Rubber Injection Molding

Based off of a process intended for the molding of plastics, injection molding of rubber
began in the mid 1960s. Rubber injection molding successfully alters the plastics
process by heating the rubber and placing it under significantly more pressure per
square inch of cavity surface in molding. This is different from the plastic injection
molding process where the materials are cooled under less pressure. Through various
innovations, injection molding has become one of the most efficient ways to
create molded rubber products in many cases.

The process of injection and injection-transfer molding starts with efficient material
preparation. To begin, the material is mixed in bulk and then stripped immediately into
continuous approx. 1.25" wide & .375" strips. These strips are then fed into a screw
which, in turn, fills a barrel with the appropriate predetermined amount of rubber
material.
Advantages of injection molding:

1. The complete elimination of pre-forms

 o The production and need for pre-forms is a labor intensive step that can
potentially affect the finished product through variability in pre-form weight
and shape.
2. Elimination of operator placement of pre-forms.
o Since pre-forms are eliminated, the need for operators to place the pre-
forms in a cavity (compression molding) or pot (transfer molding) is
removed.
3. Injection screw pre-heats material before forcing it into cavities
o This process decreases the viscosity of the material, allowing it to flow
more easily into the cavities.
o This pre-heating provides the potential for decreased cure times through
1. More rapid cavity filling due to lower viscosity
2. Material already being in the curing process through the heat added
during screw charging and shear created during injection
4. Reduced cycle time
5. Flashless tooling
6. Economical process for high volumes of medium to high precision components
7. Capable of producing overmolded components
8. Minimal material waste

Transfer Molding

As with compression molding, transfer molding requires secondary raw

material preparation into pre-forms. It differs, however, in the placement of
these pre-forms into a "pot" located between the top plate and a plunger.
When the pre-forms are placed into the pot, the mold is then closed and the
material is compressed by the plunger and transferred through sprues into the
cavity below.
Some possible advantages of transfer molding over compression molding can
include:

1. High Cavity Count - In many cases, transfer molded rubber products require
fewer and simpler pre-forms. One pre-form can fill hundreds of cavities
 2. Cost effective tooling
3. Tighter control of dimensional tolerance - the mold is not held open by excess
material spilling out of the cavity parting line; all the excess hold the plunger open
from the pot
4. Economical process for medium to high precision components
5. Color molded rubber parts benefit - pre-forms can be cut by hand from raw
material, thus reducing the chance of contamination that can result from the
mechanical prep of compression molding or the injection screw and barrel in
injection molding.
6. Capable of producing overmolded components

The primary disadvantage of transfer molding is found in the increase of waste or

excess flash. This can be seen in the "flash pad" or the rubber left in the pot after the
transfer is cured which can either be recycled or discarded.

Compression Molding
Compression molding is a process that involves taking a rubber compound or mixed
raw material and creating "pre-forms" in the basic shape of the end product. The pre-
forms provide a surplus of material to be placed in the cavity, thus ensuring a total
cavity fill. Once in place, the mold is then closed, applying both heat and pressure to the
pre-form and allowing it to fill the cavity. When the cavity is filled, excess pre-form
material spills out into overflow grooves. Following this step the rubber is then
demolded, usually by hand, leaving us with the molded rubber product.
Compression molding is often chosen for medium hardness compounds in low volume
production or in applications requiring particularly expensive materials. This process
helps to minimize the amount of overflow, or flash created during the rubber molding
process.

In creating compression molded rubber products, the pre-forms can be difficult to insert
into more complex mold designs. Furthermore, the compression molding process does
not lend itself well to the material flow requirement of harder rubber compounds.

Benefits of Compression Molding

• Cost effective tooling

• Maximized cavity count
• Economical process for medium precision

Compression molding can be a cost effective solution in situations where:

1. The tooling already exists

2. The cross-section of the part is very large and requires a long cure time

Applications of compression molding range from simple o-ring drive belts to complex
brake diaphragms with diameters of more than 10 inches. Timco can also offer a variety
of other molded rubber products through compression molding.

Deflashing
Removal of the waste edge, or flash, from a molded rubber product can be
accomplished in a number of ways. Depending on the material, part size, tolerance and
quantity deflashing methods commonly include:

• Manual tear trimming

• Cryogenic processing
• Tumbling
• Precision grinding
Rubber Materials
What is EPDM?
A Versatile, Cost-Effective Rubber Part Solution

When you need a rubber material that offers excellent resistances to weather, heat, and
other factors without breaking the bank, EPDM grommets, gaskets, tubing, and other
parts may be the answer you need.

EPDM – also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer – is an extremely versatile

material used in a variety of applications, from automotive products to HVAC parts. This
type of rubber also acts as a less expensive alternative to silicone, as it can endure
weather conditions, abrasion, and other challenges for long periods of time with proper
use. As such, EPDM can save you time and money on a wide range of applications.
EPDM Properties

• Common Name: EPDM

o ASTM D-2000 Classification: CA
o Chemical Definition: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage:-20° to -60° F | -29⁰C to -51⁰C
o High Temperature Usage: Up to 350° F | Up to 177⁰C
• Tensile Strength
o Tensile Range: 500-2500 P.S.I.
o Elongation: 600% Maximum
• Durometer (Hardness) – Range: 30-90 Shore A
• Resistances
o Aging Weather - Sunlight: Excellent
o Abrasion Resistance: Good
o Tear Resistance: Fair
o Solvent Resistance: Poor
o Oil Resistance: Poor
• General Characteristics
o Adhesion to Metals: Fair to Good
o Solvent Resistance: Poor
o Compression Set: Good
EPDM Applications
HVAC

• Compressor grommets
• Mandrel formed drain tubes
• Pressure switch tubing
• Panel gaskets and seals

Automotive

• Weather stripping and seals

• Wire and cable harnesses
• Window spacers
• Hydraulic brake systems
• Door, window, and trunk seals

Industrial

• Water system O-rings and hoses

• Tubing
• Grommets
• Belts
• Electrical insulation and stinger covers
EPDM Benefits and Advantages
• Resistance to UV exposure, ozone, aging, weathering, and many chemicals –
great for outdoor applications
• Stability in high and low temperatures – a general purpose EPDM material can
be used in an environment where the temperature range is from -20⁰F to +350⁰F
(-29⁰C to 177⁰C).
• Low electrical conductivity
• Steam and water resistant
• Can be fabricated in a variety of ways, which includes custom
molded and extruded parts
• Long-term part lifespan allows for fewer replacement parts, saving money in the
long run

What is Silicone Rubber?

A Material Made for Difficult Environments
Silicone is one of the materials of choice for any application that deals with
environmental factors that can break down other solutions. When it comes to extreme
temperature, silicone rubber offers a great range of resistance in both hot and cold
environments. In addition, silicone provides far superior tensile strength, elongation, tear
strength, and compression sets in extreme temperatures than conventional rubbers.

In addition to temperature resistance, other advantages of silicone rubber include

insulation from electricity, compression set resistance, and the ability to repel water.
These advantages make silicone rubber a versatile material that can help businesses
invest in rubber products that not only withstand difficult conditions, but also perform as
necessary for a long time. Because of these factors, Timco regularly provides
businesses with silicone gaskets, tubing, and other custom parts
Silicone Properties

• Common Name: Silicone

o ASTM D-2000 Classification: FC, FE, GE
o Chemical Definition: Polysiloxane
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage: -60° to -150° F | -50°C to -100°C
o High Temperature Usage: Up to 480° F | Up to 250°C
• Tensile Strength
o Tensile Range: 200-1500 P.S.I.
o Elongation: 700% Maximum
• Durometer (Hardness) – Range: 30-90 Shore A
• Resistances
o Abrasion Resistance: Fair to Poor
o Tear Resistance: Poor
o Solvent Resistance: Poor
o Oil Resistance: Fair to Poor
o Aging Weather - Sunlight: Excellent
• General Characteristics
o Adhesion to Metals: Good
o Compression Set: Good
o Resilience/Rebound: Good
Silicone Applications

Automotive

• Sound and vibration dampening in automotive drive shafts

• Shaft sealing rings
• O-rings
• Window and door seals

HVAC

• Square, kink-free tubing

• High-temperature gaskets
• O-rings

Electrical

• Wire and cable jacketing

• Electrical safety stinger covers
• Conductive profiled silicone seals
Silicone Benefits and Advantages
• Withstands high and low temperatures far better than organic rubber
• Good thermal stability
• Certain silicone compounds can withstand long-term, continuous use even at
200°C (392°F), while others may be able to withstand higher temperatures for
short periods of use
• Repels water and forms tight seals
• Excellent electrical insulation, with no decline in insulation performance even
when immersed in water
• Carbon black additives can further increase silicone's electrical conductivity
• Flexible at low temperatures, stiffens up at higher temperatures
• Under ordinary pressure, contact with steam typically causes little or no
deterioration
• Flame retardant with additives, with some products receiving UL94 V-0
certification according to the UL94 (USA) standards for flammability classification
• Low chemical reactivity
• Can be compounded in different ways to meet any number of applications (die
cutting, injection molding, extrusion)
• Can be custom cut to length for various production part needs
• Fillers can improve tensile strength to roughly 1,500 PSA and tear resistance up
to 200 lbs.
What is Neoprene Rubber?
A Solution for Oil and Ozone Resistance
Neoprene Rubber, also known as polychloroprene or PC Rubber, is an extremely
versatile synthetic rubber offering oil, petroleum, and weathering resistance. These
characteristics make neoprene a natural fit for the automotive world, where neoprene
rubber applications are used for many exposed parts that can encounter oil or
petroleum.

Neoprene’s resistances to both oil and weathering also make it a good fit for several
other industries that require a reasonably priced, mid-performance polymer with a good
all-around balance of performance properties. In addition to oil and weathering
resistance, neoprene’s high tensile strength and low compression set make it a very
attractive synthetic rubber for outdoor applications such as custom gaskets and seals.
Thanks to these factors, a variety of markets can benefit from neoprene, including
the mass transit, wire and cable, food preparation, and construction industries.
Neoprene Properties
• Common Name: Neoprene
o ASTM D-2000 Classification: BC, BE
o Military (MIL-STD 417): SC
o Chemical Definition: Polychloroprene
• Resistance
o Abrasion Resistance: Excellent
o Tear Resistance: Good
o Solvent Resistance: Fair
o Oil Resistance: Fair
o Aging Weather / Sunlight: Good
• Durometer (Hardness): Range 30-90 Shore A
• General Characteristics
o Tensile Range (P.S.I): 500-3000
o Elongation (Max %): 600
o Compression Set: Good
o Resilience /Rebound: Excellent
o Adhesion to Metals: Good to Excellent
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage: 10° to -50 F° | -12° to -46 C°
o High Temperature Usage: Up to 250 F° | Up to 121 C°
Neoprene Applications
Mass Transit Industry

• Window seals with a locking strip (window and door seal extrusions)
• Door and sensitive door seals

Automotive Industry

• Neoprene Hose Covers

• CVJ boots
• Power transmission belts
• Vibration mounts
• Shock absorber seals
• Breaking and steering system components

Construction Industry

• Window seals
• Window gaskets
• Highway and bridge seals
• Bridge bearing pads
• Washers
• Bridge stay-cable anchor components
• Deviator pads
• O-Rings
• Elevator astragals

Wire and Cable Industry

• Cable jackets
• Jacketing in lead press cured mining cables
• Jacketing in heavy-duty cables
Neoprene Benefits & Advantages
• Outstanding physical toughness
• Resistance to heat and hydrocarbon oils
• Resistance to the degradation effects of sun, ozone, and weather
• Wider short and long-term operating temperature range than other general-
purpose hydrocarbon elastomers
• Better flame retardant/self-extinguishing characteristics than exclusively
hydrocarbon-based elastomers
• Can meet the stringent Smoke-Flame-Toxicity requirements by the mass transit
industry
• Can be certified to the following:

o ASTM E162 (Surface Flammability)

o SMP800C (Toxic Gas Generation)
o ASTM C1166 (Flame Propagation)
• Outstanding resistance to damage caused by twisting and flexing
• Compoundability: Neoprene's polymer structure can be modified to create a
material compound with a wide range of chemical and physical properties
What is Viton Rubber?
A Rubber Compound for Fuel and Oil Applications
Viton rubber, a specific fluoroelastomer polymer (FKM), was introduced into the
aerospace industry in 1957 to fulfill its needs for a high-performance elastomer.
Following its introduction, the usage of this material spread quickly to other industries.
These days, Viton seals, o-rings, and others rubber parts are now used regularly in the
automotive, appliance, chemical, and fluid power industries thanks to its natural
resistance to both fuel and oil.

In addition to fuel and oil resistance, Viton rubber gaskets and other parts has a strong
reputation as a high-performance elastomer that can operate in very hot and extremely
corrosive environments. These capabilities make Viton a natural choice for parts that
need to succeed in demanding environments.

At Timco, we can design and provide custom Viton parts made for your specific needs.
Our team works with you to identify an exact solution based on your performance,
assembly, and budget needs. Whether you need a molded gasket material or sealing
products that are die cut to specific lengths, we can help you invest in the perfect Viton
parts for a wide variety of applications.
Viton Properties
• Common Name: Viton®, Fluro Elastomer, FKM
o ASTM D-2000 Classification: HK
o Chemical Definition: Fluorinated Hydrocarbon
• Resistances
o Abrasion Resistance: Good
o Tear Resistance: Good
o Solvent Resistance: Excellent
o Oil Resistance: Excellent
o Aging Weather/ Sunlight: Excellent
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage: 10°F to -10°F | -12°C to -23°C
o High Temperature Usage: 400°F to 600°F | 204°C to 315°C
• Durometer (Hardness): Range 40-90 Shore A
• Tensile Strength
o Tensile Range (P.S.I): 500-2000
o Elongation (Max %): 300
• General Characteristics
o Adhesion to Metals: Good
o Compression Set: Good
o Resilience/ Rebound: Fair
Viton Applications
Aerospace & Aircraft Industry

• Radial lip seals

• Manifold gaskets
• Cap seals
• T-Seals
• O-rings
• Siphon hoses

Automotive Industry

• Gaskets
• Seals
• O-rings
• Fuel hoses and tubing

Viton Benefits & Advantages

• Fuel and oil compatibility
• Compatibility with many other chemicals, including vegetable oils, alcohols,
diluted acids, and more
 • Can be made to perform continuously at 204°C and even after short excursions
to 315°C
• Certain grades of Viton can also perform equally well in temperatures as low as -
40°C
• Certain materials are FDA compliant and meet FDA requirements for food and
pharmaceutical applications
• Meets strict environmental regulations in regard to emissions, spills, and leaks,
especially when compared to some other elastomers

What is Natural Rubber?

A Tough Material for Physically Demanding
Applications
Some applications demand the most out of their individual parts. Natural rubber is a
versatile material used in engineering for many years for a very simple reason – it can
take a beating and still perform crucial functions.

Natural rubber combines high tensile and tear strength with an outstanding resistance to
fatigue. These heavy-duty capabilities make this material an ideal polymer for dynamic
or static engineering applications that deal with regular vibration, noise, contact, and
other issues. These qualities make natural rubber an ideal solution for tires, printer
rollers, agitators, and other parts that will come into regular contact with abrasive
surfaces or other damaging elements.
Natural Rubber Properties
• Common Name: Natural Rubber
o ASTM D-2000 Classification: AA
o Chemical Definition: Polyisoprene
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage: -20° to -60° F | -29° to -51°C
o High Temperature Usage: Up to 175° F | Up to 80°C
• Tensile Strength
o Tensile Range (P.S.I): 500-3500
o Elongation (Max %): 700
• Durometer (Hardness) – Range: 40-90 Shore A
• Resistance
o Abrasion Resistance: Excellent
o Tear Resistance: Excellent
o Solvent Resistance: Poor
o Oil Resistance: Poor
o Aging Weather/Sunlight: Poor
• General Characteristics
o Adhesion to Metals: Excellent
o Compression Set: Excellent
o Resilience - Rebound: Excellent

Natural Rubber Applications

• Shock mounts
• Vibration isolators
 • Gaskets
• Seals
• Rolls
• Hose and tubing
• Tires
• Bushings
• Pad assemblies
• Loading dock bumpers

Natural Rubber Benefits & Advantages

• Can be compounded to meet nearly any mechanical requirement
• Ability to be electrically insulating or fully conductive
• Features natural protection, insulation, and sealing properties
• Excellent ability to absorb vibration and shock while silencing noise in even
heavy-duty applications
What is Nitrile Rubber?
A Material Made for Oil Resistance
Unlike natural rubber and other materials, nitrile gaskets and other parts are more
resistant to heat aging. This feature is a key advantage, as it allows nitrile to not harden
and lose its damping capability as quickly as natural rubber and other solutions. Nitrile
rubber is also a great material choice for applications that require abrasion resistance
and metal adhesion.

Due to its versatility and strong resistances, nitrile material is used in applications
involving not only oil, fuel, and chemical resistance, but also those that require
resistance to heat, abrasion, water, and gas permeability. From oil rigs to bowling
alleys, nitrile rubber can be the right material for your application.

Timco works with a wide variety of companies to provide custom molded and die cut
nitrile parts with demanding physical properties. Whether you call them Buna-N seals,
NBR o-rings, or something else, our team can design and provide the best, most cost-
effective custom molded or die cut parts for your applications.
Nitrile Properties
• Common Name: Buna-N, Nitrile, NBR
o ASTM D-2000 Classification: BF, BG, BK
o Chemical Definition: Butadiene Acrylonitrile
• Resistance
o Oil Resistance: Good to Excellent
o Abrasion Resistance: Excellent
o Tear Resistance: Good

o Resistance: Good to Excellent

o Aging Weather/Sunlight: Poor
• Tensile Strength
o Tensile Range (P.S.I): 200-3000
o Elongation (Max %): 600
• Temperature Range
o Low Temperature Usage: -30°F to -40°F | -34°C to -40 °C
o High Temperature Usage: Up to 250°F | 121°C
• Durometer (Hardness) – Range: 20-95 Shore A
• General Characteristics
o Adhesion to Metals: Good to Excellent
o Compression Set: Good
o Resilience/ Rebound: Good
Nitrile Applications
Automotive Industry

• Gaskets
• Seals
• O-rings
• Carburetor and fuel pump diaphragms
• Fuel systems
• Hydraulic hoses
• Tubing

Bowling Industry

• Bowling pin setters

• Roller bumpers
• Anything that comes into direct contact with lane oil

Oil & Gas Industry

• Seals
• Tubing
• Molded shapes
• Rubber-to-metal bonded components
• Connectors
• (BOP) Blowout preventers
• Stripper rubber
• Rotating heads
Nitrile Benefits & Advantages
• Resistance to oil and petroleum products
• Excellent solution for sealing applications
• Good compression set
• Abrasion resistance
• Resistance to higher temperatures
• Resistance to abrasion
• Resistance to water
• Resistance to gas permeability
• Can be compounded for service of temperatures up to 250°F (121°C)

What is Butyl Rubber?

Shock Absorption, Gas Impermeability, and More

Butyl rubber offers some special capabilities to make it a potential option for
applications that need quality sealing, lining, mounting, or more. This material is both
incredibly durable and flexible, making it a natural solution for anyone in need of rubber
parts that can endure regular agitation while maintaining seals, support, and other key
tasks.

In addition to tremendous shock absorption, butyl features exceptionally low gas and
moisture permeability and outstanding resistance to heat, aging, weather, ozone,
chemical attack, flexing, abrasion, and tearing. It is resistant to phosphate ester based
hydraulic fluids, is puncture resistant, and has excellent electrical insulation
performance.
These qualities make butyl a tremendous option for a variety of applications and
industries. Whether you need butyl sealants, butyl pond liners, or some other custom-
made part, Timco can help. Our team works directly with you to identify your exact part
needs and supply a custom solution that address both performance and budget. We
strive to provide the best, most cost-effective custom rubber parts for your business, so
work with Timco today to invest in the right parts for your applications.

Butyl Properties

• Common Name: Butyl or Isobutylene-Isoprene Copolymer

• Temperature Range

o Low Temperature Usage: -75 degrees F / -50 degrees C

o High Temperature Usage: Up to 250 degrees F / 120 Degrees C
• Tensile Strength

o Tensile Range: 500-2500 P.S.I.

o Elongation: 600% Maximum
• Durometer (Hardness) – 40-90 Shore A
• Resistances

o Aging Weather - Good

o Abrasion Resistance: Poor
o Ozone Resistance: Good
o Weather Resistant: Excellent
o Water Resistant: Excellent
o Oil Resistance: Poor
o Chemical Resistant: Good
o Heat Resistant: Good
• General Characteristics

o Gas Permeability: Excellent

o Compression Set: Poor
Butyl Applications
• Shock mounts
• Tubeless tire liners
• Inner tubes
• Stoppers
• Sealants and adhesives
• O-rings
• Pond Liners
• Tank Liners

Butyl Benefits and Advantages

• Flexibility
• Airtight and gas impermeable (a property unique to butyl rubbers)
• Low glass transition temperature
• Good ozone resistance
• Displays high damping at ambient temperatures
• Good weathering, heat, and chemical resistance
• Good damping capabilities
• Biocompatible
• Age resistance

What is Timprene Rubber?

A Custom Material for HVAC Drain Lines and Other
Applications
When clients needed a better material solution, Timco Rubber accepted the challenge.
The resulting efforts resulted in Timco pioneering the latest custom compound in the
HVAC industry: Timprene 6504.

Condensate and other harsh substances pose problems for many rubber parts. While
these hazards may break down certain materials, Timprene can handle these issues.
This elastomeric compound that is highly resistant to acidic environments and ozone at
elevated temperatures.
Timprene is formulated to function in the harsh environment of high efficiency,
condensing gas furnaces. In addition, this compound is made to be highly flame
resistant. Timprene also offers excellent ozone resistance, making it a good choice for
outdoor units as well.

Timco designs Timprene parts for businesses in need of premium HVAC condensate
drain lines and other applications that require excellent resistances to harsh
substances, heat, and the elements. Our team works with you to determine the quality
part solutions to address your performance needs and budget.

Timprene Properties
• Common Name: Timprene 6504
• Temperature Range

o Low Temperature Usage:

o High Temperature Usage:
• Tensile Strength

o Tensile Range: 500-2500 P.S.I.

 o Elongation: 600% Maximum
• Durometer (Hardness) – 65 +/-5
• Resistances

o Flue condensate from gas powered furnaces

o Oil Resistance: Excellent
o Ozone resistance: Excellent

Timprene Applications
• HVAC

o Condensate lines
• Furnace manufacturing

Timprene Benefits and Advantages

• High resistance to harsh environments

• Flame resistance
• High ozone resistance
• Long service life (up to 20 years)
• ASTM D573, GFI Flue Gas Condensate
• ASTM D-395 Method B Compression Set
• High Ozone Resistance - No cracks under 4 power magnification
• UL 94 - 5VA Excluding Glow Requirements