Category Archive: Materials
In steel processing, precision and durability aren’t optional—they’re essential. Rubber rollers play a critical role in maintaining efficiency, product quality, and consistent production across coiling, slitting, tension leveling, and strip processing applications.
Watch our video below to explore how our 60 years of expertise in material selection, quality control, and application-specific solutions. Our precision-engineered rollers help minimize downtime, improve efficiency, and extend service life—so your operation runs smoothly.
Find this video and others on YouTube! or explore the rest of our blog!
Full Video Transcript:
“In the demanding world of steel processing, every detail matters. Rubber rollers are essential components that ensure efficiency, product quality, and consistent production in applications like coiling, slitting, tension leveling and strip processing.
From guiding and supporting steel strips to maintaining tension and preventing surface damage, quality rollers are the backbone of consistent production.
Precision-engineered rollers ensure clean cuts, accurate tracking, tension control and proper edge quality in slitting lines, even under heavy loads.
Steel processing environments are unique. That’s why our rollers are designed to handle extreme temperatures, heavy loads, oil exposure, and abrasive debris without compromising performance.
At Harwood Rubber Products, our expertise in material selection and quality control ensures your rollers are built to last, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
We understand how different formulations perform under specific conditions and can recommend optimal solutions for your application. Our expertise helps prevent process failure and extends service life.
With 60 years of experience in a variety of applications, we provide tailored solutions, technical support, and proven results to meet the unique demands of your operation.
Contact Harwood Rubber Products today to discuss your needs. Together, we’ll create roller solutions that deliver performance, longevity, and value.“
Curious about how Harwood Rubber Products turns your concepts into high-performing rubber roller solutions? Watch our video below to explore our proven development process—from understanding your application to delivering precision-crafted rollers designed for durability, efficiency, and long-term value.
See how we work collaboratively to design and produce rubber rollers that meet your unique needs:
Find this video and others on YouTube! or explore the rest of our blog!
Full Video Transcript:
“At Harwood Rubber Products, we specialize in turning your rubber roller concepts into reality. From simple production line needs to complex custom applications – we guide you through every step of the process.
It starts with understanding your application. Our team dives deep into the specifics to help lay the foundation to build a solution tailored to your needs.
Next comes design and engineering. Material selection is critical. Whether a standard, cost-effective rubber or a more durable, specialized compound best fits your needs – we ensure efficiency while keeping long-term costs in mind.
With the design in place, we transition to production. Detailed planning, robust quality control, and rigorous testing ensure every roller meets your exact specifications, whether it’s a one-off or a large production run.
We follow rigorous production parameters that have been developed through over 50 years of experience. These steps ensure that every roller will perform as designed, saving you from costly breakdowns and downtime.
Our commitment doesn’t end at delivery. We offer support and maintenance recommendations based on our expertise to extend the life of your rollers, lower lifetime costs, and maximize performance.
Partner with Harwood Rubber Products and invest in efficiency, reliability, and long-term cost savings. From concept to production, we’re here to help. Contact our team of experts to get started. “
The performance and longevity of industrial rubber rollers depend heavily on the properties of the rubber used in their construction. In this article, we’ll explore key rubber properties that we consider when creating custom rollers for specific industrial applications.
Custom Durometer
Durometer measures rubber hardness. Different applications require different levels of hardness.
- Low durometer: Soft, flexible; ideal for irregular surfaces
- Medium durometer: Balances conformity and durability
- High durometer: Hard, suitable for high-pressure applications
Our team of experts can fine-tune the durometer of rubber compounds to meet specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance for your unique application.
High Temperature Resistance
Many industrial environments expose rollers to high temperatures. Heat-resistant rubber:
- Maintains shape and properties at elevated temperatures
- Prevents deformation, ensuring consistent performance
- Extends roller lifespan, reducing replacements and downtime
Different compounds offer varying heat resistance levels. For instance, silicone rubber typically withstands higher temperatures than natural rubber. The choice depends on the specific temperature range of the application, which could range from moderately warm environments to extreme heat in some industrial processes.
Chemical/Solvent Resistance
Industrial settings often involve exposure to chemicals, solvents, or oils. Chemical-resistant rubber:
- Maintains properties when contacting specific substances
- Resists swelling, shrinking, or dissolving
- Preserves surface integrity, preventing contamination
Different rubber compounds offer resistance to different types of chemicals. For example:
- Nitrile (NBR): Excellent for oils and fuels
- EPDM: Highly resistant to water and polar solvents
- Fluoroelastomers (like Viton): Exceptional resistance to various chemicals and high temperatures
Selecting the right rubber compound requires a thorough understanding of the chemicals present in the manufacturing environment.
Wear Resistance
Rollers operating under high pressure or in abrasive conditions require excellent wear resistance. This property:
- Maintains surface integrity and dimensions
- Ensures consistent performance and product quality
- Extends service life, reducing maintenance costs
Factors contributing to wear resistance include tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance.
Impact on Roller Performance
Custom Durometer:
- Affects pressure distribution and nip width
- Influences material handling capabilities
- Determines suitability for specific applications (e.g., printing, laminating)
High Temperature Resistance:
- Ensures dimensional stability in hot environments
- Maintains consistent performance in heat-intensive processes
- Extends roller lifespan in high-temperature applications
Chemical/Solvent Resistance:
- Preserves surface integrity when exposed to harsh substances
- Prevents contamination of processed materials
- Maintains consistent performance despite chemical exposure
Wear Resistance:
- Preserves dimensional accuracy for precision applications
- Maintains surface quality for consistent material handling
- Reduces maintenance frequency and associated downtime
Choosing the Right Rubber
Selecting the optimal rubber compound for an industrial roller involves carefully balancing the properties we’ve discussed to meet the specific demands of your application. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this decision-making process:
Analyze application requirements:
- Operating temperature range
- Chemical exposure
- Load and pressure conditions
- Speed of operation
- Required durometer
- Expected lifespan
Prioritize key properties based on your specific needs.
- In high-temperature environments, heat resistance might be your top priority.
- For applications involving harsh chemicals, chemical resistance is most important.
- If your process involves abrasive materials, wear resistance matters most.
Consider common rubber types:
Different rubber compounds excel in different areas.
- Natural Rubber (NR): Excellent wear resistance, limited chemical resistance
- Nitrile (NBR): Outstanding oil resistance, good wear resistance
- EPDM: Excellent water and weather resistance, poor oil resistance
- Silicone: Exceptional temperature range, lower mechanical strength
- Polyurethane: Outstanding wear resistance, limited high-temperature performance
Consult experts for insights and custom formulations.
Our materials specialists can provide:
- Suggestions for optimal compounds based on your specific needs.
- Custom formulations for unique applications.
- Expertise on how different compounds perform in various conditions.
Consider hybrid solutions for complex requirements.
Sometimes, a single rubber compound may not meet all your needs. In such cases, consider:
- Multi-layer rollers with different rubber types in the core and surface
- Rollers with specialized coatings for enhanced chemical or wear resistance
Test samples in actual operating conditions when possible.
Choosing the right rubber is a balance between performance, longevity, and cost. By carefully considering your specific needs and understanding how different rubber properties contribute to roller performance, you can select a rubber compound that optimizes your industrial processes, improves product quality, and reduces long-term operational costs.
Conclusion
Understanding the key properties of rubber – durometer, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and wear resistance – helps you make informed decisions about which properties are most important to consider for the industrial rubber rollers in your applications. These characteristics significantly impact a roller’s performance, longevity, and suitability for specific applications.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The optimal choice depends on your specific needs and application requirements. By applying the insights from this article and collaborating with experienced manufacturers like our team of experts at Harwood Rubber Products, you can make informed decisions that positively impact your manufacturing processes and bottom line.
Reach out to our team today – we are here to help with all your rubber roller and custom rubber-coated product needs!
Looking for even more detail about the different properties of rubber? Check out our white paper, “From Durometer to Durability: The Science Behind Exceptional Industrial Rubber Rollers”, where you’ll get a more comprehensive overview of critical rubber properties and how they complement each other in real-world applications. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how we choose the right rubber materials and compounds to optimize rollers for performance and longevity in your unique application.
Discover how Harwood Rubber Products’ design capabilities can elevate your operations in our latest video!
From custom contours to precision grooving, we tailor every solution to your unique needs. Watch now to see how our expertise in rubber roller customization can improve efficiency and enhance your production process!
Learn more about our precision designed rubber rollers on YouTube!
Full Video Transcript:
“At Harwood Rubber Products, our design capabilities are tailored to meet the unique challenges of your operations, ensuring that you receive the most reliable and efficient solutions for your rubber roller needs.
Custom contours are designed to match the exact specifications of your application to ensure even pressure distribution and optimal material handling, reducing wear and enhancing product quality.
Our precision grooving capabilities help solve issues like uneven material distribution and slippage, leading to smoother operations and less downtime.
Whether you need a rough surface texture for enhanced traction or a smooth finish for delicate applications, our customizations support your processes to run with minimal waste and maximum output.
High quality rubbers and coverings endure aggressive environments, providing essential durability. We offer custom durometers, materials, and finishes tailored to your specific needs.
No matter what challenge you’re facing, our team’s deep knowledge and experience ensure that every custom solution is built to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Contact us today to see how Harwood Rubber Products can enhance your operations with our superior rubber roller solutions.“
Industrial rubber rollers play a critical role in a variety of manufacturing processes. The performance and efficiency of these rollers largely depend on the surface finish. Selecting the right surface finish—whether custom contours, grooving, or surface roughness—can significantly impact the quality of the final product and the efficiency of the process. This article explores these three primary surface finishes, highlighting their key differences, unique advantages, and practical applications.
Custom Contours: Tailoring Rollers to Specific Applications
Custom contouring involves shaping the rubber roller’s surface to meet the specific needs of an application. Unlike standard cylindrical rollers, custom-contoured rollers can have tapered, crowned, or otherwise profiled surfaces.
Key Advantages:
- Precision in Material Handling: Custom contours allow for precise control over material movement. For example, a crowned roller, which is slightly convex in the middle, helps center the material being processed, reducing the risk of misalignment and ensuring even pressure distribution across the width of the material.
- Improved Durability: Contoured rollers can be designed to distribute pressure more evenly, which reduces wear and tear on the roller and extends its lifespan. In some cases, this can increase the roller’s operational life compared to standard cylindrical rollers.
- Application-Specific Design: Industries with unique processing requirements – such as those involving delicate or highly sensitive materials – benefit from the tailored approach of custom contours. These rollers can be designed to minimize damage and optimize handling efficiency.
Grooving: Enhancing Grip and Material Flow
Grooving involves machining patterns, such as spirals, herringbones, or straight lines, into the rubber surface. These grooves are essential in applications where material slippage must be minimized or where fluid needs to be channeled effectively.
Key Advantages:
- Enhanced Grip: Grooved rollers provide better traction on materials, which is crucial in applications such as printing or laminating, where precise control over material movement is required. Grooved rollers can better increase traction compared to smooth rollers.
- Improved Fluid Management: In processes involving liquids, grooved rollers can efficiently channel fluids away from the contact area. This not only prevents material slippage but also reduces the likelihood of contamination or uneven application of coatings. Properly designed grooves can greatly improve fluid removal efficiency.
- Versatility: Grooving patterns can be customized to suit different materials and processing requirements, making grooved rollers a versatile option for various industrial applications.
Surface Roughness: Balancing Friction and Wear
Surface roughness refers to the texture of the roller’s surface, which can be controlled during manufacturing. The roughness level affects the roller’s friction and its grip on the material.
Key Advantages:
- Optimized Friction: By adjusting surface roughness, manufacturers can control the level of friction between the roller and the material. A rougher surface may be required for materials that tend to slip, while a smoother surface might be necessary for delicate materials that could be damaged by excessive friction.
- Wear Resistance: The right surface roughness can also enhance the roller’s wear resistance. A finely tuned surface roughness can reduce the abrasive wear that occurs during processing and prolonging the roller’s operational life.
- Energy Efficiency: By minimizing unnecessary friction, optimized surface roughness can contribute to energy savings in high-speed processes, reducing the overall operational costs.
Comparison of Surface Finishes
| Aspect | Custom Contours | Grooving | Surface Roughness |
| Primary Benefit | Precision material handling | Enhanced grip and fluid management | Optimized friction and wear resistance |
| Cost | High | Medium | Low to Medium |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Moderately customizable | Limited customization |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium | Low |
| Lifespan | Extended | Moderate | Varies based on application |
Maintenance and Longevity
The choice of surface finish impacts maintenance requirements and roller lifespan:
- Custom contoured rollers often require less frequent replacement due to their optimized pressure distribution.
- Grooved rollers may need periodic re-grooving to maintain effectiveness.
- Surface roughness can be maintained through periodic reconditioning, which can extend roller life.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate surface finish for industrial rubber rollers is important for achieving optimal performance and longevity. Custom contours provide tailored solutions for specific applications, grooving enhances material handling and fluid management, and surface roughness offers a balance between grip and wear resistance. By understanding the unique advantages of each surface finish and considering factors such as cost, maintenance, and specific application requirements, manufacturers can make informed decisions that enhance their production processes and improve product quality.
Our team of experts at Harwood Rubber Products has six decades of experience in helping customers better understand their rubber roller needs, and we provide only the best quality rollers and custom rubber-coated products to suit those needs. Interested in learning more? Reach out to our team today – we’d be happy to see how we can be of service to you!
Among all the different types of materials that can be used in industrial rubber rollers, sponge is often the most overlooked. But there are plenty of applications in which sponge can be the best option. Sponge rollers are essential components in many industries – from printing and packaging to textiles and food processing. Incorporating sponge into rubber rollers offers several benefits that can significantly enhance operational performance and product quality.
Enhanced Flexibility and Cushioning
Sponge, by nature, is a soft and pliable material. When used in rubber rollers, it provides exceptional flexibility and cushioning. This characteristic is helpful in applications where delicate materials are handled. The sponge layer in the roller absorbs pressure, ensuring that even fragile materials like paper, films, and textiles pass through machinery without damage. Its flexibility reduces the risk of tearing, creasing, or other forms of deformation, leading to higher-quality end products.
Improved Ink and Adhesive Transfer
In printing and adhesive applications, the transfer efficiency of ink or glue is critical. Sponge rubber rollers excel in this area due to their ability to evenly distribute these substances across surfaces. The porous nature of the sponge material allows it to hold and release ink or adhesive in a controlled manner, resulting in consistent coverage. Uniform distribution is essential for achieving precise prints and effective bonding in adhesive processes. Sponge’s ability to absorb excess ink or glue also prevents smudging and waste.
Noise Reduction
Machinery noise is a common issue in industrial environments, affecting both worker comfort and safety. Sponge rubber rollers can significantly reduce noise levels. It acts as a sound dampener, absorbing vibrations and minimizing noise generated during roller operation. Noise reduction is beneficial in creating a more comfortable working environment, potentially lowering the risk of hearing damage among workers.
Cost-Effectiveness
Relative to other materials often used in industrial rubber rollers, sponge can be a more cost-effective option. Sponge rubber rollers can perform efficiently over extended periods of time and don’t require as much ongoing maintenance and repair as some other materials – which helps minimize downtime and other costly delays.
Versatility in Applications
Sponge rubber rollers are incredibly versatile. They can be customized to suit a wide range of applications, from light-duty tasks to more demanding industrial processes. Sponge’s adaptability allows it to be tailored in terms of density, thickness, and hardness, ensuring that it meets the specific requirements of different industries.
Specific Applications of Sponge Rubber Rollers
While sponge rubber rollers offer benefits across various industries, there are certain applications where they truly excel:
- Textile Industry: Fabric printing and dyeing, ensuring even dye distribution and preventing damage to delicate fabrics.
- Paper Manufacturing: Used in wet-end processes for water removal and in calendering for texture impartation.
- Printing Industry: Critical in offset printing’s dampening systems, applying uniform water layers to printing plates.
- Food Processing: Employed in conveyor systems for gentle handling of delicate food items.
- Film and Foil Coating: Applied in adhesive and coating processes for tapes, labels, and films, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Utilized in cleaning and polishing processes for sensitive silicon wafers.
Conclusion
Using sponge for industrial rubber rollers can help improve your processes. From enhanced flexibility and cushioning to improved material transfer and noise reduction, sponge rubber rollers provide a flexible, cost-effective, and versatile solution for various industrial applications.
Our team at Harwood Rubber Products is well-versed in using sponge to develop rubber rollers to suit a variety of applications. Wondering if your use case could benefit from a sponge rubber roller? Reach out to our team today – we’d be happy to discuss your unique needs and develop the right product for you.
The materials used for industrial manufacturing equipment can greatly impact the efficiency, durability, and overall success of operations. One material that stands out for its superior properties in industrial applications is Hypalon, known chemically as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM). It is known for its exceptional performance characteristics that make it ideal for industrial rubber rollers. Here are some of the key benefits of using Hypalon in this application.
Outstanding Chemical Resistance
Hypalon exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and various solvents. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where rollers are exposed to harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing benefit from Hypalon’s ability to withstand aggressive substances without deteriorating, ensuring a longer lifespan for the rollers.
Superior Weatherability
Another beneficial feature of Hypalon is its exceptional resistance to environmental conditions. It can endure prolonged exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures without degrading. This property makes Hypalon rubber rollers suitable for outdoor applications and industries where equipment is exposed to fluctuating weather conditions, such as construction and mining. The durability of Hypalon under these conditions reduces maintenance costs and downtime associated with roller replacement.
Excellent Flexibility and Mechanical Strength
Hypalon offers a unique combination of flexibility and mechanical strength, making it a great choice of material for rubber rollers that require both resilience and the ability to handle heavy loads. Its flexibility allows for better shock absorption and reduced vibration during operation, helping to maintain the integrity of the rollers and the machinery they support. Industries that require high-performance rollers, such as paper and textile manufacturing, benefit significantly from the strength and adaptability of Hypalon.
High Resistance to Abrasion and Wear
Industrial rubber rollers are subject to constant abrasion and wear, which can lead to frequent replacements and increased operational costs. Hypalon’s high resistance to abrasion ensures that rollers maintain their integrity and functionality over time. This durability is especially helpful in applications involving conveyor systems or materials handling, where the rollers encounter continuous friction and stress.
Versatility and Customization
Hypalon’s unique properties make it highly versatile and customizable for various industrial applications. It can be formulated to meet specific hardness and elasticity requirements, allowing manufacturers to design rollers tailored to their precise operational needs. Industries and applications that have specialized requirements can benefit from Hypalon’s versatility and customization options.
Environmental Sustainability
As industries move towards more sustainable practices, the longevity and durability of Hypalon contribute to reduced waste and resource consumption. By minimizing the frequency of roller replacements, Hypalon supports efforts to decrease the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal processes. Its resistance to environmental degradation also means fewer chemical treatments are required, further reducing ecological harm.
Conclusion
Hypalon’s unique combination of chemical resistance, weatherability, flexibility, mechanical strength, and environmental benefits makes it an excellent choice for industrial rubber rollers. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions and heavy-duty applications ensures that industries can rely on Hypalon rollers for efficient and long-lasting performance.
Wondering if Hypalon is the right choice material for your rubber roller needs? Get in touch with our team of experts – no matter what material suits your application best, we can deliver top-notch quality rubber rollers and custom rubber coated products to support your operations, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
Explore some of the materials we work with everyday at Harwood Rubber Products in our latest video!
Dive into our wide range of rubbers that are just a piece of the custom solutions that can be designed for your specific needs! Watch now to see how our extensive knowledge of materials can make a difference in your operations.
Learn more about our materials here or watch this video on YouTube!
Full Video Transcript:
“At Harwood Rubber Products, we specialize in crafting industrial rubber rollers and custom rubber parts for many industries. Today, we’re featuring four of the many valuable materials we work with: Nitrile Rubber, Isoprene Rubber, Silicone, and Hypalon. Each plays a vital role due to their unique properties & characteristics.
Nitrile Rubber is known for its exceptional resistance to oils, fuels and other messy fluids. It offers durability, high tensile strength and abrasion resistance useful in extreme cases such as automotive and aerospace applications.
Isoprene Rubber, also known as Natural Rubber, features outstanding elasticity and low heat buildup. Outside of rubber rollers, it often finds itself to be useful for textile and paper industries, providing excellent grip and impact absorption perfect for high-demand applications.
Silicone rubber stands out for its electrical insulation properties and extreme temperature resistance, ranging from -150°F to 480°F. It is chemically stable and weather resistant, able to withstand extended exposure to oxygen, wind, rain, UV, and ozone. Its non-toxic nature makes it suitable for medical and food processing applications. FDA-approved grades of Silicone ensure safety and efficiency in critical environments.
Hypalon, or Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene, offers excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, high temperatures and chemicals. Commonly used in roofing systems, automotive industries and chemical-resistant liners, it offers superior longevity and performance under stress.
But our expertise doesn’t stop there. Harwood Rubber Products also works with a variety of other materials to meet your specific needs
For unique applications, we provide a variety of durometers and can develop custom compounds that meet MSHA and FDA requirements.
At Harwood Rubber Products, we’re committed to delivering the perfect rubber solution for your production process. Let us help you choose the right material for your application, ensuring durability, reliability, and optimal performance.
Contact us today!“
Nitrile elastomers, known for their robustness and versatility, have long been a staple in various industrial applications. Among them, specialty nitrile elastomers like Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR) and Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) offer unique properties that set them apart. These advanced materials provide enhanced performance in demanding environments, making them a popular choice in many different applications.
Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR)
XNBR is a modified version of nitrile rubber, incorporating carboxyl groups into its polymer structure, giving XNBR several key advantages:
Improved Abrasion Resistance
The addition of carboxyl groups significantly enhances the abrasion resistance of XNBR. This makes it ideal for applications where materials are subjected to continuous friction or wear, such as in seals, gaskets, and conveyor belts.
Enhanced Mechanical Strength
XNBR exhibits superior tensile strength and tear resistance compared to standard nitrile rubber. This strength is crucial for components that must withstand high pressure and mechanical stress without deforming or failing.
Chemical Resistance
Like its nitrile counterparts, XNBR offers excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and various chemicals. This resistance ensures durability and longevity in harsh chemical environments, such as those found in the automotive and oil and gas industries.
Flexibility in Low Temperatures
Despite its toughness, XNBR maintains flexibility at low temperatures. This property is essential for applications in cold climates or where materials must perform reliably across a broad temperature range.
Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)
HNBR is another specialty nitrile elastomer, created by hydrogenating standard nitrile rubber. This process saturates the polymer, resulting in enhanced properties:
Outstanding Heat Resistance
One of the most significant benefits of HNBR is its ability to withstand high temperatures, up to approximately 329°F. This makes HNBR suitable for applications involving high-temperature environments, such as automotive engine components, where other materials might fail.
Superior Chemical and Oil Resistance
HNBR demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and fuels. This property ensures its suitability for use in automotive fuel systems, oil exploration equipment, and industrial machinery where exposure to harsh chemicals is common.
Enhanced Ozone and Weather Resistance
The hydrogenation process improves HNBR’s resistance to ozone and weathering, extending the material’s lifespan in outdoor applications. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for seals, hoses, and other components exposed to environmental elements.
Mechanical Strength and Flexibility
HNBR combines high mechanical strength with flexibility, providing reliable performance in dynamic applications. It maintains its properties under cyclic loading and stress, making it ideal for use in seals, gaskets, and vibration dampening components.
Applications and Industries
The unique properties of XNBR and HNBR have led to their widespread adoption in various industries:
- Automotive: Used in seals, gaskets, and fuel system components due to their oil and heat resistance.
- Oil and Gas: Essential for drilling equipment, hoses, and seals, where chemical resistance is crucial.
- Industrial Machinery: Used in hydraulic systems, pumps, and conveyor belts for their durability and abrasion resistance.
- Aerospace: Used in seals and gaskets for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical exposure.
- Medical: XNBR is used in medical gloves and other equipment requiring puncture resistance and flexibility.
Conclusion
Specialty nitrile elastomers like XNBR and HNBR offer a range of benefits that make them a great choice in many high-performance applications. Their enhanced mechanical strength, chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability ensure reliable performance in the most demanding environments.
Our team at Harwood Rubber Products is highly skilled in working with specialty elastomers like HNBR and XNBR and can recommend these materials for your unique applications when it’s the right fit. To learn more about the high-quality industrial rubber rollers and custom rubber products our team manufactures, reach out to our team today!
Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR), or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), can be a great choice for industrial rubber rollers, offering many benefits that make it an ideal material for various applications. It was developed in the early 1960s and when given proper care and maintenance can last for decades.
Superior Resistance to Weather and Ozone
Ethylene propylene rubber maintains exceptional resistance to weathering, water, and ozone. Unlike many other rubber materials that degrade when exposed to UV rays, ozone, and other weather conditions, EPDM remains robust. This resistance ensures that rubber rollers made from ethylene propylene keep their integrity and performance – even in outdoor or harsh environments – leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
Excellent Heat and Chemical Resistance
Industries that involve high-temperature processes or exposure to chemicals benefit greatly from ethylene propylene rubber. EPDM can withstand temperatures ranging from -60°F to 350°F, making it suitable for applications that involve extreme heat. Additionally, its chemical resistance makes it an excellent choice for environments where rollers may come into contact with oils (except for mineral oils or petroleum oils), acids, or other corrosive substances. This resilience minimizes the risk of degradation and prolongs the rollers’ operational lifespan.
Versatility in Applications
The versatility of ethylene propylene rubber makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. EPDM rubber rollers are used in various industries, including automotive, printing, textiles, and packaging. Their ability to maintain performance across different applications is due to their flexibility and compatibility with various substrates and processes. Whether it’s used in conveyor systems, printing presses, or textile machinery, EPDM rubber rollers deliver reliable performance.
Cost-Effectiveness
While the initial cost of ethylene propylene rubber may be higher than some other materials, its long-term cost-effectiveness is undeniable. The longevity, reduced maintenance, and fewer replacements required for EPDM rubber rollers result in significant cost savings over time. Additionally, the material’s resistance to harsh conditions reduces the frequency of downtime for repairs, further enhancing productivity and reducing operational expenses.
Environmental Benefits
Ethylene propylene rubber is a more environmentally friendly option compared to some synthetic rubbers. EPDM can be recycled, reducing its environmental footprint. Its long lifespan also means fewer replacements and less waste, contributing to more sustainable industrial practices.
Conclusion
Ethylene propylene rubber has proven to be a great material for industrial rubber rollers, offering a combination of weather and chemical resistance, durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. As industries continue to seek materials that enhance performance while minimizing costs and environmental impact, EPDM stands out as a reliable and efficient choice.
Our team at Harwood Rubber Products can help service all your rubber roller needs and can recommend EPDM for your unique application if it’s the best fit. Reach out to our team today to learn more about whether EPDM makes sense for your needs and how Harwood Rubber Products can help!
