Processes

Transfer moulding is a very similar process to compression moulding, the main difference being where the material is placed within the mould. The rubber is loaded into a chamber above or below the tool and squeezed through passageways/gates to form the shape.

This process can be used to create more intricate or ‘awkward to compress’ mouldings where simple compression just won’t do. Typically mouldings with a metal or plastic insert inside will be moulded using this process.

As with compression moulding, once the vulcanization has taken place the mould is then removed from the press and opened up to reveal the finished moulding inside. After cooling it goes through an initial check, trimming and a further quality check before being dispatched to the customer. 

Compression moulding is where you compress a predetermined amount of rubber between 2 halves of a mould to form one complete part. The mould is heated to the correct temperature, removed from the press and opened up to insert the blank. The mould is then re-assembled and returned to the hydraulic press and pressure is applied.

The vulcanization of the rubber depends on 3 things; pressure, temperature and time. Once the vulcanization has taken place the pressure is released and the mould removed from the press. The mould can now be opened, revealing your rubber moulding within. The rubber part is then removed from the mould and set aside to cool.

The process is then repeated to achieve the required amount of mouldings. After moulding, the part then receives an initial check before having the excess flash trimmed. It will then receive a secondary quality check before being shipped to the customer.

We stock and sell a variety of rubber matting and sheet material, from smooth sheeting to patterned non slip matting in different thicknesses.

All sold ‘by roll’ or ‘by square meter’. Many flat parts can be made from the smooth sheet material including washers, spacers, feet and protective covers. We also sell equestrian stable matting.

So for all your rubber matting needs contact us and see how we can help.

Any further part assembly can be performed in-house. We manufacture valve lapping tools by the thousands, our sucker mouldings are placed on either end of a wooden dowel, before packaging for shipping.

Assembly can also keep mouldings looking pristine during transportation, some parts that are susceptible to distortion can have a cardboard inserts placed inside for protection and prevention.

Untreated, punched or machined metal parts can rust quickly if exposed to moisture. Coating them with a film to prevent this keeps the part clean and rust free.

This film needs to be removed before use and ultrasonic cleaning is the best way to do this. The parts are cleaned with ultrasound waves which wash away any contamination from the surfaces. After drying the parts are ready for moulding.

New and reconditioned metal parts need cleaning before being moulded. These are usually shot blasted to etch or clean away any rust or debris from the surfaces. Each part is then carefully cleaned and inspected to make sure all debris is removed.

During a long run and after use, the mould itself can need cleaning. Residue from release agents and build up from the compound itself needs removing as it can also leave unsightly marks on the mouldings. Before storing the mould, a moisture guard should be applied to prevent any rust or seizing. This is cleaned off the mould before it’s used again.

Most rubbers can be bonded to metal surfaces, this process starts by cleaning and etching the surface. The bond can be achieved by applying a bonding agent to the desired area. The metal part is then encapsulated within the moulding during vulcanization.

The rubber bonds to the metal on a molecular level and once cured can last a long time. Many bushes and vibration mounts are made in this manner.

A hydraulic beam punch is used to produce gaskets or washers of any design using a cutting die. This can be a cost effective way of producing flat parts from sheet material. The sheet is cut and resized to suit the cutting die, then placed under the beam punch with the die on top.

The beam punch is fully adjustable to suit any thickness of material. The die is then removed from the machine revealing the punched part inside. After punching these parts then receive our quality checks before shipping.