Category Archive: Materials
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!
Choosing the right material for your equipment can significantly impact efficiency, durability, and overall performance. Among the various materials available, silicone has emerged as a popular choice for industrial rubber rollers. Known for its unique properties, silicone offers a number of advantages that make it an ideal material for a wide range of applications.
Exceptional Temperature Resistance
One of the standout features of silicone is its exceptional temperature resistance. Silicone rubber rollers can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -150°F to 480°F. This makes them suitable for applications in environments where temperature fluctuations are common, whether in high-heat settings like printing and laminating or cold conditions like food processing and refrigeration.
High Durability and Longevity
Durability is a key consideration in industrial applications where equipment is subjected to continuous use and wear. Silicone rubber rollers are highly durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing your downtime.
Non-Stick Properties
Silicone’s inherent non-stick properties are another significant advantage. These properties prevent materials from adhering to the roller surface, reducing the risk of product contamination and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operation. In industries such as packaging and printing, where clean and precise material handling is essential, silicone rollers help maintain the quality and consistency of the finished products.
Flexibility and Versatility
Silicone is a versatile material that can be easily molded and customized to meet specific requirements. This flexibility allows manufacturers to produce silicone rollers in various shapes, sizes, and hardness levels, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. Whether for lightweight or heavy-duty tasks, silicone rollers can be tailored to deliver optimal performance, enhancing the overall efficiency of the production process.
Hygienic and Safe for Sensitive Applications
In industries where hygiene and safety are paramount, such as food processing and the medical field, silicone rubber rollers offer significant benefits. Silicone is inherently non-toxic, odorless, and resistant to microbial growth, making it an ideal material for applications that require strict adherence to hygiene standards. Since 1979, it has been used for many FDA applications. Additionally, silicone rollers are easy to clean and sterilize, further ensuring the safety and integrity of sensitive products.
Energy Efficiency
Silicone’s low thermal conductivity contributes to energy efficiency in industrial operations. Silicone rollers do not absorb or retain heat as much as other materials, reducing the energy required to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This energy efficiency not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainability initiatives by reducing the overall energy consumption of manufacturing processes.
Conclusion
Silicone rubber rollers provide many benefits that enhance the performance, durability, and efficiency of industrial equipment. From exceptional temperature resistance to high durability, non-stick and non-toxic properties, and versatility, silicone proves to be a suitable material for a wide range of applications.
If it sounds like silicone might be a good choice for your application, let us know! Our team is skilled in working with silicone to produce top-notch rubber rollers that will keep your production line running smoothly, minimizing costly delays and frustrating downtime. Contact our team today to learn more about what we offer.
Isoprene rubber, commonly known as natural rubber (NR), is a material derived from the latex of rubber trees. Its exceptional mechanical properties and resilience have made it a great choice for manufacturing industrial rubber rollers across a broad range of applications.
Advantages of Isoprene Rubber for Industrial Rubber Rollers
One of the primary advantages of natural rubber is its outstanding elasticity, which allows NR to absorb impact and revert to its original shape without permanent deformation. This property makes it ideal for applications involving repeated stress and flexing. This high resilience ensures that rollers made from natural rubber provide consistent performance and longevity.
Natural rubber also offers excellent tensile strength and abrasion resistance. These properties are crucial for industrial rollers that endure heavy loads and constant friction. NR’s durability means fewer replacements and less frequent maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and lowering costs.
Another benefit of natural rubber is its ability to maintain flexibility at low temperatures (as low as -50°F), which is important for applications in cold environments. NR exhibits good adhesion to metals and other materials, facilitating the manufacturing process of composite rollers that require bonding with different substrates.
Unique Properties of Isoprene Rubber
Isoprene rubber possesses unique properties that set it apart from synthetic alternatives. One of its most notable features is its low hysteresis – its minimal heat buildup. This property is particularly helpful for rollers used in high-speed applications, because it reduces energy loss and prevents overheating.
The natural origin of isoprene rubber contributes to its environmental advantages. As a renewable resource, natural rubber is biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to many synthetic rubbers. Its sustainability is increasingly important in industries striving to reduce their environmental footprint.
Additionally, natural rubber has some resistance to water and mild chemicals, making it a great choice for applications where exposure to moisture and various substances is common. Its high coefficient of friction also ensures superior grip and traction, which is essential for rollers used in material handling and conveyor systems.
Applications of Isoprene Rubber Rollers
The versatility of natural rubber makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The following examples demonstrate some instances in which natural rubber may be the best choice:
- Textiles: NR rollers are used due to their superior grip and gentle handling of delicate fabrics.
- Paper: natural rubber rollers play a critical role in ensuring precise, consistent processing of paper products. Their excellent mechanical properties enable them to withstand the rigorous demands of paper manufacturing without compromising performance.
- Transportation & Logistics: The high traction and abrasion resistance of NR ensure the reliable movement of goods, reducing the risk of slippage and enhancing the overall efficiency of material handling processes.
- Agriculture: Natural rubber rollers are used in machinery for planting, harvesting, and processing crops. Their ability to absorb impact protects sensitive equipment and ensures smooth operation in challenging field conditions.
Conclusion
Isoprene rubber, with its unique properties and advantages, remains a great choice of material for industrial rubber rollers. Its exceptional elasticity, tensile strength, and environmental benefits make it suitable for many applications.
Our team of experts at Harwood Rubber Products can help you determine whether natural rubber is the best fit for your application. If it’s not, we’re also experienced in working with other material choices and even custom-developing compounds to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need to keep your production line running without interruption or delay. If you’d like more information about how our offerings can support your business, contact our team today.
Nitrile Rubber (NBR), a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, stands out in the industrial world for its exceptional properties and versatility. It has become a popular material choice for manufacturing industrial rubber rollers due to its combination of durability, chemical resistance, and performance under varying conditions.
Advantages of Nitrile Rubber for Industrial Rubber Rollers
One of the most well-known advantages of Nitrile Rubber is its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals. This property makes NBR particularly suitable for applications where exposure to such substances is frequent, such as in printing, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. NBR can withstand a wide range of temperatures, typically from -40°F to 226°F, which enhances its utility in diverse industrial environments.
The material’s high tensile strength and abrasion resistance ensure that rollers made from NBR have a long service life, even in demanding applications. NBR’s resistance to wear and tear minimizes maintenance needs and downtime, optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Unique Properties of Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile Rubber has several unique properties that make it so versatile. It has a high resilience to physical impacts and mechanical stress, which is essential for rollers that experience constant motion and pressure. Additionally, NBR’s ability to resist swelling and deformation in the presence of oils and fuels prevents rollers from losing their shape and functionality over time.
NBR also has a low compression set. This means that NBR rollers can maintain their original thickness and shape after prolonged compression, which is crucial for maintaining consistent performance in applications such as conveyor systems and printing presses.
Applications of Nitrile Rubber Rollers
NBR works well across a broad range of industrial applications.
- Printing: used for their excellent ink and solvent resistance, ensuring clean and precise printing with minimal smudging or contamination. These rollers also exhibit excellent resistance to the cleaning chemicals used in printing presses, extending their operational life.
- Automotive: used in various components such as fuel hoses, gaskets, and seals due to their superior resistance to fuels and oils. This application extends to other types of machinery where the rollers come into contact with lubricants and hydraulic fluids.
- Food processing: resistance to fats and oils, combined with their ability to withstand high temperatures, makes them suitable for food handling equipment; FDA-compliant grades of NBR ensure these rollers can be safely used in food contact applications without risking contamination.
- Manufacturing and material handling: integral to conveyor systems, where their durability and resistance to abrasion and chemicals ensure smooth and efficient operation. These rollers can handle a variety of materials, from heavy industrial goods to delicate items, without compromising performance.
Conclusion
Nitrile Rubber’s unique properties and advantages make it a valuable material for industrial rubber rollers. Its exceptional resistance to oils, chemicals, and physical stress, combined with its adaptability to different industrial requirements, makes it a great choice of material for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of industrial processes.
Our team at Harwood Rubber Products is experienced in using nitrile rubber across a broad range of applications and industries for our customers, and we can work with you to custom-develop materials and compositions based on your unique needs. No matter what type of materials you need, our team can deliver a rubber roller that is durable and reliable to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact us for more information.
