It can be difficult to determine what kind of elastomer sheet is the right one for your particular application. Rubber is ubiquitous—found practically anywhere, even in the most inconspicuous places. Check your shoes’ soles, your belt, and even your phone case. Odds are, at least some of these are made from a rubber material. Based on your needs, rubber can be fabricated into products like these from a simple roll of rubber. Because an elastomer sheet is available in so many options, there’s surely a rubber sheet for your project. Depending on the type of elastomer sheet chosen and what the situation calls for, there’s going to be that 1 rubber product that best matches your application. And if you’re concerned about the appearance of your new elastomer sheet, many rubber sheet manufacturers offer colored rubber sheets as well. After considering a few things about your application and requirements, you can determine what kind of elastomer, compounded in rubber sheet form, is the best choice for the job.

What Do You Mean by Elastomers?

The question of “what do you mean by elastomers?” is understandable. By “elastomer sheet,” we mean a sheet that’s made out of rubber or a thermoplastic compound. Most elastomers consumers are familiar with are types of rubber. Think about a rubber band. It can be stretched to many times its original size, and—once released—it returns to its original shape. This quality is the hallmark of elastomers.

What Is Elastomeric Sheeting Rubber?

An elastomeric sheet is made of a rubber sheeting material. This could be one of many variations rubbers are made out of, like: Santoprene, Neoprene, EPDM, Nitrile and more. Sheet rubber products are used for many reasons; some of which include flooring protection, anti-fatigue matting, and slip-resistant surfacing. Now that you know what is elastomeric sheeting rubber, how do you find the right elastomer sheet for your application?

Let us start with a hypothetical example about rubber sheets. Angie is inquiring about a pad for a small machine on a table in her warehouse. She has looked at placing a piece of carpet or cardboard underneath it, but considered rubber as an option and wants to learn how rubber can help. In order for us to best answer what type of elastomer sheet would be best for her, we need details about the project. We need to find out general things like: How has her current protective pad failed? Is the rubber going to come into contact with high temperatures? Are there any corrosive chemicals nearby? How does she plan on installing her elastomer sheet? How heavy is the equipment? If these questions don’t narrow Angie’s options enough, then we’ll ask more specific questions: Is this rubber going to come into contact with any temperatures higher than 180 degrees Fahrenheit? How about oil or grease? Does it need to be non-marking? Will this roll of rubber be in contact with any chemicals? It is very important to ask questions like these because the more information we have, the better we can help her find a rubber sheet for her project. A general tip for when you’re asking yourself these sorts of questions is that specificity is key.

Now, we need to find out what the problem is that needs to be solved. Angie tells us that she is trying to reduce the noise and vibration that her machine is creating when on the table. The machinery vibrates as it operates. This can cause damage to the machine if the surface that it sits on is hard, and the surface itself can be damaged if exposed to the machine’s vibrations prolongedly. Angie informs us that there are no corrosive materials or high temperatures to worry about, but that there are budget constraints. Given these details, an entity such as a rubber sheet distributor, a rubber sheet importer, a rubber sheet supplier, or a rubber sheet manufacturer would likely suggest a simple and cost-effective natural roll of rubber sheet for Angie’s project. She would have the ideal material in rubber sheet because we know that natural rubber is soft and elastic. It absorbs shock and vibration very well while having great grip. The ability to absorb shock and rebound allows an elastomer sheet to cushion the equipment and protect the table surface. Its natural grip adds traction and greatly reduces the likelihood that the machine’s movements will have negative consequences. The information that Angie gave us gets us going on the right path, and we understand that a simple rubber pad is the best fit for the job. But, in any case, what is the most widely used rubber sheets?

What Is the Most Widely Used Rubber Sheets?

The most widely used rubber sheets include rubber sheets rolls made EPDM rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, or recycled rubber. These rubber materials aren’t the only options available, though. Other rubber materials, such as thermoplastic rubber, occupy their own niches in the rubber ecosystem. The important thing to remember is that different types of rubber have different characteristics: One of the great things about a roll of rubber is that it can come many types.

With this piece, we hope we’ve conveyed that, by communicating and by asking the right questions, you can better understand your needs and your best options. In addition, we hope you’re better versed in the basic ideas about rubber. An elastomer sheet is a highly versatile tool—available in a variant that meets your demands. Do you have an application with which you need help determining what elastomer sheet is the best fit? If you aren’t confident in your ability to evaluate a rubber product’s usefulness, we recommend that you call your rubber sheets manufacturer, for they can surely answer your questions.