Extruded rubber seals are made through elastomeric compounds and are produced using different processes like molding or extrusion. These rubber products are then custom-made to meet various application requirements such as length.
Different types of rubber molding processes such as injection molding or compression molding has their own advantages but products obtained through extrusion supports the creation of rubber profiles with complex cross-section and provides a smooth finish.
This is the reason why extruded rubber products are used in a wide variety of industries. If you know little about extruded seals and are looking to buy the best one according to your requirements. Below, we have listed 5 different types of extruded rubber seals to help you choose the right one according to your needs and applications.
Different Extruded Silicone Seals
Bulb seals
Bulb seals have an open, rounded teardrop area and this is what makes them distinctive from all the other seals available in the market. Some rubber bulb seal extrusions resemble the shape of a half-moon or have a flat bottom.
These seals are often made up of sponge rubber and are used as fittings for doors of cars and buildings. Softer bulbs are made from materials such as EPDM foam that helps create watertight seals.
Door seals
Door seals are known for their application, not for their material composition or geometric features. They are designed to fill the gaps between doors in order to prevent wind, water, and other materials from entering buildings and vehicles. They are used in doors of buildings, vehicles such as trucks and cars, and also in industrial and commercial facilities.
Other type of door seals such as hatch seals are used in electronic enclosures, rooftop HVAC systems, and fuel tanks. These rubber extrusion seals include different types of bulb seals and are very well-liked by manufacturers in the market.
Lip seals
Lip seals consist of a sealing lip and an opening, these seals are mostly used in high-speed crankshaft applications for gasoline and diesel engines. They are also used to protect the bearing that supports a rotating bore.
Other than protecting the bearing, these silicone extrusions also prevent the entrance of dust or other contaminants into the equipment. They are mainly used in vehicles and other various equipment. Such seals vary in terms of material properties, so it is crucial to make a decision according to your requirements and applications.
Accordion seals
Accordion seals are a type of extruded rubber seal that have folds like a bellows of an accordion. Their physical dimension changes once they are stretched or compressed.
They are used to weatherproof different points like between a trailer or a truck cab and have an internal spring steel loom. A different variety of accordion extruded rubber seal products is used in transportation and automotive-related applications.
Bulb trim seals
Bulb trim seals are a type of dual durometer seal with a bulb and trim section. The bulb section of the seal is made up of sponge rubber such as EPDM. And, the trim section is made up of PVC.
Because of their distinctive design, bulb trim seals offer protection against sunlight, water, and other temperature extremes. These extruded silicone seals are often available in reusable, weather-resistant, and recyclable materials like thermoplastic elastomers TPEs.
Different Materials Used For Making Extruded Silicone Seals
PVC
PVC is the best material if you are looking to make the best-extruded rubber seal products. The product made from PVC will be highly flexible, lightweight durable and will offer resistance to weather, oil, grease, and different chemicals. Another advantage of PVC is that it can be extruded into dual durometer parts, making them the best fit for car door seals.
Silicone
Silicone is another popular material used for making rubber products, it is highly used in the process of silicone extrusion. This compound is mostly manufactured for high-temperature applications. This material easily makes products that can handle both hot and cold environments. It has good rebounding characteristics and a compression set making it ideal for extruded or molded seals.
Takeaway
Extruded rubber seals are designed to support complex cross-sections and provide a smooth surface finish. Listed above are different types of extruded rubber seals. To help you choose the right one according to your applications. If you are looking for a reliable silicone rubber extrusion manufacturer then custom rubber silicone molds are the best place for you.
We have a wide variety of rubber products, plus we are also known to make the best custom-made silicone molds and products. We have a wide variety and configurations to choose from. Our talented team has years of expertise in the market and will help you choose the right rubber product according to your requirements. To know more, get in touch with our team or check out our website.