Intro to the different kinds of rubber, synthetic rubber, and silicone

​A Guide To The Different Kinds of Rubber for Manufacturing Beginners
If you haven’t worked with a manufacturing partner before, you may easily feel overwhelmed by the terminology thrown around and the amount of choices that need to be made. Understanding the different types of rubber on the market and the various ways these compounds can be used to manufacture your product is vital to getting the final product you want. Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of rubber and how they can be used to deliver a finished product that helps you accomplish your goals. 

FKM or Viton 
As with many kinds of rubber, the names FKM and Viton refer to the same product. Viton is a trademarked name for a form of FKM. Manufacturing with FKM can be more expensive than using a nitrile compound thanks to the ultra-high resistance of the material, but the end result can last for as long as you need it to. Components made with FKM compounds are unlikely to decay or disintegrate over time, making them an excellent value for the money spent over time. 

Silicone 
The term silicone can be applied to a variety of synthetic rubber compounds that include a form of silicone in the production, along with other ingredients like carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. As a sealant, silicone will defend against air and water penetration, making it popular in household applications like caulk. LSR, or liquid silicone rubber, can be used for custom tooling and molding to make any shape or size needed. Using overmolding, silicone can be attached to a metal or plastic component to deliver a custom designed product that incorporates multiple finishes. 

Nitrile 
If you want to make a durable product, nitrile rubber is a wise choice of material. Nitrile rubber is known for its resistance to an amazing range of conditions, including temperature extremes and chemical compounds. It can resist fuel and oil, making it ideal for automotive engine components, industrial machinery parts and protective gloves. HNBR, or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber, is a rubber compound made with nitrile to be even stronger and more resistant than a regular form of nitrile. 

Butyl 
While initially used to make inner tubes for car tires, butyl has come to be present in many consumer products, from plastic wrap to sealing caulk. Impermeable to air, butyl rubber is the best choice if you need to create a protective seal that will never allow oxygen to pass through. This makes it popular for use in chemical and gas protective equipment, like masks and gloves. 

If you are looking for an experienced manufacturer to help guide you through the process, Rubber Industries is ready to assist you. Our company includes facilities in the United States and Asia to ensure that production runs 24 hours a day. This approach helps us give our customers the fastest turnaround time in the industry, taking only a few days to make hundreds or thousands of components. To find out more about our manufacturing capability and how we can help you, contact us today.