Rubber to metal bonded products are used in a wide variety of applications in the industry today. It involves adhering rubber to a metal substrate. The metal imparts sufficient stiffness to the rubber so that the part can be mounted, the rubber on the other hand equips the metal with elasticity and damping properties. Prior the occurrence of molding, the metal is degrease and sandblasted to eliminate rust and other impurities existing on its surface. The metal is then sprayed at with a bonding agent. The rubber once dried is placed into the mold to undergo forming and curing. Rubbers of this type are prevalent in various industrial, medical and commercial domains. Following is a table which charts the essentials of manufacturing rubber to metal bonded products.
Elements of a Rubber/Metal Bond
o The Bonding Layer
o Selection of Bonding Agents
o Choice of Substrate
The Bonding Process
o Substrate Cleaning
o Application of Bonding Agents
o Rubber Moulding
o Mould Design
o Plated Inserts