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The Importance of Quality Control & Testing With Rubber Extrusions

ELBEX • January 16, 2023
The Importance of Quality Control & Testing With Rubber Extrusions

Rubber extrusions are used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive and aerospace to water control and construction. Regardless of the exact usage requirements, quality control is essential for ensuring that every extrusion will fulfill its role effectively.

Importance of Quality Control

Quality control isn’t just a matter of meeting expectations. Rubber extrusions play vital roles that can significantly affect the performance, durability, and safety of a finished application. An effective quality control program ensures that the finished products live up to material requirements and design specifications. This prevents accidents and damages, providing lasting quality for the finished application.

Of course, strong quality control efforts also reduce waste, speed up production, and lower costs by preventing downtime, the need to “re-do” an order, and other issues. Strong quality control ultimately benefits everyone.

Ensuring Quality Through Testing

In the rubber extrusion manufacturing process, quality control testing occurs at several different stages to ensure the finished products meet expectations. This starts by inspecting incoming raw materials to ensure their quality and provide complete traceability if an issue occurs. SPC inspections during manufacturing control the quality of production processes, while testing and inspections after manufacturing is complete will help ensure that the finished extrusions meet performance demands.

At Elbex, our team is committed to high-level quality control from start to finish. Our ISO certified quality system ensures that our finished products will meet and exceed your expectations. Our manufacturing can meet ASTM, SAE, AMS, military, and RMA specifications to ensure superior performance. To learn more or to request a quote, contact us today.

By Katie Schupp December 27, 2024
Industrial manufacturing processes require precision and performance. However, it’s not always easy to find the materials that will withstand the harsh conditions and specific functional requirements present in an industrial environment. At Elbex, our specialized rubber profiles for industrial manufacturing ensure optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness for your application. Understanding Industrial Rubber Profiles Industrial rubber profiles play a key role in a wide range of industrial and manufacturing activities by providing sealing, insulation, protection, and vibration dampening. They include extruded profiles (including U-channels, L-shapes, and T-shapes), molded profiles (such as custom shapes and seals with complex geometries), and sheet rubber with die-cut profiles. At Elbex, we can customize these profiles to better match the specific needs of your application. A wide range of industries rely on rubber profiles during the manufacturing process, including the automotive, construction, appliance, mass transit, and architectural fields. Rubber profiles serve a wide range of roles, including as gaskets and seals in machinery to absorb vibrations, or as door and window seals to prevent leaks. Materials and Properties Industrial rubber profiles can be made from several different rubber compounds, including EPDM, nitrile, silicone, and neoprene. Each of these materials offers varying levels of resistance to abrasion, chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, UV exposure, moisture, and other hazards. At Elbex, we work with you to determine which material will be best based on your performance needs and environmental factors affecting your application. Choosing the Right Rubber Profile Choosing the right rubber profile requires examining the specific needs of your industrial application. For example, will the profile be involved in sealing, insulating, or offering protection against vibrations? What environmental conditions will be present? Do you want to prioritize flexibility, hardness, or durability with your profiles? And of course, what solution will be cost-effective while still delivering the desired performance? By considering these questions together, we can determine the best solution for your application. Durable industrial rubber profiles can enhance the performance and efficiency of various industrial and manufacturing processes – but only if they are made with quality materials and feature the right design specifications. Contact Elbex today to request a quote or schedule a design consultation to see how we can meet your industrial rubber profile needs.
By Katie Schupp December 20, 2024
A leaking dishwasher can be incredibly frustrating and problematic for its owners, with the potential for damage to the machine itself and widespread water damage in the kitchen. For manufacturers, this makes utilizing high-quality dishwasher rubber seals and high-quality silicone gaskets for dishwashers essential for providing reliable performance without risking costly leaks for customers. Types of Dishwasher Seals Dishwashers actually utilize multiple types of seals to prevent leaks. The door seal and gasket is the most noticeable to users, as this creates a watertight seal between the dishwasher’s door and the tub. The tub gasket also plays a vital role in preventing leaks between the dishwasher tub and the surrounding countertop and cabinets. Finally, pump seals, hose seals, and spray arm seals help ensure the proper performance of these components by preventing vibrations and leaks. Materials and Durability Silicone and rubber are the most commonly used materials for dishwasher seals. These seals are exposed to heat, moisture, detergents, and food particles, which can accelerate wear and tear. Generally speaking, silicone offers better resistance to extreme temperatures, as well as oils, fats, and grease. However, rubber is more tear-resistant. As such, consider the dishwasher’s temperature settings and intended usage environment as part of your materials selection. Signs of a Failing Dishwasher Seal Even with the right materials and design, a dishwasher seal can fail over time. The most obvious sign of a failing seal is a leak – water pooling beneath the dishwasher. Mold growth, musty odors, or decreased cleaning performance could also indicate that a seal is deteriorating. Using high-quality materials and the right design will optimize the performance and longevity of dishwasher seals and gaskets.  High-quality water-resistant seals and gaskets are essential for preventing leaks and ensuring optimal performance in dishwashers. By emphasizing these elements during the design and manufacturing process, you can deliver quality outcomes to your customers. Contact Elbex today to learn more about how we can help produce dishwasher rubber seals and gaskets that meet your manufacturing needs.
By Katie Schupp December 13, 2024
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