A Complete Guide to Solid Rubber

Solid rubber is a versatile and resilient material that is known for its resistance to wear and tear. Made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber or silicone compounds, solid rubber finds widespread use across a diverse range of industries. It has a solid construction that has similar characteristics to sponge rubber but without any air pockets within its structure. Available in different forms in a selection of materials, solid rubber demonstrates a level of durability that meets the demanding requirements of most sealing applications. As well as being used in the production of extruded sections for creating watertight seals, solid rubber can also be used for shock absorbing, cushioning and insulation.

Thanks to their unique set of properties, solid rubber materials can be extruded to create bespoke sealing solutions, cut into strips, or cut from large sheets to make complex gaskets.

This guide discusses the process required to manufacture sealing solutions in solid rubber materials. It also details the main advantages of each of these materials.

Seals, extrusions and other sealing products can be manufactured from a large range of solid rubber materials that provide a reliable solution for most applications. The overall choice to use solid rubber for manufacturing rubber seals is driven by its combination of durability, customisation options and cost-effectiveness. As a harder rubber, solid materials offer a greater resistance to abrasion, wear and other stresses that cannot be found with sponge rubber solutions. Some of the advantages that make solid rubber a dependable material include;

Solid rubber is commonly used for manufacturing products that serve as sealing solutions to prevent water ingress. As a material that is inherently resistant to the absorption of water, solid rubber can be used in outdoor sealing environments where exposure to moisture and other fluids is a concern.

The weather resistance of a specific solid rubber profile is determined by the material that it has been manufactured from. Whilst most compounds have some resistance to the effects of weathering, most solid rubber sections are made from EPDM owing to its cost-effectiveness and favourable qualities. This material is able to withstand prolonged exposure to weathering, ozone and UV rays.

The composition and structure of solid rubber can be customised to meet specific requirements, allowing for a wide range of hardnesses, flexibilities and other properties. As each type of rubber has a unique set of characteristics, it is possible to select a material that is suitable for the environment where it will be used. This includes applications that require a solid rubber sealing solution that is resistant to chemicals, weathering or extreme temperatures.

Despite the name, solid rubber can also be manufactured in a range of hardnesses to suit the required application. This hardness is expressed between 40° Shore A and 90° Shore A, where 40° is comparable to a pencil eraser and 90° is similar to the hardness of a bath plug.

Additionally, certain silicone, rubber and PVC compounds allow for the addition of pigments, facilitating the creation of seals in different colours. This is advantageous for applications that need to be aligned with corporate branding, or sealing solutions that require a visually appealing appearance.

Solid rubber is known for its robustness and durability. The inherent resilience of these materials enables seals manufactured from solid rubber compounds to withstand prolonged use, resist wear and tear, and maintain their structural integrity over time. This durability is particularly important in environments where seals are exposed to challenging conditions, such as extreme temperatures, UV radiation and chemical substances. The ability to maintain effective sealing under these circumstances helps contribute to the seals longevity and ensures consistent performance.

As a result of this durability, the robust nature of solid rubber provides an extended service life, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced reliability. This not only protects against environmental elements but also promotes efficiency in sealing functions, providing a dependable sealing solution.

Whilst it is always best to choose a material resistant to the specific substances that it will come into contact with, the ability to manufacture rubber seals from a diverse range of compounds allows for the selection of a material most suitable to the target environment. The formulation of solid rubber, dependent on the specific material, equips these seals with the ability to withstand contact with various chemicals, solvents, fuels and oils. This resistance is particularly advantageous in industrial settings and manufacturing environments where seals are exposed to potentially corrosive substances.

Different materials are resistant to different substances and choosing the correct material is essential to prevent the degradation, swelling or breakdown of the rubber section. 

Solid rubber products can be manufactured from various rubber and silicone compounds. The material choice depends on factors such as the intended use, environmental conditions and required performance. These compounds have different characteristics and choosing the correct compound is essential for providing a long lasting sealing solution that does not degrade or deteriorate. It is possible for these compounds to be blended to create hybrid rubber materials with enhanced properties or lower production costs. Some common types of solid rubber include;