Rubber

What is rubber what are its applications?

There are two types of rubber in the world: synthetic rubber and natural rubber. The former is manufactured in a process requiring polymerisation, while the latter is made from an emulsion of the sap (latex) collected from rubber trees. An interesting fact: the name of this product comes from the verb “to rub”. EKI processes these types from a rubber roll, manufacturing strips, rings, blocks, frames and other shapes. These might include non-adhesive of self-adhesive custom rubber strips, support blocks, adjustment blocks, spacing blocks and rubber gaskets. These products can all be delivered with or without self-adhesive surface(s). Bearing pad rubber is a special type that is used in heavy bearing applications that require a good distribution of pressure, for example steel constructions beneath concrete floors or under glass plates. This material comes in different hardnesses, with the most common being 60 Shore A, 65 Shore A or 70 Shore A.

Raw materials

Rubber is made from different types of materials. At EKI, we process the following types: SBR, EPDM, neoprene, NBR, silicone and butyl.

SBR

SBR is the most commonly used raw material. SBR is mainly used for indoor applications; you won’t often see it used outdoors because it is less resistant to heat and weathering. When used indoors, it is very hard-wearing.

EPDM

EPDM rubber is mainly used outdoors. It is very resistant to UV radiation and ozone, making it ideal for use in road construction. EPDM is also highly elastic and therefore often used as a rubber seal.

Neoprene

Neoprene rubber combines a number of the desirable properties found in other rubbers, making it a high-quality, versatile material. Depending on the quality, it has a light resistance to oil, making it popular for use in shipping and offshore applications. It is also widely used in public facilities.

NBR

NBR is even more resistant to oil than neoprene and is therefore commonly used in indoor applications where it comes into prolonged contact with oil. It also has good mechanical properties and has some resistance to UV and ozone. A well-known use for NBR is in the manufacture of O-rings.

Silicone

Silicone rubber is ideal for use at high temperatures of up to 230-300°C. It is frequently used for applications involving contact with food, but also in clothing, accessories and DIY products. We deliver silicone in the colours white, black, red and transparent.

Butyl

Butyl rubber has excellent resistance to UV radiation and ozone and is suitable for creating airtight seals, so it is often used outdoors. It is very easy to glue and is therefore often used as a rubber seal. One familiar application of the material is for bicycle inner tubes. Interestingly, it is also a raw material used in manufacturing chewing gum.

How EKI delivers rubber

Nijmegen-based manufacturer EKI can supply you with products such as high-quality rubber gaskets, profiles, rubber strips, sheet rubber, draught tape, draught strips and other types of sealing rubber, in both standard and custom sizes. The items we produce from our materials are extremely durable and can be delivered both in bulk and in small quantities. Regardless of the size of the purchase, we can deliver our products quickly throughout Europe. If you have specific requirements or questions about our products or their technical specifications, please contact us via +31(0)243773378 or info@eki.nl.