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The Basics of Rubber Extrusions

ELBEX • Jun 18, 2018

Rubber extrusion is a process where uncured rubber components are forced through a die and into a standard or customized shape. Once a piece of rubber is extruded, it is immediately cured.

This process of rubber extrusion uses an extrusion die, or a steel blank, that is a precision cut to the shape of the cross-sectional profile of the desired part. Once the extrusion die is in place raw material is forced through the die and cured to create the profile. Dies are material and durometer specific due to the unique characteristics of different materials used in the extrusion process.

Extrusion allows for a higher volume of material that can be processed in less time.

At ELBEX Corporation, our rubber extrusion process utilizes a a continuous salt bath cure line. Uncured extrusions run through a salt line at approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit and will emerge fully cured. Different materials in the extrusion will also be cross-linked.

The extrusion process lends itself perfectly to high volume production runs. But with our salt bath cure process, we are not restricted to limited production lengths seen in other systems.

With our main focus on custom design manufacturing, we do not have minimum order requirements at ELBEX. Instead, minimum orders rely on profile size and material.

27 Mar, 2024
We live in a time of rapid change — and this is just as true of the rubber extrusion industry as it is in other areas. At ELBEX, we believe a forward-thinking approach is vital to stay at the forefront of rubber extrusion. Emerging Trends in Rubber Extrusion in 2024 As 2024 begins, several trends have stood out in the rubber extrusion industry. These include advancements in eco-friendly materials, improvements in manufacturing automation, and increased demand for rubber extrusions from emerging markets. At ELBEX, ongoing investments in research and development have proven essential for helping us take advantage of these trends so we can better serve our clients. Incorporating Advanced Technology Manufacturing processes are constantly improving thanks to new technologies such as AI and the internet of things. These technologies enable us to automate certain processes to achieve greater efficiency, quality control, and customization capabilities. Sustainability: A Core Focus for ELBEX in 2024 Energy efficiency and the use of eco-friendly materials have long been a focus at ELBEX, but they are even more important in 2024. Current sustainability initiatives include the use of recycled materials and a focus on implementing energy-efficient processes that minimize waste. Expanding into New Markets and Applications New industries and markets represent a major area of growth for rubber extrusion products. Areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart infrastructure will all rely on rubber extrusions, and as such, we must continually research and develop new profiles that will work with these applications. ELBEX’s Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction In the midst of these trends, ELBEX is committed to maintaining high quality standards, as demonstrated through our ISO certification. By taking advantage of the latest industry trends, we can further improve results for our clients and drive meaningful outcomes. With a proactive approach to embracing current and future trends in the world of rubber extrusions, ELBEX is positioned to continue shaping the future of the industry in 2024 and beyond.
19 Mar, 2024
One of the most important indicators of a manufacturer’s efficiency is its scrap rate — or the percentage of defective products that need to be thrown away or recycled. At ELBEX, we are proud to consistently achieve low scrap percentages with each job we undertake. The Importance of Low Scrap in Manufacturing In manufacturing, scrap can have significant environmental and economic impacts. Unusable products must be recycled and replaced, which means more time, energy, and materials used in the manufacturing process. This can drive up costs for both the business and its clients, while also creating a larger carbon footprint. ELBEX’s Approach to Minimizing Scrap At ELBEX, we implement a wide variety of steps to minimize scrap, starting by using high-quality materials that are less likely to result in defects. We combine this with the latest in rubber extrusion technology and processes and a skilled team that draws on decades of industry experience. Strong quality control systems help us reduce waste at every step of the process. Impact on Quality and Cost-Effectiveness These practices, which help us achieve a low scrap percentage, ultimately result in higher quality products and less waste. This creates cost savings for everyone involved, as production runs can be completed faster and with less material. Reduced energy consumption also means less of an impact on the environment. ELBEX’s Ongoing Commitment to Improvement ELBEX is committed to continuous improvement, including finding new ways to further reduce scrap and enhance efficiency. By embracing new technology and sourcing the highest-quality materials, we can become even more sustainable and cost-efficient. At ELBEX, we believe our low scrap percentage is an indicator of our efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility. While there is always room for improvement, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and how it can help you, too.
19 Mar, 2024
At Elbex, we are committed to maintaining a high standard of quality with our rubber extrusions. As part of this, we are proud to have obtained ISO 9001:2015 without Design certification as a signifier of our team consistently meeting quality standards. Here’s what this means for you. ELBEX’s Journey to ISO Certification ELBEX obtained its ISO certification in 2010, and has held it continuously since then. To achieve this certification, ELBEX had to demonstrate to a certification body that our work complied with ISO standards. During the assessment process, we had to show that we had sufficient quality management systems in place, while also striving for continuous improvement. Benefits of ISO Certification for ELBEX Clients Thanks to our ISO certification, you can have confidence that you’ll get consistent quality, reliability, and safety from our rubber extrusions. Adhering to ISO standards ensures that our products will always live up to expectations, so you can have confidence when placing an order for a standard or custom extrusion. ISO Standards and Rubber Extrusion Excellence The ISO certification that ELBEX holds — ISO 9001 — is considered a global quality management standard. It means that we have effective quality management processes in place to ensure great results with our products. This standard also covers process improvements and ongoing optimization, meaning we must continually look for ways to become more efficient, reduce waste, and find other ways to improve quality. ELBEX’s Commitment to Ongoing Excellence ISO certification isn’t held permanently — it must be periodically renewed. At ELBEX, we are dedicated to maintaining and exceeding ISO standards so we can deliver great results for our customers, while also finding new innovations that help us become even more effective in our work. With ISO certification, you can have confidence in ELBEX’s capabilities to ensure quality in the rubber extrusion industry. We are committed to upholding the highest standards for every project — including yours.
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