Rubber to Metal Bonding | The Process
Injection and transfer molding are the most effective methods for rubber to metal bonding. These methods allow us to precisely adhere rubber to metal or plastic parts. The rubber to metal bonding process also creates a stronger mechanical bond.
Two Step Rubber to Metal Bonding Process
Our rubber to metal bonding process involves two steps for preparation of the metal or plastic part. First, we remove grease and contaminants from the part. This process is similar to prepping for industrial coatings or painting. Once we finish cleaning the part, we coat it in a heat-activated adhesive.
Now the part is ready for overmolding, and we insert it into the mold cavity. When molding a specific area of the part, we use special magnets to suspend it in place. For complete rubber encapsulation, however, we use chaplet pins to hold the part. Once the part is in place, we close the mold and begin to molding process. The elevated temperature then cures the rubber and also activates the adhesive, which forms the mechanical bond between the rubber and the metal part. Learn more about our processes by clicking the following links: rubber injection molding process or transfer molding process.
Encapsulating with Rubber to Metal Bonding
For projects requiring complete rubber encapsulation, we utilize rubber insert molding, which is a variation of the rubber to metal bonding process. Complete encapsulation requires the suspension of the metal part inside the mold cavity, so we can more precisely create the bond between the rubber and the part. We can also mold rubber to specific areas of a component. In either process, bonding rubber to metal is an effective method for increasing the stability of metal components with rubber’s flexible characteristics.
This process can also create valuable new properties including the ability to create environmental seals, meet NEMA standards, conduct electricity, isolate noise and vibration, resist wear and resist chemicals and corrosion.
Specific area insert molding is applicable for the following materials: steel, brass, aluminum, alloys, exotics, engineered resins and plastics.
Types of Rubber We Mold
Qualiform molds both natural rubber and synthetic rubber which include:
- Butyl
- Colored Compounds
- EPDM
- Natural Rubber
- Neoprene
- Nitrile
- SBR
- Viton™
- Fiber Molding
Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber to Metal Bonding
Qualiform provides top-level customer service when it comes to metal to rubber bonding. We offer dependable and considerate communication by following-up with our customers and explaining specific details of each manufacturing process for varying products. For additional questions, feel free to contact our technical staff! Below, you will find some answers to some of the most common questions.
How do I receive a quotation?
Please provide us with a sample or print of your part, so we can review it prior to service. To assist us in the tooling design, please include the estimate of your annual usage requirements. Also include the type of material, unless it is unknown or unspecified. In that situation, please describe the environment in which the tooling will be utilized.
Can Qualiform assist with the design of my custom rubber part?
If you desire, Qualiform will be there to assist you in your design process from the initial phase to the final step of approving your part.
What if I don’t know which polymer or durometer is best for my application?
Qualiform is capable of offering expert recommendations for polymers and an indication of your durometer requirements.
What is the lead-time when I place an order that requires a tool?
The average lead times vary by type of tooling.
- Prototype Tools: 2-4 Week Lead Time
- Compression or Transfer Molding: 6-8 Week Lead Time
- Rubber Injection Molding Tooling: 8-10 Week Lead Time
However, if you need an expedited tooling lead time, we are able to work with our tooling shop to meet your time requirements.
Is my tooling produced in the United States?
We purchase all of our tooling within the United States. This allows us to respond quickly to customer changes and work with faster lead-times.
What is Qualiform’s part lead-time?
We can ship a majority of our parts within 3-4 weeks from the receipt of the order, depending on the number of products.
Can Qualiform use existing tooling?
Tooling will fit into our presses in most cases. However, sometimes minor tooling modifications may be necessary.
Once I pay for the rubber molding tooling, who owns the tooling?
After we receive payment for the product, the tooling is the customer’s property. Tooling is custom to each customer’s specific design requests.
For rubber to metal bonding applications, can Qualiform source my metal components?
We work with a variety of supply chains to source required metal stamping or inserts.
Can Qualiform match my custom color requirements?
We work closely with our rubber supplies to obtain color matches that fit our customers’ specific requests.
