Rubber Mouldings

Supplying Custom Rubber Mouldings for Your Exact Requirements

For more than 50 years, M Barnwell Services has delivered countless bespoke Rubber Mouldings in various profiles, shapes, and dimensions across industries.

We offer cost-effective tooling and provide both compression and injection moulding options to meet your volume needs. From single units to large quantities, we accommodate diverse material compounds and part complexities, serving industries like Automotive, Food and Beverage Processing, Industrial, Agriculture, Chemical Processing, and Petrochemical.

Our proficient team manages the entire production process, from prototyping and testing to final part manufacturing. Additionally, we offer specialised certification upon request.

If you would like more information about our range, download our catalogue, or contact a team member.

An Overview of Rubber Mouldings

Rubber Mouldings are crafted through a process involving both heat and pressure.

We create a unique compound by mixing base polymers such as Silicone, Viton®, Neoprene®, or Nitrile. This mixture is carefully adjusted using specific ratios of raw ingredients to achieve the desired material properties. Subsequently, we craft a tool, usually from steel (or aluminium for prototyping), to shape the final part. This tool, filled with the rubber compound, enters a moulding press. There, heat and pressure facilitate vulcanisation, altering chemical bonds to create the rubber you recognise.

In essence, Rubber Moulding unifies the production of various rubber items using a shared process. The choice of compound, bonding method, tool design, and development collectively shape the final product.

We provide both compression and injection moulding choices to match your production volume requirements.

Compression Moulding

Compression moulding begins by creating a larger pre-form of the rubber compound that matches the final product’s shape.

The process involves loading the shape into a heated mould, pressing it shut, and venting excess rubber and air. Under compression force, the rubber cures, and upon opening the press, the tool is split to remove the part. This method remains useful for producing moderate quantities of rubber products, particularly larger and bulkier ones.

Advantages of Compression Moulding

• Generates minimal waste.
• Capable of handling rigid, high-durometer materials.
• Quick setup.
• Tooling is usually more economical compared to Injection methods due to its simplicity.
• Ideal for:
  – Components with extended curing times.
  – Parts with large cross-sections.
  – Small production runs.

Disadvantages of Compression Moulding

• Components might exhibit reduced uniformity.
• Curing times could be prolonged due to slower heat transfer within the rubber.
• Coloured rubber is susceptible to contamination with ease.

Injection Moulding

Injection moulding for rubber involves rapidly injecting rubber from a cylinder into a pre-heated, closed mould.

Originally developed as an extension of the plastics industry, this method overcame challenges related to temperature and pressure to become the efficient choice for many rubber moulding needs. It excels at handling large shot weights, producing high volumes of small to medium parts, integrating bonded inserts, achieving tight dimensional tolerances, and creating components with consistent colour and uniformity.

Advantages of Injection Moulding

• Reduced per-unit costs.
• Faster cycle times.
• Tight dimensional tolerances.
• Minimal flash formation.
• Low scrap and waste.
• Decreased requirement for additional trimming tasks.

Disadvantages of Injection Moulding

• Elevated initial setup expenses.
• Costlier machinery and tooling.
• Higher expenses for small production runs.

Rubber Moulding Applications By Industry

• Automotive
  – Gaskets and Seals: Rubber moulded gaskets and seals are used in engines, transmissions, and various systems to prevent leaks.
  – O Rings: Used for sealing in fluid systems, engines, and hydraulic applications.
  – Bushings: Used for suspension systems and engine mounts.
• Aerospace and Defence
  – Seals and Gaskets: Rubber mouldings used in aircraft engines, landing gear, and hydraulic systems.
  – Isolators: Rubber isolators for damping vibrations in aerospace equipment.
• Oil and Gas
  – Seals: Rubber seals for oilfield equipment, pipelines, and valves.
  – Packing Rings: Rubber mouldings used in drilling and wellhead equipment.
• Technology
  – Grommets: Protect wires and cables from abrasion and damage in electronic devices.
  – Keypad Buttons: Rubber moulded buttons for keyboards, remote controls, and electronic devices.
• Food and Beverage
  – Gaskets: Rubber gaskets for sealing containers, valves, and processing equipment.
  – Conveyor Belts: Rubber moulded components for food processing and packaging.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical
  – Medical Tubing: Rubber tubing for medical devices and equipment, such as IV lines.
  – Seals and Gaskets: Used in medical equipment to ensure airtight and watertight seals.
• Marine
  – Hatch Seals: Rubber moulded seals for watertight closures in marine vessels.
  – Fenders: Rubber fenders for docking and protecting vessels from impact.

These examples showcase the diverse applications of rubber mouldings across various industries, highlighting their versatility and importance in modern manufacturing.

You Are In Safe Hands

As a reliable partner to global OEM manufacturers, M Barnwell Services ensures quality products and an exceptional service experience. With £5.1 million in sealing inventory and five UK branches strategically positioned, we’re primed to meet and surpass your needs.