Ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers are the components of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a synthetic rubber. Its single bond, chemically-saturated molecular structure gives it a very strong resistance to the elements. This is due to the fact that, unlike double-bonded rubbers, its molecular structure cannot be disrupted by ozone or UV rays. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
RD Rubber Technology Corporation
Santa Fe Springs, CA | 562-941-4800RD Rubber Technology Corp is an ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100:2016 certified and ITAR registered company. We offer compression, transfer, injection and Liquid Injection molding, rubber to metal bonding, engineering support, tooling design, machining and more. Our customers rely on us to give them the best possible production solutions for rubber molding. From aerospace to medical, food processing to military applications we build trust by being responsive to your needs.
Britech Industries
Stuart, FL | 772-286-9278If you have a need custom rubber molding for products with a fast turnaround, Britech Industries is the company you need to call. We do molded, extruded and die cut rubber – of various products and in the colors and compounds you need.
Pierce-Roberts Rubber Co.
Trenton, NJ | 609-394-5245With more than a century of manufacturing experience, Pierce-Roberts Rubber Co. is your source for custom molded rubber products.
Accurate Products, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 800-782-7776Rubber molding is what we do best. We believe in offering our very best to all customers no matter how large or small. For over 65 years we have pushed the boundaries of what we do and continue to improve our products and customer service every day.
REDCO Rubber Engineering & Development Company
Carson City, NV | 800-733-2648REDCO Rubber Engineering & Development is your complete source for rubber molding products, including rubber rollers, die-cut gaskets, and custom rubber products to suit your application.
National Rubber Corp.
Canonsburg, PA | 866-672-8100National Rubber was founded in 1997 with the values of variety, consistency, quality, open communication, and timely delivery at its core.
Mason Rubber Co., Inc.
Trevose, PA | 215-355-3440Mason Rubber is a full-service organization assisting in the designing or reverse engineering of custom product to fulfill your production requirements.
Minnesota Rubber & Plastics
Minneapolis, MN | 1-800-927-1422Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MRP) is a leader in material compound development and the manufacturing of custom elastomeric and thermoplastic components. With facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, MRP collaborates with original equipment manufacturers to solve difficult sealing and component challenges across multiple markets. Capabilities include materials science and formulation, fully functional product prototyping, and operational excellence and supply chain consolidation.
Kent Rubber Supply Co.
Grand Rapids, MI | 616-538-4970Kent Rubber Supply leverages our experience, innovation and continuous development to ensure our customers get the best products. We specialize in small to large batch production runs of molded rubber parts, allowing us to offer ultimate customization when it comes to a wide variety of specs. Our products vary in shapes, sizes and wall thicknesses in materials such as PVC and urethane. Both domestic and offshore services are available.
Aero Rubber Company, Inc.
Tinley Park, IL | 800-662-1009Aero Rubber is an ISO 9001:2015-registered, world-class manufacturer of molded rubber products, custom molded rubber and molded rubber goods.
Jet Rubber Company
Rootstown, OH | 330-325-1821Jet Rubber Company, employee-owned, offers custom molded rubber and rubber to metal components. They offer rubber molding in a wide array of standard rubber products as well as custom options for those more complex and difficult jobs.
Device Technologies, Inc.
Southborough, MA | 508-229-2000Spring-Fast Grommets with fusion bonded nylon & a polymer cushion prevent wire chafe & give you best in class performance, 49% install savings & a 9.5x efficiency improvement. The nylon clad metal substrate snaps on with finger pressure & self locks - eliminating adhesives & the old slow & costly gluing process. It is used widely used in across the OEM & contract manufacture sectors. ISO 9001:2015 & AS 9100-D. Collaborative product customization available. Request free samples on site.
Synthetic rubber includes EPDM rubber. It has a wide range of uses because of its extraordinary durability and flexibility, including in cars (where it is used for cooling system hoses, window and door seals, and more), cold rooms, non-slip deck and playground coatings, and many other places.
Simply said, while synthetic rubber (EPDM) maintains flexibility and can endure temperature changes for decades, pure rubber becomes brittle with temperature changes.
EPDM Molding Process
Closing the mold and pouring heated EPDM into the exposed mold cavity are the first steps in the procedure. For injection, a preset amount of EPDM is divided into smaller strips and put through a screw.
Vents allow displaced air to escape when the mold fills in order to avoid air bubbles and other flaws. Rubber compounds like EPDM are heated and subjected to much more pressure per square inch of cavity surface than plastics, which is one of the main differences between injection molding rubber and plastic.
High pressure and high temperature help plasticize the parts to cure the compound and plasticize the individual pieces, whereas plastic is cooled under less pressure. The length of time required for each cycle of parts to fully cure varies depending on the particular design. Once complete, the mold opens and the parts are manually removed or ejected so that the process can start over.
Advantages of EPDM Molding
- It provides exceptional resistance to UV, ozone, weathering, aging, and different chemicals.
- It is excellent for outdoor use.
- EPDM offers stability in temperatures that are extremely hot and low.
- It withstands steam and water.
- It provides low conductivity of electricity.
- EPDM has the ability to be used across a wide range of industries and applications.
- Its longevity and toughness are ideal for constant use.
- EPDM is cheaper than silicone.
- Eco-friendly: While white EPDM roofs are less common, they are still an option and can reflect UV rays and even help cut down on energy expenses. They work well with solar panel arrays and rooftop plants. Due to its lightweight nature, this material can adapt to any shape or style of roof while still offering the same benefits. Additionally, very little time or resources are needed to create this material, and it is completely recyclable.
Applications of EPDM Rubber
- Automotive: Thanks to its adaptability, toughness, and weatherability, EPDM is used in this application the most frequently. It can be found in wire and cable harnesses, brake systems, seals, weather stripping, and sealant for automobiles. Additionally, it is combined with other materials to create automotive bumpers, rub strips, and fender extensions.
- Industrial: EPDM is used in industrial applications because of its toughness, flexibility, waterproofing, and electrical-insulating qualities. Electrical insulators, connections for wire and cable, and parts like O-rings, hoses, and gaskets for water systems are all made of EPDM. Additionally, it may be found in belts, grommets, diaphragms, and accumulator bladders.
- Construction: EPDM is widely used in the roofing industry because of its qualities as an insulator, weatherproof material, and waterproof material. The sealant, expansion joints, garage door seals, pool and tank liners, and waterproof coating for bitumen roofs are additional uses for it. Even the roofs of RVs utilize it.
- HVAC: Due to its weatherability and temperature endurance, EPDM is used in this business as insulation, tubing, gaskets, seals, and grommets.
- Pond liners: Whether it's a pond, a water feature, or a stream, water is ideal for fostering a serene, natural atmosphere in outdoor settings. Doing so is really simple with EPDM pond liners! The pre-assembled pond liners are not only quick and simple to install, but they also have a 30-year lifespan. Additionally, EPDM is bleach resistant and toxic-free, making it ideal for fish, plants, birds, and other nearby species.
- Water tank liners: Because EPDM's molecules are so closely packed together, it is highly challenging for water and vapor to move through it. This makes it perfect for use in biogas and water storage tank linings. It also helps that it doesn't shrink or crack over time.
