important to educate yourself of these things before you get your project started. The smallest bit of misinformation about elastomers could set you back immensely and cost you tons of money and time! It’s best to leave nothing to chance and instead investigate all of your options, as well as educate yourself regarding rubber supplier’s products and services. The following is an overview of what products and services your typical elastomer-based company might offer.
Supply: Rubber Types and Variants
There isn’t just one kind of rubber out there. While that may have been true less than a hundred years ago, that is no longer the case. There are a number of different types of rubber out there, each with its own set of applications that it is best suited for. This won’t even delve into the different thicknesses and textures of each kind of elastomer that is available at many local rubber shops.
- Natural Rubber: Also known as pure gum rubber, this is rubber that is created using the substances that are harvested from trees on plantations in South America and Southeast Asia. Some applications such as creating aircraft tires still require the use of natural materials.
- Recycled Rubber: Many companies are now introducing “green” products, products that are made from recycled materials. Recycled rubber typically comes from discarded car tires.
- Reclaimed Rubber: This is similar to recycled rubber, except that these will go through some secondary chemical processes that will strengthen them and produce products with different textures.
- Synthetic Rubber: Since the first half of the twentieth century, synthetic rubbers have been on the market for use. There are many different types of these, each designed to have very specific qualities that will suitable for very specific applications. Some of the more common type of synthetic elastomer are:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- Neoprene
- Nitrile
- Santoprene
- SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)
- Silicone
Closed Cell Rubber – Blend
- Temperature Range: -40 F to +200 F
- Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
- Sheets available in size of 39in by 78in
- Ideal for use in shock absorption and gasket related applications
- A versatile blend of closed cell sponge available at affordable rates
Moderate Weather Resistance: This closed cell sponge rubber benefits from the presence of Neoprene material since each sponge sheet is composed of Neoprene and SBR. A characteristic of Neoprene rubber is its good resistance to outdoor weathering effects such as UV rays and ozone. As a result, it is often employed wherever a rubber part is needed for the outdoors. This blended cellular rubber possesses a moderate degree of outdoor weather resistance.
A Durable Sponge Rubber: As a direct benefit from the SBR rubber used to make it, this closed cell sponge rubber possesses a good degree of physical durability. SBR is known for its superior physical strength and resistance to physical abrasions. It is the reason why SBR is so popular for use in vehicle tires, which are expected to endure harsh physical conditions on a daily basis. Although cellular rubber tends to be a softer material overall, especially when compared to its regular solid rubber counterparts, it is still durable enough to handle some moderate level physical abrasions.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
Services
You’ll definitely want to inquire what services a particular rubber supplier has to offer. These will oftentimes go hand in hand with the products they offer as well. These are some common services that are offered:
- Installation services
- Custom fabrication
- Cutting services
- Hand cutting
- Dye Cutting
- Hydro Jet Cutting
- Laser Cutting
- Wide rubber rolls converted to other sorts of rubber curtains and strips
- Protects subsurfaces against heavy weights
- Outdoor floor mats great for different weather conditions
- Easy to clean with a water hose and common detergents
- Temporary installations with the use of double-sided tape
- Perfect for use as ramp flooring, industrial mat, marine pathway flooring, fitness center mats, outdoor walkway mats, horse trailer floor matting, and much more
Loves an Uphill Battle: These runner mats are designed for use at inclines. Whether you need to put it down on a ramp or a steep walkway, it will continue to function as a sturdy floor protector and as dependable no-slip mats. The ribbed rubber texture is meant to provide feet with an enhanced level of grip when moving uphill or downhill.
SBR Protection: These black rubber mats are ideal to use as outdoor floor mats thanks to the styrene butadiene rubber that makes them up. SBR is a very reliable type of rubber to have in wet weather conditions. These runner mats will not crack or mold under a prolonged exposure to moisture. Even when wet, SBR never loses the excellent level of grip it provides for your feet.
Scrapes Away Debris: The corrugated ribbed rubber surface assists in keeping your shoes clean. These high quality black rubber mats scrape dirt and mud off of incoming footwear and keeps it trapped on the surface. This quality is especially useful in wet and messy regions.
Products
The usefulness of elastomers is always expanding. As time goes on, technology advances, and research takes place, more and more industries are finding the usefulness of rubber in their many applications. Your local rubber shop is likely to have at least some of the following products:
- Rubber mats and flooring
- Rubber sheets and rolls
- Belting
- Ducting
- Mounts and padding
- Gaskets and Seals
- Pavement maintenance
- Playground surfacing
- Custom fabricated parts such as rubber flaps
Your local rubber shop may have more or less products and services available. You can only hope that their in-supply rubber is suitable for your needs. Not all companies will have as wide a selection of different elastomers as the other. Will your rubber supplier offer rubber pads or other custom fabricated parts that you’ll need for your project? You won’t be sure if they offer custom cutting or rubber strips services unless you inquire directly. Make sure to do your own research and weigh your options before going with any one rubber company!
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