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Introduction

There are so many kinds of rubber on the market right now. The features of rubber depend on whether the rubber was extracted naturally or produced synthetically and the kind of additives and catalysts added during the production process.

That is why rubber quality is an important term to consider when you are choosing rubber components for your products. You would be surprised at how many small and big rubber components industries will regularly need to help equipment and heavy machinery function seamlessly and add to the manufactured products.

What is Quality of Rubber, and Why is it Important?

There are so many types of rubbers available in the market. Some of the common ones that Arvico Rubber deals with are:

• Natural rubber
• Nitrile rubber
• Butyl rubber
• SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)
• Neoprene
• Teflon
• EPDM
• Silicone

All these rubber types have their own features. The quality of rubber could mean how adaptable the features of the rubber are for your requirement. For instance, consider this example.

Nitrile rubber is one of the most common choices for making O-rings. This is because they have excellent sealing abilities and are resistant to most abrasive materials. However, their ability to handle ozone and sunlight is very poor.

As a result, if you decide to use your O-rings in outdoor equipment, then the ring will probably break/get damaged soon, causing leakages and spills. This does not mean the rubber quality is bad. It just means that you have chosen the wrong kind of rubber.

In other cases, the molded rubber product that your manufacturer designed for you could be mechanically incorrect, meaning it does not serve the purpose it was created for. Even if the right quality and type of rubber were chosen, in this case, the product gets unusable.

Commercial Rubber and Specified Grade Rubber – Which One to Choose?

Let’s say you choose a particular type of rubber offered by the manufacturer and understand all its features and specifications. However, you are unhappy with one of these features and ask for an up-gradation or customization to improve that particular feature. In this case, it becomes a specified grade rubber. Let us understand with an example.

 You are interested in neoprene rubber to create your gaskets in. While the rubber quality suits almost all your needs, let’s say you are not very happy with the rubber’s permeability to gases. You want a material that is non-permeable to gases you use in your industrial setting.

So you can ask your manufacturer to customize the material to add in this feature, making it a specified grade rubber. A specified grade rubber can either be created to match the needs of the customer or that of an international standard.

A commercial-grade rubber will meet all the basic requirements and is to be used as such, without any specific additions requested. The quality of rubber will automatically be designed to suit most commercial applications.

How Do you Choose the Right Quality of Rubber for Product & Application?

Rubber technology is such a vast topic right now, and there are so many types of rubberand features for you to check out. Therefore, it would always help to talk to an expert to understand your needs right. We at Arvico Rubber always have one-on-one conversations with our potential clients and be upfront about our process, the pricing, and the expected results.

In fact, our experts have often offered out-of-box solutions to problems our customers come with and have enhanced their applications/products. We don’t stop with creating rubber components. We take a personal interest in our customers’ businesses, helping them get the perfect products to upgrade their business.

How to Test the Quality of Rubber?

There are different laboratory tests that you can conduct to test the quality of rubber. Such laboratory tests need to be conducted in specific environments. Many rubber manufacturers have both an in-house team to conduct quality tests and hire third-party service providers to audit the quality of rubber.

Arvico Rubber conducts the below tests to ensure that the rubber quality is up to the mark every time components leave our premises.

1. Hardness testing

2. Tensile strength testing

3. Compression strength testing

4. Ozone testing

5. Dimensional checking

6. Finish and visual checking

7. Spark testing

8. Flex testing

9. Chemical composition testing – carried out by the IRMRA

10. Third Party Inspection

We also send material test certificates and warranty certificates depending on the products being supplied.

How Can You Ensure Consistent Rubber Quality?

Now, this is not a straightforward answer. As a customer, there is only so much you can do to check the rubber quality before the products are actually delivered to you. Checking for the quality that late may not make sense if you notice a decline in the quality of rubber. Here are things you can do instead.

• Always stick to reputed manufacturers of rubber components. They have a commitment to their customers and a quality requirement to uphold.
• Ask your manufacturer about in-house and third-party quality check processes.
• Ask for samples, if that is possible. This is a great idea to ensure the component exactly matches your requirement.

Are you unhappy with the current rubber components quality that you receive? Do get in touch with us to know how you can better this. As a rubber component manufacturer with 55+ years of experience, we know how critical these components are to the everyday functioning of our clients’ businesses.

How to check the tensile strength of Rubber?

Tensile strength is one of the rubber’s most important physical properties that talks about how it performs under tension. A material with low tensile strength will break/get damaged when it is pulled or compressed beyond a point. Materials with high tensile strength can withstand extreme physical stress without giving up.

The ASTM D412 test is a standard procedure to measure the rubber quality in terms of tensile strength. Here, the sample piece of rubber is cut into a dumbbell shape in per-decided dimensions. The ends of the dumbbell are pulled from both sides with equal power, and the rubber is allowed to stretch until it breaks. The extent of stretching and the force it handles are measured to identify the tensile strength.

Below is a table giving the tensile strength of different types of rubber offered by Arvico rubber.

Tensile strength of different types of rubber (in PSI)

Natural rubber	Nitrile rubber	Neoprene rubber	Hypalon rubber	Butyl rubber	EPDM rubber	Silicone rubber	Viton rubber	Poly urethane rubber
3000	3500	3000	2500	2000	3000	1100	1800	4000

Conclusion

The rubber quality that you choose plays a vital role in determining the quality of your final product. You may be looking to get rubber components for the functioning of your machinery or as components for your products. Either way, make sure you choose the right rubber components manufacturer since this makes all the difference.

Make sure you ask your manufacturer if they adhere to international standards and the properties of each of these types of rubbers.

The quality of rubber Arvico produces is one of the best in the industry. You do not have to worry about leakages, breakage, size mismatch, and other complications when choosing a brand like us.

Arvico Rubbers is one of the few Indian brands that understand the customers’ needs perfectly well and design rubber components that are precise, perfect, and match the requirements 100%. One such component we create is expansion joints rubber.

Here is everything you need to know about expansion joints.

Expansion joints give physical reinforcement to components in industrial settings. In industrial environments, vibrations, misalignments, and unplanned parts movements can cause problems in the normal functioning of the system. Such movements and vibrations can also damage expensive equipment with time.

Expansion joints are added to such joints to ensure the vibrations and movements are dampened.

Why are Vibrations and Movements Bad?

This is a question you may have while talking about expansion joints. Why are vibrations and movements bad in industrial settings? Why does one need to invest in these tiny rubber components?

• Vibration hazards are huge in workplaces. Machine vibrations can cause physical injuries to people working in the units.
• Vibrations also cause friction and lead to physical damage to expensive equipment and machines.
• In hand-held machines, physical vibrations can actually reduce blood flow in the palms and hands, and this can lead to long-term damage.
• Vibrations and movements also cause noise pollution in industrial setups.

A humble expansion joints rubber can help get rid of all these problems instantly, and that is why these are best sellers in Arvico Rubber.

Types of Rubber Expansion Joints

There are so many types of rubber expansion joints, depending on their design and usage.

• Single arch type – This type has a single arch in the middle and a full-face flange design.

• Multiple arch type – This has multiple arches in the center portion, and the arches can come together to form a tight seal that the single arch type cannot provide.

• Taper type – In this style, the expansion joints are tapered. That is, they have varying diameters on both ends of the joints and are connected by pipes.

• Offset type – If there is a misalignment in your setup, then your expansion joints manufacturer will create an offset type expansion joint that can rectify the alignment issues.

• Sleeve spool type – A sleeve pool type can slip over pipes and are to be secured with clamps. These are also available in single and multi-arch types.

• Enlarged end type – As the name suggests, one end of the expansion joint is enlarged than the other end.

• Integral Flange type – This model with a longer radial arch can be designed with both single and multiple arches. These are perfect for moving with the parts, along with providing reinforcements.

When it comes to Arvico’s products, you can choose between three variants – expansion joints with single, double, and triple arch joints. Also, these joints can be designed with or without flanges. Flanges are protruding rims or lips that help with easy connectivity and better strength.

Uses of Rubber Expansion Joint Rubber

Now, as an expansion joints manufacturer, we recommend the below kinds of usage of expansion joints.

1. To fix misalignments in pipes
2. To absorb vibrations, compressions, and expansions
3. To handle excess pressure loads in joint areas
4. To create isolation and reduce noise
5. To improve the lifespan of piping systems and other equipment
6. To help bring down the stress on equipment flanges
7. To bring down stress on the general working system.

Applications of Rubber Expansion Joints

There are so many areas where an expansion joints rubber can be used. Some of them are:

• HVAC devices
• Piping systems
• Desalination plants
• Power plants
• Ducting systems
• Chemical industries
• Pharmaceutical industries
• Refineries
• Compressors
• Sugar industries
• Marine industries
• Wood-processing industries

How Should an Expansion Joints Manufacturer Design an Optimal Expansion Joint?

• Using high-tech, state-of-art design

Without a doubt, the first thing that is needed for an expansion joints manufacturer to do is to create an efficient and high-end model. This starts with using the right skilled workers, having the right setup to create products, and having quality check processes in place.

Did you know that all products from Arvico Rubber go through multiple quality check processes, both internal and external? We are certified by multiple organizations, and our product quality speaks for itself.

• Choosing the right material

You can choose to produce expansion joints in a variety of materials, including natural rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, butyl rubber, EPDM rubber, and silicone rubber, to name a few.

Here is a blog that talks about EPDM rubber and its applications and uses that you can read next.

Now, each of these materials has its own advantages, and the lighter the material you choose, the more flexible the joint will actually be. If you are picking expansion joints to use under high-pressure situations, then materials with high tensile strength like polyurethane rubber, EPDM rubber, or nitrile rubber are good choices. You can talk to your expansion joints manufacturer to understand these differences.

• Picking seamless design

According to experts, an expansion joint rubber that has overlapping plies and seams cannot function with 100% efficiency. That is why designing them in seamless layers is very important. The right manufacturer, like Arvico Rubber, can do this effectively, thanks to our 55+ years of experience.

• Opting for the best design quality

Our team spends a considerable part of the production process around a table, designing the perfect component for your use. Since most of our clients approach us for custom-built expansion joints, we take great care in designing them right. As a result, the product fits their needs perfectly and serves the purpose. Our design software and the molding unit work together, helping customers get the right product every time.

• Investing in thorough quality checks

We understand that quality is everything for customers, and that is why products from Arvico go through multiple quality checks before reaching you. As an expansion joints manufacturer, we assure the below quality testing facilities for our customers, for any component that they choose.

1. Hardness Testing

2. Tensile Strength Testing

3. Compression Strength Testing

4. Ozone Testing

5. Dimensional Checking

6. Finish and Visual Checking

7. Spark Testing

8. Flex Testing

Advantages of Rubber Expansion Joints

Below are the advantages of using flexible expansion joints rubber.

• Expansion joints are easy to install. You don’t have to spend additional effort or skills installing rubber joints.
• A cheaper way to minimize vibrations, noise, and friction.
• Very protective against high-pressure points. These rubber expansion joints may look tiny but can handle pressure and stress like a pro when designed with the right material.
• Flexible design – Want a really small expansion joint in millimeters? Yes, that can be done. Want an expansion joint to fit a 30-inch pipe? That can be done too. With the right expansion joints manufacturer, you can design these components in any size and shape you want.
• These expansion joints can protect from heat loss too, which is an added advantage.
• Rubber expansion joints, in the right materials, can be corrosion and erosion-resistant too.

Conclusion

An expansion joints rubber from our brand can be used in a variety of industries to absorb vibration, movements, and misalignments. Depending on the specific purpose of use, you can design the expansion joint with or without flanges.

Confused whether to choose single, double, and triple arch joints? Talk to our experts to know which model will fit your needs right.

What is EPDM Rubber?         

EPDM Rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber) is one of the most commonly used synthetic rubbers these days. The properties of EPDM rubber is any material that is produced using petroleum products. Synthetic rubbers are used for various applications and can be molded to make all kinds of products, from tiny spare parts to humongous tires!

Did you know that the global EPDM rubber market size was 1718 kilotons in 2021? It is projected to grow to 2338 kilotons in 2026! While the automotive sector is the largest user of EPDM, it is also used widely in other areas like heating and cooling industries, refineries, food and beverage industries, chemical industries, and more.

Under the A S TM International standards, EPDM is listed as an M-Class rubber. This M-class includes EPDM and all other elastomers that contain the saturated chain of a ubiquitous polymer called polyethylene.

As the name suggests, EPDM rubber is made of three major components – ethylene, propylene, and Diene Monomer.

Arvico Rubber offers its components in different types of rubbers, and EPDM is one important kind. A lot of our customers choose EPDM rubber for its various beneficial properties.

Properties of EPDM

Check out some of the critical properties of EPDM that will help you choose between this and other types like silicone, butyl, or nitrile.

Properties	Industry values
Hardness Range (Durometer ‘A’)	40-90
Tensile Strength (psi)	3000
Specific Gravity	0.86
Heat Aging	180 degrees Celsius
Elongation post-fracture	More than 300%
Service temperature (minimum to maximum)	-50 degrees Celsius to +150 degrees Celsius

Apart from these, there are other properties of EPDM rubber you should be aware of.

• The molecular structure of the rubber is made of a single bond. This means that it is extremely resistant to external conditions, and factors like UV rays cannot break this bond as easily as double bonds.
• EPDM is also blessed with low electrical conductivity. This makes it a perfect choice to adhere to other metals.
• EPDM rubber also can insulate from external noises. This is why it is being commonly used in the automotive industry.
• The density of EPDM rubber can be between 0.90 to >2.00 g/cm3.

EPDM Rubber Applications and Uses

There are so many industrial uses due to properties of EPDM rubber, and it has become a common choice for components that would be exposed outdoors to wind, rain, UV rays, and other external factors. Here are some of the uses you should know of.

Construction – In construction industries, EPDM are favorite choices as roofing membranes and come in different widths and thicknesses.

Automotive – In the automotive industry, you can see this polymer being used generously for various purposes, including as sealants, harnesses for wires and cables, seals, bumpers, and even in brake systems. Most wiper blades are also made of EPDM rubber.

Manufacturing industries – Manufacturing industries use various Arvico Rubber’s components like diaphragms, O-Rings, seals, valves, and gaskets. They choose these components in EPDM rubber because of their favorable properties. Check out our products page. You will be able to customize any of these in EPDM.

HVAC – The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning industry also uses EPDM rubber to make its gaskets, seals, insulation parts, PTFE, sleeves or seat rings, rubber stators, hoses  and tubing. This material is preferred for its weather-resistance properties.

Other uses – Other than the above industries, EPDM may be used for a variety of other applications, including the following.

• As insulators for electrical wires and applications
• As an elastic element in straps, hangers, tie-downs, and cords
• As solar panel elements to collect heat
• In vibrators and belts to reduce noise
• EPDM granules are mixed with flooring agents to add grip and stability while walking

Advantages of Choosing EPDM

There are so many reasons why clients prefer having their components made out of EPDM. Some of the benefits are:

• Excellent insulation properties, making it a perfect choice as sealants and insulators in electrical appliances.
• Excellent vulcanizing properties, making the rubber resilient, tough, elastic, and viscous.
• Excellent acid resistance (both concentrated and diluted), making this rubber a perfect choice for components used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and fertilizer industries.
• Excellent abrasion resistance, giving the rubber long life.
• Excellent resistance to oxidation. Oxidation is a natural process where the rubber reacts to oxygen and starts aging. Oxidation resistance improves the life of the material.
• Excellent resistance to ozone damage, making this a perfect choice to use outdoors.
• Excellent ability to manage extreme temperature changes.
• Excellent adhesion to metals and fabrics.
• Excellent tear and abrasion resistance, so you can use PDM components in rough conditions.
• EPDM rubber can also be fire resistant, adding to the safety of your unit.

Are there any disadvantages of EPDM Rubber?

 EPDM rubber may not be a good choice in petroleum-based industries as it breaksdown faster when exposed to petroleum products.

Conclusion

A mid-range manufacturing company may need thousands of rubber components to function seamlessly. Each of your processes may need components made of the right type of polymer too. EPDM rubber is definitely a popular choice out there.

EPDM rubber offers many advantages to our clients’ production lines and lasts really long. If your components are to be installed outdoors, EPDM is perfect for the reasons stated above. However, make sure you explore the other types in the market too and ensure you choose the best material of all. Arvico Rubber offers components in other materials too, including Natural, Nitrile, Neoprene, Hypalon, Silicone, Butyl, Teflon, and Polyurethane.

Our experts from Arvico Rubber will be able to help you out with the right component material choice depending on your specific requirements.

Feel free to get in touch with us to know more.

Introduction

If you work in an industrial setting or run one, there is no way you haven’t heard of a rubber diaphragm. These very humble components find usage in many applications across various industries. Some vital processes may not function without diaphragms in place, and at times, when the quality of these components is not up to the mark, the risk of contamination, hazardous blowups, and equipment damage are all very high. 

What is the Rubber Diaphragm?

A rubber diaphragm is simply a membrane added between chambers to act as a sealant. In some cases, rubber diaphragms can prevent substances in two different chambers from mixing with one another. In other cases, it can also allow flow control using its shape.

A diaphragm is often round in shape, and the rubber used to create the component is flexible. The diaphragm is anchored at the periphery and the centre part of the diaphragm can push out or pull back, depending on the pressure put on it.

You can imagine a diaphragm similar in working to that of a plunger. You have to exert mechanical force with a plunger to create a vacuum and then pull back. With diaphragms, the force exerted is usually pressure changes.

How does the Rubber Diaphragm Work?

The rubber diaphragm’s flexible material makes it respond to pressure changes. When pressure is exerted on the diaphragm’s body, it moves up to a chamber or is pushed back to the other chamber. Thanks to their ability to ensure a constant pressure differential, these components can also be used as a sealant or gasket in various pieces of equipment.

How Much Force Can Rubber Diaphragms Handle?

Tensile strength is a term that talks about the resistance of any material to break under stress. In other words, it is the maximum pressure a substance can handle before breaking down under force. Now, tensile strength is an important term for a rubber diaphragm. Components will very low tensile strength may not handle the internal pressure and break or rip open halfway through.

Arvico Rubber uses multiple materials to create our diaphragms, and you may be able to choose the right material based on the required tensile strength.

Here is a list of common materials of rubber diaphragms and their tensile strength.

Materials	Tensile strength in psi
Natural Rubber	3000
Nitrile Rubber	3500
Neoprene Rubber	3000
Hypalon Rubber	2500
Butyl Rubber	2000
EPDM Rubber	3000
Silicone Rubber	1100
Viton Rubber	1800
Polyurethane Rubber	4000

Our polyurethane rubber offers excellent tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and tear resistance. The EPDM rubber is also a great choice in components where the diaphragms need to handle high-pressure situations.

Types of Rubber Diaphragms

Depending on how these rubber diaphragms are used, there are two major categories you should know of.

1. Rubber diaphragm valves
2. Rubber diaphragm pumps

Rubber Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valves are components that can help control fluid flow by monitoring the direction and speed of fluid that flows through it. These valves contain a thin diaphragm-like structure that helps open and close the valve.

Arvico Rubber offers two types of diaphragm valves, including:

• Weir or saddle diaphragm valve
• Straight-through or full-bore diaphragm valve
• Reverse diaphragm valve

We also have a dedicated exclusively to the working of diaphragm valves. So do check that out when you have the time.

Rubber Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are also called membrane pumps, and these help draw fluids from one chamber to another chamber, using pressure as a force. These diaphragm pumps act as seals, helping pumps to push fluids without the need for lubricants.

There are different types of pumps that may use Arvico’s diaphragms.

• Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps (AODD)
• Metering pumps
• Membrane pumps
• Dosing pumps
• Vacuum pumps
• Impellers

Advantages of Rubber Diaphragms

Here are some of the advantages a rubber diaphragm offers.

1. Offers excellent sealing features.
2. Good quality diaphragms offer airtight seals.
3. Diaphragms are relatively very affordable than other sealant methods.
4. Very low assembly cost and effort.
5. Choosing the right material can ensure your diaphragm handles high temperature and pressure changes effectively.
6. Certain materials of rubber diaphragms handle harsh environments amazingly well.
7. Can be replaced easily without fuss.
8. Diaphragms can be designed in literally any size and other specification required.

Disadvantages of Rubber Diaphragms

There may be certain disadvantages of rubber diaphragms that need to be addressed to use these components effectively.

1. Using diaphragms in high-sludge applications may cause blockage.
2. Diaphragms need to be changed regularly based on manufacturer recommendations. Otherwise, their effectiveness reduces.
3. Picking up the wrong material can lead to breakage or damage to the diaphragm, causing contamination, leakage, and even worse, escape of hazardous materials.             

Rubber Diaphragm Selection Guide

Now, a rubber diaphragm may be a very small part of your expansive industrial setup. However, when this is not chosen right, you may have to end up with inefficient processes and damage to expensive equipment. So, before you decide on the type of diaphragm needed, try to answer the below questions.

• What is the maximum temperature/pressure change the diaphragm has to handle?
• Will your process include abrasive or chemical media that can damage the diaphragms?
• How much force will the diaphragm be exposed to?
• Are there any sanitary standards to be kept in mind?
• Would you require higher flex lives?

Discuss these questions with your diaphragm manufacturer to pick the suitable material of rubber diaphragm for your needs.

We, at Arvico, do not proceed with the manufacturing process until we clearly understand the kind of diaphragm that will work the best for our client’s processes.

Where are Rubber Diaphragms Typically Used?

Rubber diaphragms are used in a variety of equipment and gadgets. Some of the common ones are mentioned below.

• Pumps
• Valves
• Control devices
• Meters
• Modulating devices like regulators
• As shock absorbers in pulsating systems and dashpots

It is also used in most industries like the ones below.

• Chemical
• Food and beverage
• Textile
• Pharmaceutical
• Oil refineries
• Medical and Life sciences

How to Install a Rubber Diaphragm?

Diaphragms are generally very easy to install and fit into the appropriate housing easily. You may need to contact your diaphragm manufacturer to understand how exactly their product is designed to be fixed. Most times, it does not take external help to install a rubber diaphragm.

Maintenance of Rubber Diaphragm

 The first step to maintaining your rubber diaphragm is to install it right. This, by itself, will give the component longevity. Most experts talk about ‘preventive maintenance,’ and we encourage our clients to do this too.

Preventive maintenance includes regularly checking for performance issues and physical damages without waiting for a problem to actually show up. Preventive maintenance is even more vital if your processes use abrasive or harmful media or extreme temperatures and pressures.

As a thumb rule, diaphragms need to be changed every couple of, despite whether or not they look damaged. So make sure changing diaphragms is in your staff’s to-do list at the right intervals.

What Media do Diaphragms Come in Contact With?

Depending on what application the diaphragms are used in, they may come in contact with so many different kinds of media, including water, oil, gases, chemicals, and other abrasive fluids. The type of rubber diaphragm and its material needs to be chosen depending on the media.

Where to Buy Rubber Diaphragms in India?

Arvico Rubber is one of the country’s leading polymer product manufacturers. We have 55+ years of experience in this industry, and our catalog includes 2500+ products that can be customized in endless ways, thanks to our 20,000+ molds.

All you need to do is reach out to us with your specifications, and our expert team will be able to recommend the right diaphragm for your needs.

Conclusion

If one tiny component plays a vital role in improving process efficiencies and safety in an industrial setup, it is a rubber diaphragm. If you think your manufacturing unit needs a positive revamp, then get in touch with us right now. If you are an original equipment manufacturer or seller, offer your customers the best possible products by choosing our quality diaphragms.

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