Each type of rubber can be thought of as a fingerprint. While they all look alike from far away, upon closer inspection you will notice that they are all quite different. One rubber compound may possess a really great level of resistance to extremely high temperatures, but may not be as durable against physical abrasions as another kind of rubber might be. To distinguish itself from being just another rubber sheet, neoprene offers some great characteristics. Neoprene rubber sheeting can come in a variety of options from thick to thin and hard to soft. As your neoprene sheet suppliers, Rubber-Cal offers this product in sheets, rolls, and mats.

Here are some characteristics of the wonderful neoprene elastomer:

• Varying Widths: Rubber-Cal industrial sheet neoprene can come in different widths that are measured in inches. For regular chloroprene, we offer measurements in 36”, 48”, or 72” widths. Soft neoprene comes in 36” widths while the hard version of this product comes in both 36” and 48” widths. These rolls can also be slit down to small widths. For example a 48” wide rubber roll can be cut (i.e. slit) into 11 rolls that are 4” wide plus one remnant roll. Why not 12 rolls that are 4” wide you ask? Well there is a tolerance in every fabrication process and some gain or loss. Therefore with a +/- tolerance of 1/16”, the probability that the last roll fits into the 4” width plus or minus 1/16” is very low. This last roll is not figured into the yield and is considered a loss. The varying widths we offer allow customers to decide which would be the most ideal to purchase.

• Varying Gauges: There can be a variety of thicknesses of a neoprene elastomer. Not only are there choices for the widths of the rubber, but there are also options for the thickness of the sheet neoprene offered. Whether you want a very thin rubber (1/16” is the smallest measurement we offer in thickness), or a thick neoprene rubber sheeting (up to 1” depending on the type of neoprene) we can accommodate your needs. Unfortunately gauges cannot be cut or adhered to each other hence inventoried gauges are all that are readily available.
• • Varying Durometers: There is also a variety in regards to flexibility, indentation, and density. The durometer measurement determines the flexibility and elasticity of a material. For our neoprene elastomer products, there are options of durometer units to pick from which are separated into three categories that help indicate the pliability of the sheet neoprene: hard, soft, or regular neoprene. We do offer custom produced rubber rolls that are in the higher or lower durometers. In the case of neoprene rubber, durometer ratings of 30 shore as well as 80 shore are available and can be produced upon request. Please be aware that custom production requires larger volumes.
• Good Oil Resistance: The neoprene elastomer is known for being moderately resistant to oil and grease. It was originally developed to serve as an oil-resistant replacement for natural rubber. While there are other rubbers with better chemical resistance than sheet neoprene, this product is still used for general sealing and gasketing purposes in oil-related applications due to its affordability and availability.
• Good Outdoor Life: Neoprene rubber sheeting is ozone, UV, and oxygen resistant. This capability allows a neoprene elastomer to be used for outdoor needs without instant damage to the material. This is one reason why sheet neoprene materials are popular for use in outdoor construction applications. Some neoprene products combine a good level of physical durability along with a formidable ability to perform in the outdoors while exposed to intense levels of UV and ozone.

These are just a few characteristics that help distinguish neoprene from another rubber sheet. Neoprene forms its own identity through its abilities and unique traits. Another factor that helps shape chloroprene’s identity is your neoprene sheet suppliers. If they are able to offer this material in different varieties and options, then they help classify neoprene rubber sheeting in a whole new way. The variety of sheet neoprene offered by Rubber-Cal shows that—at least through our company’s eyes—this elastomer can do a range of applications because it has a range of abilities.