Rubber and metal are both materials with their own distinct properties. By bonding them together, you can take advantage of both. This is why rubber to metal bonding is an important process that should be better understood.
How does rubber to metal bonding work?
At its most basic level, rubber to metal bonding is about attaching a piece of rubber to a piece of metal to achieve a desired effect. There are different bonding processes depending on the type of rubber or metal and the intent of the bonding.
This may be done with an adhesive or with a chemical process as part of vulcanisation. It can be compared to metal to metal bonding, which may use a metal bonding adhesive such as that available at www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive.
Why bond rubber and metal?
Bonding rubber and metal is a way to take advantage of the properties of both. Metal components are often necessary in a variety of products and industries due to their durability and conductivity. They can also be very loud if they collide with other items or surfaces.
Rubber, on the other hand, can have a dampening effect, softening any noise or vibrations. This does not just create a safer, more comfortable environment for workers, but also ensures less potential disruption of sensitive tasks. Different colours of rubber are available as necessary.
Examples of rubber to metal bonding
The fact that rubber to metal bonding can be performed with a range of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel and brass, and with rubber using different materials, including natural nitrile, fluoroelastomer polyurethane, carboxylated nitrile, EPDM and hypalon, means it can be utilised for a variety of purposes. It has been used in industries including automotive, rail, aerospace, oil and gas, computer manufacturing, food, medical, firefighting and water and sewage. More specific examples include products such as engine seals.
In general, the bonding of rubber and metal can take many different forms. It is vital to many industries and can serve a range of purposes, so ensure you understand your options before choosing a specific process or product.
