Deflashing EPDM Rubber

Introduction

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, which is a type of synthetic rubber. EPDM rubber is made from a mixture of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. The resulting material is highly resistant to weather, ozone, UV rays, and other environmental factors, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.

EPDM rubber is often used in automotive parts, electrical insulation, and industrial gaskets. It is also used in a variety of other applications where resistance to heat, water, and chemicals is important. EPDM rubber is known for its excellent resistance to oxidation, abrasion, and tearing, which makes it a durable and long-lasting material.

Applications

EPDM rubber has a wide range of applications due to its excellent properties such as resistance to weather, ozone, UV rays, and chemicals. Some common applications of EPDM rubber include:

1. Automotive parts: EPDM rubber is used in various automotive parts such as weatherstripping, hoses, belts, and seals. It is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals, making it ideal for use in harsh automotive environments.
2. Electrical insulation: This rubber is used in electrical insulation due to its excellent dielectric properties, high temperature resistance, and durability.
3. Industrial gaskets: It is often used in the manufacturing of gaskets and seals for industrial applications because of its resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
4. Solar panel roofing: EPDM is also used in the construction of solar panel roofing due to its excellent weather resistance and durability.

These are just some of the most common applications of EPDM rubber.

Molding EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber parts can be molded using various techniques such as injection molding, compression molding, and transfer molding. The molding process chosen depends on the complexity of the part, the required tolerances, and the production volume.

Here is a general overview of the three molding techniques:

1. Injection molding: This process involves injecting melted EPDM rubber into a mold cavity under high pressure. The mold is usually made from steel and consists of two halves that are bolted together. The melted rubber is injected through a gate and flows into the mold cavity, where it is cooled and solidified. Injection molding is suitable for producing complex parts in large volumes.
2. Compression molding: This process involves placing a pre-cut piece of EPDM rubber into a mold cavity, then compressing it between the two halves of the mold using a hydraulic press. Heat and pressure are applied to the mold to cure the rubber and create the desired shape. Compression molding is suitable for producing parts with low to medium production volumes.
3. Transfer molding: This process involves placing a pre-cut piece of EPDM rubber into a transfer pot, which is then forced into a heated mold cavity using a plunger. Heat and pressure are applied to the mold to cure the rubber and create the desired shape. Transfer molding is suitable for producing parts with high accuracy and dimensional consistency.

Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which technique to use depends on the specific requirements of the part being produced.

Cryogenic Deflashing EPDM Rubber

Cryogenic deflashing is a process used to remove flash or excess material from molded rubber parts. It involves freezing the parts and then subjecting them to impact, which causes the flash to break away from the parts.

EPDM rubber is a common material used in the automotive industry, and it can be cryogenically deflashed. However, the effectiveness of the process depends on several factors, such as the design of the part, the thickness of the flash, as well as the temperature and duration of the freezing process.

Want to send in your EPDM part samples for a no-cost deflashing evaluation? Contact us at info@nitrofreeze.com or call us at (508) 459-7447×105 to learn more.