Elastomers are all around us. These petroleum-based elastic polymers have many similar qualities to natural rubber; however, they also have properties that make them more durable, chemical and temperature resistant, and strong. There are also several formulations of elastomers with enhanced properties for certain uses, such as watertightness, stretchiness, compression set, and non-stick qualities. As a result, elastomers are suitable for a variety of applications, including many common consumer products.
At Elastomer Technologies, Inc. (ETI), we specialize in injection molding, compression and transfer molding, die cutting, and stamping of many elastomeric materials. From toys to cooking tools, and from sealing gaskets to sports equipment, our team can provide high-quality, precision elastomer components that meet your requirements. Learn more about the advantages of elastomers and our capabilities.
Why Elastomers are Ideal for Consumer Products
The right material makes all the difference in both the production process and the application it fills in the consumer market. Elastomers are stretchy materials that can be molded into parts and products. They fall into two broad categories:
- Thermoplastics, which can be melted, injection molded, and cooled over and over. They absorb shock well, resist shrinking due to heat, and are usually recyclable.
- Thermosets, which form super-strong molecular bonds as they cure and cannot be melted once curing is complete. These make excellent reinforcing and strengthening components because they have high strength and resistance to bending or warping, even at high temperatures.
Both categories have a range of uses depending on the needs of the application. Some of the beneficial properties of elastomers include:
- Damage and tear resistance
- Thermal and electrical insulating
- Variety of textures and softnesses
- Multiple formulations
- Impermeability
ETI can manufacture prototypes and full-scale production of components and products made from butyl, EPDM, fluorosilicone, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyisoprene, silicone, styrene-butadiene, and Viton.
Our capabilities include:
- Injection molding of liquid silicone rubber or HCR silicone
- Pour molding of room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone
- Transfer/compression molding of HCR silicone or liquid silicone
- Custom gasket and seal manufacturing
- Die cutting and stamping
- Design support and prototyping
Our facility includes 50- and 150-ton liquid injection molding equipment for large-scale orders. We also work with high-consistency rubber (HCR) and customize the material formulations and production process to suit each customer’s needs.
Popular Applications in Consumer Markets
Elastomers are widely used to make parts and products for many applications in the consumer market. Some common examples include:
- Aftermarket automotive goods
- Aftermarket mechanical aviation components
- Baby bottles
- Bottle dispensers
- Buttons and keypads for electronics
- Nonstick spatulas and utensils
- High-contact printer rollers
- Hypoallergenic brushes, applicators, seals, wipers, and valves for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
- Nonstick bakeware and pans
- Pacifiers
- Shower head gaskets and nozzles
- Slit valve components
Advantages of Custom Rubber Components
Custom rubber components fit and perform as intended for a specific application, and are generally a better choice than modifying or re-designing around a stock option. Elastomeric materials are also a good choice for custom parts thanks to their many advantages, such as:
- Durability. Elastomers are strong, stretchy, resistant to UV and chemical damage, and resistant to tearing and abrasion. They also do not degrade over time, and do not cause negative reactions during formulation.
- Good Appearance. Elastomers take colors and dyes well or can be transparent, to achieve aesthetic goals.
- Sustainability. Most thermoplastics are recyclable and can be made into new products.
- Compliance. Food-grade and biocompatible formulations are available.
- Temperature Resistance. Elastomers can be resistant to both high- and low-temperature applications, and to fluctuations in temperature.
- Versatile Manufacturing Methods. Elastomers are compatible with injection molding, overmolding, compression molding, transfer molding, stamping, and die-cutting processes.
Industry-Leading Consumer Product Solutions From ETI
ETI is a leading provider of high-quality custom rubber goods for multiple industries, including a wide range of consumer products. For more than 30 years, our team has been committed to excellent customer service, and helping our customers reach their manufacturing and product goals. We focus on energy-efficient, fast, and high-quality production, including 100% process verification and validation for every order. Contact us today to learn more about partnering with ETI.