Rubber Process

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What is RUBBER ROLLER?

Rubber roller is a rubber or an elastic material covering the core made of metal or other materials.

Characteristics Of Rubber Rollers

ROLLER CASE

In addition to the rubber quality, the quality of the roller core is also very important for the uses under various conditions. That is, unsuitable material and structure could cause serious problems. Generally, steel tubing is used as a material but for special purposes, materials such as stainless steel, aluminium . Roller core structures are different depending on the usage condition. Please consult our sales staff.

ROLLER BALANCE

As machinery is constantly being improved to make the operation faster, the problems due to the roller unbalance increases. For example, vibration, noise, premature wearing down of the bearings, cores, gears, premature damage of the rubber roller and machinery itself, etc. These problems arise because of the rapid increase in the centrifugal force due to the unbalance of the roller, as the roller revolution speed increases.

STATIC BALANCE

Static balance shows the evenness of load distribution of the roller component. The balance is checked by seeing if the roller moves on the sharp edges as shown in the sketch below. Correction is made by adding weight to the lighter side or lightening the heavier side.

DYNAMIC BALANCE

Dynamic Balance is measured to make the roller rotate. The unbalanced weight is described as centrifugal force which results in the roller swinging in a certain direction. To correct the dynamic balance, the roller surface is divided into 360 equal parts and weight adjustments are made at the positions where the unbalance is exerted.

CROWN PROCESSING

Crown height is the difference between the diameter of the roller center and the diameter near the roller end (Generally 50 mm from the end).

The purposes of giving crown to rollers are:

It is better to give the crown especially to the following rollers

CROWN TYPES

1. Tapered crown

Application: Conveying roller, Pulley

2. Radial crown (Barrel crown)

Application: Squeezing, Laminating

3. Reverse crown (Concave crown)

Application: Guide roller

RUBBER HARDNESS

Depending on the applications, various rubber hardness is used, from very hard one like metal to very soft one like sponge. You can predict the compression strain of the rubber by the hardness. The rubber hardness determines the nip width and the contact time between the substrate and the roller.

HARDNESS TESTER

Durometer A (Shore-A) is generally used for soft rubbers. Asker C is used for sponge materials. Durometer D is used for extremely hard materials.

INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON RUBBER HARDNESS

An increase in the temperature usually results in a decrease in the hardness of common types of rubber. Hardness should be compared at the same temperature, accordingly.

RUBBER COATING PROCESS

The rubber coating process typically involves several key steps to apply a layer of rubber to various surfaces, enhancing durability, grip, and protection. Here’s a general overview of the process

Surface Preparation

Clean the substrate (metal, plastic, etc.) to remove dirt, grease, and contaminants.
Depending on the material, roughen the surface using sanding or abrasive methods to improve adhesion.

Application of Primer

A primer may be applied to enhance adhesion between the substrate and the rubber coating.

Rubber Coating Application:

Spraying: Liquid rubber can be sprayed onto the surface using a spray gun.
Dipping: The item can be dipped into a vat of liquid rubber.
Brushing or Rolling: For smaller items, rubber can be applied with brushes or rollers.

Curing:

The rubber coating is allowed to cure, which may involve air drying or using heat to accelerate the process, depending on the specific rubber formulation.

Finishing:

Once cured, any excess rubber may be trimmed, and the coating can be inspected for uniformity and adhesion.

Quality Control:

Final inspections ensure the coating meets desired thickness, appearance, and performance standards.

Packaging and Distribution:

After passing quality control, the coated products are packaged and prepared for distribution.

Compound

Printing specialized materials designed for use in the manufacture of rubber rollers used in printing rubber roller compounds are presses. These rollers are essential components in the printing process, where they transfer ink to paper, textiles, or other substrates. The compound used for these rollers must have specific properties to ensure durability, resistance to wear, and excellent ink transfer.

1. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) -

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that is widely used in a variety of applications due to its excellent properties and versatility. It is made from a combination of ethylene, propylene, and a diene component, which allows for the incorporation of unsaturation in the polymer chain, making it suitable for various industrial uses.

Key Properties:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is highly valued for its excellent weathering and ozone resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use where exposure to UV rays, ozone, and aging is common. It also boasts good heat resistance, performing well in high-temperature environments, and offers strong water resistance, making it suitable for wet or humid conditions. Additionally, EPDM provides superior electrical insulation, making it useful in electrical applications. However, it has poor oil and fuel resistance, which limits its use in applications where exposure to oils or fuels is expected.

Applications:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is widely used in various industries due to its exceptional resistance to weathering, UV rays, heat, and water. In the automotive sector, it’s used for seals, gaskets, and hoses. In construction, EPDM serves as durable roofing membranes, seals, and piping components. It also plays a key role in electrical insulation, used for cables and wiring. 

2. Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerizing butadiene and acrylonitrile. Known for its excellent oil and fuel resistance, NBR is widely used in automotive and industrial applications, such as fuel hoses, gaskets, seals, and rollers. It also offers good abrasion and wear resistance, making it durable in high-stress environments. However, it has a limited temperature range, performing best between -40°C to 100°C, and has poor weather and ozone resistance, degrading under prolonged exposure to UV, ozone, and harsh weather conditions. Despite these limitations, NBR remains a go-to material for applications where resistance to oils and fuels is crucial.

3. High Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)

High Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is a more specialized and highly saturated form of NBR, offering superior oil, fuel, and chemical resistance, as well as excellent heat resistance. HNBR performs better in outdoor environments, resisting UV and ozone degradation, and provides improved mechanical properties, making it ideal for high-performance applications like automotive seals and fuel system components.

4. Neoprene (CR - Chloroprene Rubber)

Neoprene, a synthetic rubber derived from the polymerization of chloroprene, is known for its excellent weather and ozone resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and harsh environmental applications. It offers strong protection against UV rays and ozone, ensuring that the material remains durable and retains its properties even when exposed to the elements over time. Neoprene also provides moderate resistance to oils, fuels, and some chemicals, though not as strong as other rubbers like nitrile.

5. Natural Rubber (NR)

Natural Rubber (NR) is sourced from the latex of rubber trees, particularly Hevea brasiliensis. It is known for its excellent elasticity and resilience, allowing it to stretch significantly and recover its original shape after deformation. This makes it an ideal material for applications requiring high flexibility and durability. Tensile strength and tear resistance are also key properties of NR, contributing to its robustness in various demanding applications. 

6. Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber created through the copolymerization of styrene and butadiene. It is known for its good abrasion resistance, which makes it durable and capable of withstanding wear and tear in various applications. While its tensile strength is moderate and not as high as Natural Rubber (NR) or High Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), SBR still offers decent strength and flexibility.