Phone: 952-445-1320
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Rubber Industries is designated as an essential manufacturer due to our Medical and Department of Defense manufacturing.
We continue to operate all aspects of our tooling and manufacturing 24x7x365
FKM (Viton TM) Custom Molded Parts
Phone: 952-445-1320
Rubber Industries Inc is a leader in the custom molding of elastomers and custom tooling for five decades. Our work with custom tooling and custom molded pieces has made us the go to experts for the world's largest companies.
- We mold thousands of different shapes with Viton for the world's most renowned companies.
- We only use custom Viton formulas proven over decades to ensure your product is of the highest quality.
- Our FKM custom molded parts are expertly manufactured for the most demanding environments.
- We build all of the tools and materials necessary to mold your FKM items. This gives us complete control over the quality of your product while adhering to your project timeline without you worrying about managing multiple vendors! We do it all!
- We have the experience of hundreds of thousands FKM overmolded to stainless custom parts being made in our facility annually for decades.
Custom Molded Viton Parts
|
We've perfected each of our manufacturing processes and steps to provide the highest quality parts at the most competitive pricing while providing the best experience possible for our customers. On top of this, we are always improving our services further to ensure that our customers are getting the best service possible. In fact, we have recently invested millions of dollars into our company and our Asian partner's companies to keep us at the forefront of Viton, silicone, and rubber related manufacturing.
Our company is the only company in rubber manufacturing that can take on your project from start to finish in record time. Our list of services is long and comprehensive. It covers every step of the manufacturing process from start to finish and it includes a staggering list of possible materials and processes that we can use for those services.
This comprehensive list of services allows you to stick with us throughout the duration of your project. This allows you to develop a business relationship with us that you can rely on without having to start over with someone else for another step in the manufacturing process.
It also saves you time and money.
Over our fifty years of manufacturing experience, we've learned how to stick within our customer's budget and still provide the highest quality possible.
We also start your project and keep it moving until it's finish. We never shutdown production and you never have any downtime with your project.
Our 24/7 by 365 manufacturing schedule makes us the fastest from design to shipping you parts.
Our company is the only company in rubber manufacturing that can take on your project from start to finish in record time. Our list of services is long and comprehensive. It covers every step of the manufacturing process from start to finish and it includes a staggering list of possible materials and processes that we can use for those services.
This comprehensive list of services allows you to stick with us throughout the duration of your project. This allows you to develop a business relationship with us that you can rely on without having to start over with someone else for another step in the manufacturing process.
It also saves you time and money.
Over our fifty years of manufacturing experience, we've learned how to stick within our customer's budget and still provide the highest quality possible.
We also start your project and keep it moving until it's finish. We never shutdown production and you never have any downtime with your project.
Our 24/7 by 365 manufacturing schedule makes us the fastest from design to shipping you parts.
Video of Custom Viton Tooling
Rubber Industries Inc. Saves You Time and Money
Choosing who to use to produce your rubber, synthetic rubber and silicone parts is an important decision, and this is especially true when exotic and expensive compounds like FKM and FFKM are being used. Project costs can skyrocket when production is delayed because a small rubber component arrives late or fails quality control tests, and well-deserved reputations for quality and durability can evaporate within a matter of days when consumer reviews start to mention peeling rubber or inadequate sealing.
Avoiding these problems is best accomplished by selecting a molded rubber supplier that under promises and over delivers. Rubber Industries Inc. has a client list that features some of the largest and most respected manufacturers in the world, and we built it by exceeding their expectations for quality and service.
Our market segment is highly competitive and our clients have plenty of other options, but they remain fiercely loyal for several key reasons.
These reasons include:
Choosing who to use to produce your rubber, synthetic rubber and silicone parts is an important decision, and this is especially true when exotic and expensive compounds like FKM and FFKM are being used. Project costs can skyrocket when production is delayed because a small rubber component arrives late or fails quality control tests, and well-deserved reputations for quality and durability can evaporate within a matter of days when consumer reviews start to mention peeling rubber or inadequate sealing.
Avoiding these problems is best accomplished by selecting a molded rubber supplier that under promises and over delivers. Rubber Industries Inc. has a client list that features some of the largest and most respected manufacturers in the world, and we built it by exceeding their expectations for quality and service.
Our market segment is highly competitive and our clients have plenty of other options, but they remain fiercely loyal for several key reasons.
These reasons include:
- Centralized production: Our design, tooling, preproduction, chemistry and production operations all take place in one vast space. Our 5 acre Minneapolis campus is packed with the latest high-speed presses and staffed with an experienced team of workers who are provided with the best training and support in the industry. This means that communication between departments is almost instantaneous and delays that often stretch to hours or days can usually be avoided entirely.
- A consistent management philosophy: The last five decades have ushered in seismic changes in manufacturing and commerce, and many once towering brands have been consigned to the ash heap because executives failed to see new opportunities or adapt to an evolving marketplace. Rubber Industries Inc. has gone from strength to strength because of a consistent management philosophy that is dedicated to quality, integrity and customer service. We spend millions on the latest machinery and equipment because we understand that it will eventually pay for itself and save us money, and we continue to exceed customer expectations because we know that this is how referrals and recommendations are earned.
- Superior custom tooling services: While many of our competitors still make tools out of aluminium to save money, Rubber Industries Inc. chooses robust stainless steel. This means that our tools last longer and produce more consistent results, and because we build the tools and can account for post bake shrink you get a perfect part the first time which gets you to market faster.
- Unlimited capacity: Our Minnesota campus is capable of producing hundreds of thousands of custom molded rubber, synthetic rubber and silicone parts each week, and we have also developed relationships with some of Asia’s most respected manufacturers to provide our clients with virtually unlimited production capacity. We have invested in Asian partners that share our quality first philosophy, which means that our clients can expect the same high standards regardless of where their components are made.
- Rapid prototyping services: Rubber Industries Inc. is probably best known for its swift turnaround times, and this is largely the result of our extremely fast prototyping services. Prototypes are often completed in a matter of hours, and we have even built tools and prototypes from scratch and delivered finished silicone items in less than a week.
- In- house formulation and chemistry: Getting the compound formula right is a crucial step in the molding process, and this is particularly true when the materials being used are as expensive as FKM. Our team of in-house chemists have created more than 2,000 custom formulas over the last five decades, so they will likely have the experience needed to produce custom compounds that meet your requirements exactly.
- Expertise: The rubber molding industry has evolved significantly in recent years and more changes undoubtedly lie ahead. Rubber Industries Inc. does not shy away from innovation and is usually one of the first molding companies to adopt new methods and technology. Our Minnesota campus is filled with sophisticated presses that lower labor and energy costs and minimize waste, and our chemists and engineers are familiar with the latest compounds from companies like 3M and DuPont.
- Our client list: It is said that individuals can be judged based on the quality of the company they keep, and this is also truce of businesses. Rubber Industries Inc. has a long list of loyal clients that has been built carefully over several decades, and some of the names on it can also be found toward the top of the Fortune 100. Corporations like General Electric and Toyota remain loyal to Rubber Industries Inc. because they know that their orders will be filled quickly with quality components, and we offer the same advantages and levels of customer service to small local businesses interested in low volume production.
- We never close: We offer our clients quick high volume capability with injection molding 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year. Our massive Minnesota facility never closes, which means that our clients can always rely on us to deliver the components they need in a timely manner.
|
Our Work With FKM (Viton) And General Information
FKM is a generic term for flouroelastomers. Brand name formulas like Viton, Dyneon, and other formulas from brand name companies are all FKM variants. DuPont was the first company to manufacture an FKM and patented as the product we all know as Viton, today.
There are many different forms of FKM rubber and they're all classified by their different fluorine content. When a manufacturer changes the amount of fluorine in the base formula of their FKM, they change several major characteristics of the end product and this variability allows it to be adapted for use in a multitude of industries and applications.
FKM is used virtually in every type of segment for the most demanding applications due to it being extremely resistant to chemicals. It's also a very expensive material to use and needs to be handled by experts who know what they're doing. If used properly, it is extremely beneficial for applications that are demanding.
FKM is not a straightforward material to mold - and this is where Rubber Industries, Inc expertise saves you time and money.
FKM is an expensive material and you need experts to mold this. While other manufacturers might shy away from producing products with FKM, we have decades of experience with the material and we mold thousands of different shapes with Viton every year.
Who will you trust with this very expensive material? Trust the industry leading experts in FKM molding!
With Rubber Industries, you can feel assured that your expensive FKM is going to be handled properly and used in the most efficient way.
FKM is extremely valuable and any mistakes in manufacturing can have a large financial impact on a company.
Because we build the tools and can account for post bake shrink you get a perfect part the first time which gets you to market faster and with less cost to you.
Other companies rely on third-party manufacturers to produce their tooling and they lose the ability to completely control the quality of your part.
There is also a certain financial and timeline risk involved with manufacturing FKM products if the manufacturer doesn't fully understand the material.
Not only does this waste expensive materials that you paid for, but it also costs you time. It's important to enlist the help of experts when you have a project that utilizes FKM materials.
When you go to source a manufacturer for your FKM project, remember that Rubber Industries is known for being the proven experts in the industry molding millions of FKM (Viton) parts and overmolded parts.
FKM is a generic term for flouroelastomers. Brand name formulas like Viton, Dyneon, and other formulas from brand name companies are all FKM variants. DuPont was the first company to manufacture an FKM and patented as the product we all know as Viton, today.
There are many different forms of FKM rubber and they're all classified by their different fluorine content. When a manufacturer changes the amount of fluorine in the base formula of their FKM, they change several major characteristics of the end product and this variability allows it to be adapted for use in a multitude of industries and applications.
FKM is used virtually in every type of segment for the most demanding applications due to it being extremely resistant to chemicals. It's also a very expensive material to use and needs to be handled by experts who know what they're doing. If used properly, it is extremely beneficial for applications that are demanding.
FKM is not a straightforward material to mold - and this is where Rubber Industries, Inc expertise saves you time and money.
FKM is an expensive material and you need experts to mold this. While other manufacturers might shy away from producing products with FKM, we have decades of experience with the material and we mold thousands of different shapes with Viton every year.
Who will you trust with this very expensive material? Trust the industry leading experts in FKM molding!
With Rubber Industries, you can feel assured that your expensive FKM is going to be handled properly and used in the most efficient way.
FKM is extremely valuable and any mistakes in manufacturing can have a large financial impact on a company.
Because we build the tools and can account for post bake shrink you get a perfect part the first time which gets you to market faster and with less cost to you.
Other companies rely on third-party manufacturers to produce their tooling and they lose the ability to completely control the quality of your part.
There is also a certain financial and timeline risk involved with manufacturing FKM products if the manufacturer doesn't fully understand the material.
Not only does this waste expensive materials that you paid for, but it also costs you time. It's important to enlist the help of experts when you have a project that utilizes FKM materials.
When you go to source a manufacturer for your FKM project, remember that Rubber Industries is known for being the proven experts in the industry molding millions of FKM (Viton) parts and overmolded parts.
Custom Molded FKM Pictures
The Uses Of FKM
FKM's high resistance to heat and chemical exposure makes it perfect for the toughest applications.
The oil and petroleum industry uses FKM for all of their oil recovery expeditions and for most of the machinery that processes their recovered petroleum. It's ability to be used in demanding environment applications like an oil field, sets it apart from all other elastomers.
Viton is also very commonly used for SCUBA gear and has been used for the application for a long time. It's resistance to chemicals and heat makes it safer for use around the different gasses and chemicals used in the respirators and oxygen tanks that SCUBA divers use.
It's resistance to catching fire greatly lowers the risk of catastrophic incidents happening while the diver is preparing their equipment. It's especially helpful for when they're under the water and such an incident could mean an almost certain death.
Viton is also used in the automotive industry and it ultimately replaced Neoprene for use in certain parts of the engine. With polychloroprene, high levels of heat would cause fluid leakage that was costly to fix and even dangerous. Neoprene is still used in the automotive industry, but the parts used for the most demanding applications are made from FKM.
While NBR gloves are most commonly used, companies prefer to use gloves made with Viton when the user is going to be using very aggressive materials. The added chemical resistance makes it an even safer option for the user.
FKM is commonly used for specialty items that require custom injection molding, but our most frequently molded items are:
These custom molded pieces are used across several of the world's most prominent industries. This includes:
FKM's high resistance to heat and chemical exposure makes it perfect for the toughest applications.
The oil and petroleum industry uses FKM for all of their oil recovery expeditions and for most of the machinery that processes their recovered petroleum. It's ability to be used in demanding environment applications like an oil field, sets it apart from all other elastomers.
Viton is also very commonly used for SCUBA gear and has been used for the application for a long time. It's resistance to chemicals and heat makes it safer for use around the different gasses and chemicals used in the respirators and oxygen tanks that SCUBA divers use.
It's resistance to catching fire greatly lowers the risk of catastrophic incidents happening while the diver is preparing their equipment. It's especially helpful for when they're under the water and such an incident could mean an almost certain death.
Viton is also used in the automotive industry and it ultimately replaced Neoprene for use in certain parts of the engine. With polychloroprene, high levels of heat would cause fluid leakage that was costly to fix and even dangerous. Neoprene is still used in the automotive industry, but the parts used for the most demanding applications are made from FKM.
While NBR gloves are most commonly used, companies prefer to use gloves made with Viton when the user is going to be using very aggressive materials. The added chemical resistance makes it an even safer option for the user.
FKM is commonly used for specialty items that require custom injection molding, but our most frequently molded items are:
- O-rings
- Seals
- Gaskets
- Tubing
- Diaphragms
- Bellows
These custom molded pieces are used across several of the world's most prominent industries. This includes:
- Automotive
- Defense
- Medical
- Industrial
- Consumer
Our Custom Tooling Is Unparalleled
For tooling that is 100% custom and of the highest quality, you don't need to look anywhere besides Rubber Industries. Our specialty is in rubber manufacturing, but we are also known for making the highest quality, most affordable, most durable custom tools on the market.
We stand out from the crowd of tooling producers by refusing to cut corners. We take pride in our tooling and it's the backbone of our work. The quality of the tooling we use dictates the quality of the products that we can make. So, we only use the very best.
Our tooling isn't made from easily damaged aluminum. Our competition uses it and it's more costly in the long run than just using solid materials to begin with. The aluminum alternative that our competition uses is prone to breaking, losing its form, and not lasting for long.
On the other hand, our steel tooling is built to be a one time purchase. You don't have to worrying about having to pay for replacements, or having your project stalled while new tooling is made. Our 4130 steel tooling can withstand tens of thousands of production cycles and never lose its form and ruin the tolerances of your items.
Our steel tooling starts off at $850 dollars. This may be slightly higher than a quote that our competition gives you, but that slight price increase is a one time fee. With our competitor's poorly made aluminum tooling, you'll spend exponentially more by replacing their tools several times throughout production. All of the time spent building the tooling is also time spent not working on your project. We're not exaggerating when we say that steel tooling is the most cost effective and time saving tooling on the market.
Save yourself money and time. Order your tooling from Rubber Industries!
Industry Leading Speed With Our Rapid Prototyping
We are considered the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically because we push ourselves further than any of our competitors. We keep our doors open and our manufacturing machines running 24/7. This doesn't exclude holidays and weekends either. We keep our business open at all times.
This devotion is a major part of our prototyping capabilities. Before you can experience our quick high volume capability with injection molding, you have to get through the prototyping phase.
With other companies, this phase can take weeks to complete. With Rubber Industries, we have the man power, experience, and business hours necessary to complete a prototype in as little as one day. This gets you out of the prototyping phase and into the production phase as soon as possible.
These prototypes can be made from your own designs, or we can help with the design phase, too. Our homepage has a convenient option that will allow you to submit a computer-aided design (CAD) of your own to receive an estimate, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't have a design completed yet. Our qualified experts can make a CAD for you while keeping you involved in the process.
For tooling that is 100% custom and of the highest quality, you don't need to look anywhere besides Rubber Industries. Our specialty is in rubber manufacturing, but we are also known for making the highest quality, most affordable, most durable custom tools on the market.
We stand out from the crowd of tooling producers by refusing to cut corners. We take pride in our tooling and it's the backbone of our work. The quality of the tooling we use dictates the quality of the products that we can make. So, we only use the very best.
Our tooling isn't made from easily damaged aluminum. Our competition uses it and it's more costly in the long run than just using solid materials to begin with. The aluminum alternative that our competition uses is prone to breaking, losing its form, and not lasting for long.
On the other hand, our steel tooling is built to be a one time purchase. You don't have to worrying about having to pay for replacements, or having your project stalled while new tooling is made. Our 4130 steel tooling can withstand tens of thousands of production cycles and never lose its form and ruin the tolerances of your items.
Our steel tooling starts off at $850 dollars. This may be slightly higher than a quote that our competition gives you, but that slight price increase is a one time fee. With our competitor's poorly made aluminum tooling, you'll spend exponentially more by replacing their tools several times throughout production. All of the time spent building the tooling is also time spent not working on your project. We're not exaggerating when we say that steel tooling is the most cost effective and time saving tooling on the market.
Save yourself money and time. Order your tooling from Rubber Industries!
Industry Leading Speed With Our Rapid Prototyping
We are considered the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically because we push ourselves further than any of our competitors. We keep our doors open and our manufacturing machines running 24/7. This doesn't exclude holidays and weekends either. We keep our business open at all times.
This devotion is a major part of our prototyping capabilities. Before you can experience our quick high volume capability with injection molding, you have to get through the prototyping phase.
With other companies, this phase can take weeks to complete. With Rubber Industries, we have the man power, experience, and business hours necessary to complete a prototype in as little as one day. This gets you out of the prototyping phase and into the production phase as soon as possible.
These prototypes can be made from your own designs, or we can help with the design phase, too. Our homepage has a convenient option that will allow you to submit a computer-aided design (CAD) of your own to receive an estimate, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't have a design completed yet. Our qualified experts can make a CAD for you while keeping you involved in the process.
Custom Molded and Overmolded Viton and FKM Products
Fluorocarbon rubber, or FKM as it is also known, was developed by DuPont in the 1950’s to meet the needs of the growing aerospace industry. Aircraft and rocket manufacturers needed seals capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures while under great pressure, and DuPont chemists responded by creating a fluoroelastomer capable of shrugging off abrasive chemicals and maintaining its properties at temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius. DuPont named its new elastomer Viton, and the company still markets four families of Viton products through its Chemours spin-off. Since those early days, the formulas used have been improved several times to provide even greater compression, heat and solvent resistance.
Viton has become a generic term for all FKM compounds, which can make ordering fluorocarbon rubber components difficult for those who have not done their homework. At Rubber Industries Inc., we are familiar with all of the various FKM formulations available and will make suggestions when an alternative to Viton, such as 3M’s Dyneon, may have properties that make it more suitable for a particular application or item.
Fluorocarbon rubber, or FKM as it is also known, was developed by DuPont in the 1950’s to meet the needs of the growing aerospace industry. Aircraft and rocket manufacturers needed seals capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures while under great pressure, and DuPont chemists responded by creating a fluoroelastomer capable of shrugging off abrasive chemicals and maintaining its properties at temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius. DuPont named its new elastomer Viton, and the company still markets four families of Viton products through its Chemours spin-off. Since those early days, the formulas used have been improved several times to provide even greater compression, heat and solvent resistance.
Viton has become a generic term for all FKM compounds, which can make ordering fluorocarbon rubber components difficult for those who have not done their homework. At Rubber Industries Inc., we are familiar with all of the various FKM formulations available and will make suggestions when an alternative to Viton, such as 3M’s Dyneon, may have properties that make it more suitable for a particular application or item.
The professionals at Rubber Industries fully understand the need for rapid prototyping when it comes to providing access to versatile and trustworthy products. We are the experts in the industry that you have come to trust over the last 50 years. Because we build the tools and can account for post bake shrink you get a perfect part the first time which gets you to market faster.
Your time is as precious to us as it is to you. We never want to see you waiting days, weeks, or months for the precision parts you need to accomplish your project goals. This is why we utilize the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically shipped to your door. We mold thousands of different shapes with Viton, and many other in-demand materials, to help you meet your goals with ease. We work hard to give you access to the following types of items all year long, using multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project requirements:
* Seals and Gaskets
* Bellows and Diaphragms
* Grommets
* Custom Molded O-Rings
* Overmolded Products
* Nitrile Overmolded Items
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a good idea of some of the most commonly requested items that the manufacturing team at Rubber Industries works hard to provide. We use high volume injection molding to continuously provide you with the materials and equipment you need to perform all of your most important tasks.
Other elastomers rubber we work with include:
* Nitrile
* EPDM
* Neoprene
* FKM or Viton
Your time is as precious to us as it is to you. We never want to see you waiting days, weeks, or months for the precision parts you need to accomplish your project goals. This is why we utilize the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically shipped to your door. We mold thousands of different shapes with Viton, and many other in-demand materials, to help you meet your goals with ease. We work hard to give you access to the following types of items all year long, using multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project requirements:
* Seals and Gaskets
* Bellows and Diaphragms
* Grommets
* Custom Molded O-Rings
* Overmolded Products
* Nitrile Overmolded Items
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a good idea of some of the most commonly requested items that the manufacturing team at Rubber Industries works hard to provide. We use high volume injection molding to continuously provide you with the materials and equipment you need to perform all of your most important tasks.
Other elastomers rubber we work with include:
* Nitrile
* EPDM
* Neoprene
* FKM or Viton
We work with many custom Viton formulas proven over decades to provide reliable and effective results each and every time. We offer extensive experience of hundreds of thousands FKM overmolded to stainless custom parts produced each year. As different materials have a different fluorine content, we work with a vast array of elastomers to cater to your exact needs. Furthermore, our manufacturing team will take great pride in continuing to offer robust industrial, automotive, consumer, defense, and medical items to fit every unique situation.
What is FKM (Viton)?
FKM is an in-demand elastomer that came onto the scene in an effort to meet the unique and diverse manufacturing needs of the aerospace industry. Also known by the brand name Viton, FKM is a widely used material today in many different industries. FKM is not a straightforward material to mold, therefore it requires skill and precision to create these custom items.
Whether you are in need of custom tooling, custom colors, or additional customization, the unique production skills at Rubber Industries can cater to these demands. Our manufacturing facility is equipped to handle transfer molding, compression molding, injection molding, and additional quick high volume capability with injection molding requirements. No project is too big or small for our capable manufacturing team to handle.
Advantages of FKM
The use of materials made from FKM can offer many unique advantages when it comes to the completion of your next important project. Consider the following benefits associated with the use of FKM as a manufacturing agent:
* Chemical Stability
FKM provides a great deal of stability in its unique chemical makeup. It also does not react strongly to other common chemicals that are frequently found in all types of professional settings.
* Resistance to Extreme Temperatures
Many professional, consumer, and military settings experience a great degree of extreme temperatures. Thankfully, many innovative materials like FKM are quite resistance to frequent and extreme temperature changes.
* Resistance to Weather Aging
Extreme weather conditions can create aging to many different materials. This will cause these materials to wear out far earlier than they should under other circumstances. Materials such as FKM provide exceptional resistance to weather-related aging.
* Resistance to Oily Substances
FKM also displays incredible resistance to oil, grease, and similar fat-based substances. As a result, it can be highly effective in automotive, military, and medical situations.
* Impermeability to Gases
Materials are often exposed to many different types of gases in specific situations. These gases can sometimes cause a breakdown of sensitive materials. Since FKM is fairly impermeable to these gases, it can be useful in many different settings and industries.
How is FKM Used?
Even though FKM is an expensive material you need experts to mold this material into the various items that you require for your projects. Our experienced production team can cater to even the most demanding applications in order to give you access to the items you need to get the job done right each time.
Items made from FKM can be used in both personal and professional settings where long-lasting materials that come into contact with harsh agents are required.
At Rubber Industries, we understand your demand for high-quality items made with utmost precision and skill. Who will you trust with this very expensive material and all the additional items you require access to? Let our 50 plus years of service and experience be your guide when it comes to completing your next urgent project.
What is FKM (Viton)?
FKM is an in-demand elastomer that came onto the scene in an effort to meet the unique and diverse manufacturing needs of the aerospace industry. Also known by the brand name Viton, FKM is a widely used material today in many different industries. FKM is not a straightforward material to mold, therefore it requires skill and precision to create these custom items.
Whether you are in need of custom tooling, custom colors, or additional customization, the unique production skills at Rubber Industries can cater to these demands. Our manufacturing facility is equipped to handle transfer molding, compression molding, injection molding, and additional quick high volume capability with injection molding requirements. No project is too big or small for our capable manufacturing team to handle.
Advantages of FKM
The use of materials made from FKM can offer many unique advantages when it comes to the completion of your next important project. Consider the following benefits associated with the use of FKM as a manufacturing agent:
* Chemical Stability
FKM provides a great deal of stability in its unique chemical makeup. It also does not react strongly to other common chemicals that are frequently found in all types of professional settings.
* Resistance to Extreme Temperatures
Many professional, consumer, and military settings experience a great degree of extreme temperatures. Thankfully, many innovative materials like FKM are quite resistance to frequent and extreme temperature changes.
* Resistance to Weather Aging
Extreme weather conditions can create aging to many different materials. This will cause these materials to wear out far earlier than they should under other circumstances. Materials such as FKM provide exceptional resistance to weather-related aging.
* Resistance to Oily Substances
FKM also displays incredible resistance to oil, grease, and similar fat-based substances. As a result, it can be highly effective in automotive, military, and medical situations.
* Impermeability to Gases
Materials are often exposed to many different types of gases in specific situations. These gases can sometimes cause a breakdown of sensitive materials. Since FKM is fairly impermeable to these gases, it can be useful in many different settings and industries.
How is FKM Used?
Even though FKM is an expensive material you need experts to mold this material into the various items that you require for your projects. Our experienced production team can cater to even the most demanding applications in order to give you access to the items you need to get the job done right each time.
Items made from FKM can be used in both personal and professional settings where long-lasting materials that come into contact with harsh agents are required.
At Rubber Industries, we understand your demand for high-quality items made with utmost precision and skill. Who will you trust with this very expensive material and all the additional items you require access to? Let our 50 plus years of service and experience be your guide when it comes to completing your next urgent project.
The Demand for Custom-Created Items
We understand that no two projects are the same. You likely are faced with a number of unique projects with their own individual time restraints and customization needs. We offer access to the following customization skills so that you get the exact items you need every time:
* Custom Injection Molding
* Custom Tooling
* Custom Colors
* Custom Molded Items
No matter what your exact needs are for each project, we offer a diverse array of items for the most demanding environments and situations.
Meeting All Types of Production Needs
Do you frequently fluctuate between high and low levels of production requirements? This is typical for many of the business associates we work with on a daily basis. Rest assured, whether you require high volume or low volume production, your needs will be treated with careful respect and attention to detail. No job is too small or too large for the production capabilities offered by the skilled team at Rubber Industries.
Industries We Cater To
The materials and items created by Rubber Industries can be utilized virtually in every type of segment, making us a one-stop-shop for all your basic and extensive project needs. Although these materials are frequently used to make car parts and machinery used in hospitals and clinics, it also has many other uses. For example, the oil petroleum industry often makes use of items made from FKM. Additionally, items such as marine impellers, which are necessary in many professions, can be created using these diverse and sturdy materials.
Understanding Diverse Manufacturing Techniques
We use many different manufacturing techniques to create the professional and highly customized items required by these various industries. Steel tooling is the most cost effective manner in which we create many of these innovative tools. Other manufacturing techniques include the following:
* Compression Molding
* Transfer Molding
* Custom Silicone Injection Molding
* Rubber Injection Molding
We will use the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically sent to where they are needed the most. High volume injection molding means that we have some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry when it comes to mastering the creation of custom items. Whether you are in need of seals, gaskets, bellows, o-rings, or diaphragms, our professional equipment and manufacturing team can meet your needs with ease.
If having access to items of the highest quality that have been custom-created to meet your exact demands is a priority to you, Rubber Industries is here to help. We are the fastest from design to shipping you parts that are sure to please. This is precisely why we use multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project requirements.
Even when they are going to be used in demanding environment and industries, our parts are guaranteed to meet your needs. Whether you work in the industrial, automotive, consumer, medical, or defense arenas, we can help you make your next project goal a reality. Remember, we offer quick high volume capability with injection molding. This means that situations requiring both high volume and low volume production will not be an obstacle for our production team.
At Rubber Industries, we take earning your trust very seriously. If you have an important project looming ahead, please contact our customer service department to get a complete and detailed estimate completed. We can walk you through the entire process and help you choose the items that will make your project a huge success. Contact us for a custom quote and discover how easy it is to gain access to professional and customized materials of the highest quality.
We understand that no two projects are the same. You likely are faced with a number of unique projects with their own individual time restraints and customization needs. We offer access to the following customization skills so that you get the exact items you need every time:
* Custom Injection Molding
* Custom Tooling
* Custom Colors
* Custom Molded Items
No matter what your exact needs are for each project, we offer a diverse array of items for the most demanding environments and situations.
Meeting All Types of Production Needs
Do you frequently fluctuate between high and low levels of production requirements? This is typical for many of the business associates we work with on a daily basis. Rest assured, whether you require high volume or low volume production, your needs will be treated with careful respect and attention to detail. No job is too small or too large for the production capabilities offered by the skilled team at Rubber Industries.
Industries We Cater To
The materials and items created by Rubber Industries can be utilized virtually in every type of segment, making us a one-stop-shop for all your basic and extensive project needs. Although these materials are frequently used to make car parts and machinery used in hospitals and clinics, it also has many other uses. For example, the oil petroleum industry often makes use of items made from FKM. Additionally, items such as marine impellers, which are necessary in many professions, can be created using these diverse and sturdy materials.
Understanding Diverse Manufacturing Techniques
We use many different manufacturing techniques to create the professional and highly customized items required by these various industries. Steel tooling is the most cost effective manner in which we create many of these innovative tools. Other manufacturing techniques include the following:
* Compression Molding
* Transfer Molding
* Custom Silicone Injection Molding
* Rubber Injection Molding
We will use the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically sent to where they are needed the most. High volume injection molding means that we have some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry when it comes to mastering the creation of custom items. Whether you are in need of seals, gaskets, bellows, o-rings, or diaphragms, our professional equipment and manufacturing team can meet your needs with ease.
If having access to items of the highest quality that have been custom-created to meet your exact demands is a priority to you, Rubber Industries is here to help. We are the fastest from design to shipping you parts that are sure to please. This is precisely why we use multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project requirements.
Even when they are going to be used in demanding environment and industries, our parts are guaranteed to meet your needs. Whether you work in the industrial, automotive, consumer, medical, or defense arenas, we can help you make your next project goal a reality. Remember, we offer quick high volume capability with injection molding. This means that situations requiring both high volume and low volume production will not be an obstacle for our production team.
At Rubber Industries, we take earning your trust very seriously. If you have an important project looming ahead, please contact our customer service department to get a complete and detailed estimate completed. We can walk you through the entire process and help you choose the items that will make your project a huge success. Contact us for a custom quote and discover how easy it is to gain access to professional and customized materials of the highest quality.
The Advantages of FKM Compounds
Fluoroelastomers like Viton and Dyneon are more expensive than nitrile rubber or neoprene, but they remain extremely popular despite their high cost. Manufacturers in virtually all industries continue to demand FKM compounds because they provide benefits that other formulations simply cannot deliver. These advantages include:
Fluoroelastomers like Viton and Dyneon are more expensive than nitrile rubber or neoprene, but they remain extremely popular despite their high cost. Manufacturers in virtually all industries continue to demand FKM compounds because they provide benefits that other formulations simply cannot deliver. These advantages include:
- Superior heat resistance: Originally developed for jet and rocket engine seals, bellows and O-rings, FKM can withstand constant temperatures of more than 200 degrees Celsius and brief exposure to heat as high as 315 degrees Celsius. This makes the substance an ideal choice for automotive fuel and cooling system components.
- Steam resistance: FKM is not bothered by steam, which has made the substance the preferred choice for residential and commercial cooking applications.
- Long-term savings: While FKM compounds may be expensive, they can save manufacturers money in a number of ways. More durable products that last longer do not have to be replaced as often, which stretches service intervals, lowers maintenance expenses and reduces replacement part costs.
- Chemical and solvent resistance: FKM polymers resist a broader range of fluids than standard fluoroelastomers. They withstand aromatic hydrocarbons and acids as well as oil and steam, which makes them a natural choice for the most demanding applications like engine bays.
- Resistance to high pressures: DuPont developed Viton to provide reliable seals at extreme altitudes, and this aerospace provenance continues to pay dividends. The substance is commonly used today to seal and provide cushioning in the high pressure systems found in facilities ranging from manufacturing plants to oil and natural gas extraction and refining operations.
The Disadvantages of FKM Compounds
While there are many reasons to choose FKM polymers for custom molded or overmolded items, there are factors that should be considered before selecting a substance like Viton or Dyneon for your next project. These factors include:
While there are many reasons to choose FKM polymers for custom molded or overmolded items, there are factors that should be considered before selecting a substance like Viton or Dyneon for your next project. These factors include:
- The price: FKM costs more than other elastomers, so items made out of it usually cost more to produce. However, this is not always the case. At Rubber Industries Inc., we mold thousands of different shapes with Viton or other FKM compounds every day, and our manufacturing efficiencies make using these substances surprisingly affordable. We are the experts in this area, and we have invested millions in recent years into multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project requirements. These are the latest and most sophisticated machines on the market, and they are designed to reduce waste to an absolute minimum. This can be a very desirable trait when working with substances as expensive as Viton or Dyneon.
- Only moderate low temperature resistance: While coping with soaring temperatures is an FKM defining feature, the substance struggles when exposed to bitter cold. This is because the substances hardens and loses its elasticity when it becomes cold. Standard FKM polymers are suitable for use in temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius, but special compounds have been introduced in recent years that retain their properties at far lower temperatures. For example, LTFE 6400X, which is a kind of Dyneon, is suitable for use in temperatures of minus 60 degrees Celsius. Rubber Industries Inc. may suggest using FKM in cold environments when components will be used in static rather than dynamic applications and the compound has been formulated for low temperature exposure.
- FKM can be difficult to work with: FKM is not a straightforward material to mold, and those unfamiliar with its unique properties often find it difficult to produce satisfactory results. Who will you trust with this very expensive material? If you are looking for decades of knowhow, a long list of Fortune 500 clients and experience of hundreds of thousands FKM overmolded to stainless custom parts, save yourself from possible frustration and disappointment by calling Rubber Industries Inc. first.
Choosing the Right FKM Compound
FKM is expensive because it is the result of research and development costing billions and is difficult to produce. It is designed to offer benefits that other elastomers cannot provide, but not all formulations offer the same levels of heat, pressure and fluid resistance. Some FKM formulations are designed for the most demanding environments while others offer less durability for a lower cost. FKMs are divided into classes based on either their fluorine content, their chemical composition or the way their molecules are linked.
FKM is expensive because it is the result of research and development costing billions and is difficult to produce. It is designed to offer benefits that other elastomers cannot provide, but not all formulations offer the same levels of heat, pressure and fluid resistance. Some FKM formulations are designed for the most demanding environments while others offer less durability for a lower cost. FKMs are divided into classes based on either their fluorine content, their chemical composition or the way their molecules are linked.
- Viton: Chemours sells more than 25 different forms of Viton for use in various environments. They are sorted according to their fluorine content, curing method and viscosity. Viton with APA is easier to work with because it offers improved flow and is more resistant to mold. Viton Extreme lacks these features but offers the ultimate protection against high temperatures and abrasive chemicals.
- Dyneon: 3M also sells several forms of Dyneon. Compounds with higher fluorine levels are better at resisting chemicals while lower viscosity formulations are more appropriate for complex or intricate items. How a substance is cured can also affect its performance. Manufacturers concerned about chemical resistance may choose substances cured with peroxide, but Bisphenol-cured polymers provide more impressive compression set resistance.
- FFKM: Perfluoroelastomer contains even more fluoride than traditional FKM, which means that it is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 325 degrees Celsius. It also resists a wide range of corrosive fluids and offers near universal chemical compatibility. However, it is even more expensive than FKM and may not always be required. This is because many of FFKM’s benefits can be obtained for far less by choosing one of the newer DuPont or 3M formulations such as Viton Extreme.
The Importance of In-house Chemists
Custom Viton formulas proven over decades of use in harsh environments are available from several chemical companies at a range of prices, and choosing the appropriate one for a given project is an important decision that can cast a long shadow. Rubber Industries Inc. takes the guesswork of choosing the best synthetic rubber or silicone compound for your custom molded components with a team of in-house chemists that have decades of experience virtually in every type of segment. Our chemists understand how a different fluorine content can impact performance, and they also understand how to create formulas that meet strict budget requirements while meeting the needs of our clients.
Even though FKM is an expensive material you need experts to mold this does not mean it cannot be economical in the long run. Components made out of FKM reduce maintenance overheads because they last longer, which is why Rubber Industries Inc. chemists and engineers may sometimes recommend polymers like Dyneon or Viton over cheaper but less durable alternatives. Our design, engineering, chemistry and manufacturing teams also work under the same vast roof to lower costs, improve efficiency and reduce the chances of mistakes caused by misunderstandings or miscommunication.
How FKM Is Used
The ability to withstand soaring temperatures and resist harsh chemicals has made FKMs popular with manufacturers in the consumer, automotive, medical, industrial and defense sectors. Auto makers use polymers like Viton for hoses, belts, grommets and gaskets that will be subjected to grease oil and steam, and the petroleum industry chooses FKMs because they protect against sealing failures in high-pressure systems. The product is still used widely in the aerospace sector for O-rings, bellows and diaphragms, and it is also appropriate for marine impellers used in demanding environments. During its more than 50 years in the business, Rubber Industries Inc. has produced custom FKM componentys for Fortune 500 companies in the following sectors:
Custom Viton formulas proven over decades of use in harsh environments are available from several chemical companies at a range of prices, and choosing the appropriate one for a given project is an important decision that can cast a long shadow. Rubber Industries Inc. takes the guesswork of choosing the best synthetic rubber or silicone compound for your custom molded components with a team of in-house chemists that have decades of experience virtually in every type of segment. Our chemists understand how a different fluorine content can impact performance, and they also understand how to create formulas that meet strict budget requirements while meeting the needs of our clients.
Even though FKM is an expensive material you need experts to mold this does not mean it cannot be economical in the long run. Components made out of FKM reduce maintenance overheads because they last longer, which is why Rubber Industries Inc. chemists and engineers may sometimes recommend polymers like Dyneon or Viton over cheaper but less durable alternatives. Our design, engineering, chemistry and manufacturing teams also work under the same vast roof to lower costs, improve efficiency and reduce the chances of mistakes caused by misunderstandings or miscommunication.
How FKM Is Used
The ability to withstand soaring temperatures and resist harsh chemicals has made FKMs popular with manufacturers in the consumer, automotive, medical, industrial and defense sectors. Auto makers use polymers like Viton for hoses, belts, grommets and gaskets that will be subjected to grease oil and steam, and the petroleum industry chooses FKMs because they protect against sealing failures in high-pressure systems. The product is still used widely in the aerospace sector for O-rings, bellows and diaphragms, and it is also appropriate for marine impellers used in demanding environments. During its more than 50 years in the business, Rubber Industries Inc. has produced custom FKM componentys for Fortune 500 companies in the following sectors:
- The industrial sector: Our long list of industrial clients include industry giants like DuPont and proven innovators including Pentair.
- The consumer sector: Manufactured goods made by companies such as Electrolux and Boston Dynamics are build using diaphragms, gaskets and other molded components made by Rubber Industries Inc.
- The automotive sector: Over the last five decades, Rubber Industries Inc. has forged relationships with vehicle makers such as General Motors, Ford, Toyota ad Tesla.
- The defense sector: Defense contractors including Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin are heavy users of FKM polymers, and they call Rubber Industries Inc. when they need items of the highest quality and do not wish to wait.
- The medical sector: Rubber Industries Inc. has produced FDA certified components for use in medical devices made by companies including General Electric, 3M and Abbott.
- The petroleum industry: Extracting and refining fossil fuels is a risky business, and rubber sealing and cushioning components play a crucial safety role. Some of the energy sector’s most respected companies have used molded FKM products made by Rubber Industries Inc. to prevent accidents and keep their workers and facilities safe.
How FKM Components Are Made
Rubber Industries Inc. has developed a reputation in recent years for producing FKM components of the highest quality, but we also offer a wide range of other high volume injection molding services. Other elastomers rubber we work with include nitrile, EPDM, silicone and natural rubber. Our state-of-the-art Minnesota facility uses the compression molding, transfer molding and injection molding processes to create molded items in high volume or low volume production runs, and it is up to our engineers and manufacturing experts to decide the most cost efficient way to proceed. The three processes have a number of advantages and disadvantages that make them either appropriate or unsuitable for molding substances like FKM.
Rubber Industries Inc. has developed a reputation in recent years for producing FKM components of the highest quality, but we also offer a wide range of other high volume injection molding services. Other elastomers rubber we work with include nitrile, EPDM, silicone and natural rubber. Our state-of-the-art Minnesota facility uses the compression molding, transfer molding and injection molding processes to create molded items in high volume or low volume production runs, and it is up to our engineers and manufacturing experts to decide the most cost efficient way to proceed. The three processes have a number of advantages and disadvantages that make them either appropriate or unsuitable for molding substances like FKM.
- Compression Molding: Placing uncured rubber preforms into a heated mold and then closing the mold to cure the preform with heat and pressure is the oldest way to make molded rubber and silicone items, and it is still a good choice for low to medium volume runs of FKM items. This technique is often used for making components out of Viton or Dyneon because it minimizes waste, which is important when expensive polymers are being used. Using the compression method also saves money because tooling can normally be completed quickly so turnaround times are fast. This is an area where Rubber Industries Inc. really shines as we are known for offering the fastest prototyping and custom tooling times in the industry. We also make our tools out of robust stainless steel instead of cheaper but less durable aluminum because steel tooling is the most cost effective solution over the long term. We work hard to make sure that we are the fastest from design to shipping you parts, and we continue to invest millions into the latest presses and machines to make sure that we stay one step ahead of the competition.
- Transfer molding: When molded components are made using the transfer process, the uncured compound is placed into a transfer pot and then pushed into the mold by a heated plunger. This makes the method ideal for complex parts made in molds with many cavities, but it also creates far more flash and waste. This means that the transfer process may not be the best option for FKM components. It is generally seen as offering a good combination of the benefits of the compression and injection processes.
- Injection molding: Custom injection molding is the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically. The injection process is perfect for mid to high volume runs of rubber or synthetic rubber components in a variety of custom colors as well as rubber to metal overmolded items. The injection process is known for reliably producing consistent molded items, and Rubber Industries Inc. has multiple modern injection presses to meet your specific project goals. Quick high volume capability with injection molding is also ideal when using expensive polymers like FKM because preforms are not needed and flashless molding and tooling keeps waste to an absolute minimum.
Overmolding Components With FKM
FKM is frequently used for overmolding because metal components like gears, rollers, bumpers, stops and shafts that are either partially or completely encapsulated in rubber are often placed in harsh environments or expected to work under great stress. Rubber Industries Inc. has a great deal of experience in this area and has used overmolding techniques on items made out of metal alloys such as aluminum, stainless steel and brass as well as glass and various types of plastic.
Precision is often crucial during overmolding as the components being encapsulated in rubber are generally expected to perform very demanding roles. This is why the high volume injection molding method is how these items are usually made. Custom injection molding is also popular because it can be used to produce items in custom colors, which is a common request when manufacturers want rubber grips or pads to really stand out. However, the overmolding process is delicate and mistakes can be costly. When the bonds formed are not strong enough, the rubber molded onto metal or plastic substrates can peel away and cause failure. This is a huge concern for manufacturers as this kind of issue can ruin reputations for quality and engineering that have taken decades to build. Failing bonds can also be a safety hazard when rubber is molded onto items to prevent injuries or electric shocks.
Rubber Industries Inc. avoids these problems by maintaining the highest manufacturing standards, purchasing the latest and most efficient presses and other equipment and concentrating all of its operations under a single enormous roof. The overmolding process involves the following steps:
FKM is frequently used for overmolding because metal components like gears, rollers, bumpers, stops and shafts that are either partially or completely encapsulated in rubber are often placed in harsh environments or expected to work under great stress. Rubber Industries Inc. has a great deal of experience in this area and has used overmolding techniques on items made out of metal alloys such as aluminum, stainless steel and brass as well as glass and various types of plastic.
Precision is often crucial during overmolding as the components being encapsulated in rubber are generally expected to perform very demanding roles. This is why the high volume injection molding method is how these items are usually made. Custom injection molding is also popular because it can be used to produce items in custom colors, which is a common request when manufacturers want rubber grips or pads to really stand out. However, the overmolding process is delicate and mistakes can be costly. When the bonds formed are not strong enough, the rubber molded onto metal or plastic substrates can peel away and cause failure. This is a huge concern for manufacturers as this kind of issue can ruin reputations for quality and engineering that have taken decades to build. Failing bonds can also be a safety hazard when rubber is molded onto items to prevent injuries or electric shocks.
Rubber Industries Inc. avoids these problems by maintaining the highest manufacturing standards, purchasing the latest and most efficient presses and other equipment and concentrating all of its operations under a single enormous roof. The overmolding process involves the following steps:
- Preparation: Components are prepared for overmolding in two ways. The item is first cleaned and degreased to remove any contaminants that could interfere with the process, and then it is sprayed with a substance that is activated by heat.
- Into the mold: Once it has been prepared and primed, the item to be encapsulated in FKM is placed inside the mold. Chaplet pins or a series of special magnets are used to hold it in place depending upon whether complete or partial encapsulation is desired.
- Curing: The mold is then closed and a combination of heat and pressure vulcanizes the polymer and bonds it to the metal, plastic or glass component. Rubber Industries Inc. are the overmolding leaders, and we generally use the injection process for FKM overmolding because it is the fastest method to get large quantities of parts fast and economically.