With the many types of rubber sheets available for sale, it’s difficult to decipher which rubber sheets are appropriate for your particular application. The fact of the matter is that there are so many rubber compounds that can be combined with other rubber materials to create a product that offers you precisely what you need. It becomes confusing what exactly each compound is good for, and it is crucial to use the right blend of materials to accommodate its intended use. As one of the top rubber sheets suppliers for decades, Rubber-Cal has the unique knowledge and skillset that instantiates its authority as a rubber expert. We have grown our catalogue of rubber sheeting to include products fitting every industry. And it’s a given that we evolve alongside technology—we continuously develop our products to stay at the competitive fore, never relinquishing our commitment to serve our customers.
What Are Rubber Sheets Used For?
Rubber sheets are used for many applications, including those in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Because there are so many types of rubber sheets—each with its own strengths—they are selected according to their strengths. This makes them a highly versatile tool—fitting most situations if chosen thoughtfully. When working within a laboratory setting, you may prioritize obtaining an elastic rubber sheet that is durable and chemically-resistant. To the local pet owner, though, abrasion- and ozone-resistant rubber rolls are definitely more important. And in a food processing facility, grease- and oil-resistance take center stage. Now that you know what are rubber sheets used for, another question remains: What are different types of rubbers?
What Are Different Types of Rubbers?
Neoprene, SBR, TPR, EPDM, nitrile, silicone, natural rubber, and recycled/reclaimed rubbers are the most commonly sold types of rubber sheets. The different types of rubbers are all the types of rubber sheets that have become available to consumers. There are many types of rubber sheets, and each one has its own exemplary qualities. To get a better understanding of the different types of rubber sheets, let’s take a look at the compounds that compose the types of rubber sheets.
How Many Types of Rubbers Are There?
All told, there are eight common types of rubbers out there: neoprene, SBR, TPR, EPDM, nitrile, silicone, natural rubber, and recycled/reclaimed rubber. But, note that there isn’t an absolute answer to the question “how many types of rubbers are there?” Some people like to lump multiple subsets of rubber into one category, while others argue that eight categories is far too limiting. In any case, following this section is a list of compounds out of which the rubber sheets are made. We’ll go through different sheet rubber products and rubber sheets for sale, assessing rubber sheeting material. While doing so, we’ll also use Rubber-Cal as the main example of a rubber sheet supplier.
When a rubber product is made using a certain compound, that product is imbued with the compound’s innate properties. Thus, different types of rubber rolls can have different physical characteristics—such as varying gradations of tensile strength and of hardness. Tensile strength refers to the amount of pressure that can be applied to the material before it tears. It’s measured in PSI and is vital information to those looking for a material that can handle extreme pressures. On the other hand, hardness measures rubber rolls’ ability to withstand indentation from physical force. Hardness is measured using a durometer, and it lets consumers know how resistant something is to any sort of indentation. Without further ado, let’s dive into the different compounds that go into making the many types of rubber sheets:
Neoprene: Among the most popular of the compounds offered, neoprene is a polymer that has certain qualities desirable to many applications. Products such as Rubber-Cal’s Hard Neoprene Blend are commonly used in sound studios, in gasketing, and in industrial padding. In particular, neoprene sheet rubber products usually have moderate levels of chemical-, UV-, and ozone-resistance. Because of this, neoprene rubber products are often used in outdoor applications. Amongst rubber materials, neoprene rubber’s versatility is generally unmatched.
SBR (styrene butadiene rubber): Considered to be a general-purpose rubber, SBR is a compound that offers exceptional abrasion-resistance and moderate UV-, ozone-, and chemical-resistance. You tend to see SBR-rubber products used for general-purpose applications, such as flooring. Products like Rubber-Cal’s Red Rubber Sheet are just some examples of SBR-rubber products.
TPR (thermoplastic rubber): TPR is a blend of plastic and rubber, and it retains properties unique to both of its main ingredients. TPR is primarily known for its extreme temperature-resistance (hence thermo-plastic). But it also provides moderate chemical-resistance. Thus, industrial environments that work with extreme heat and, potentially, chemicals are the typical places you’ll see TPR products in play. Rubber-Cal’s Santoprene Thermoplastic Elastomer is a great example of a TPR product; it’s used for various automotive and electrical applications.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer): This highly-coveted compound is among the best in terms of weather-resistance. With unparalleled UV- and ozone- resistance, it excels in outdoor areas. Not to mention, it’s also extremely durable—great for a heavy-duty rubber sheet. Rubber-Cal’s EPDM Blend takes EPDM rubber to the next level, though, imbuing extra chemical-resistance into this elastic rubber sheet product.
Nitrile (NBR): Another well-known compound in the rubber industry, nitrile rubber is highly resistant versus oils, chemicals, abrasions, and impact. This rubber material is commonly used in bumpers, pads, and gaskets—just to name a few.
Silicone: Silicone rubber’s defining characteristic is that it offers excellent temperature- and chemical-resistance. Rubber-Cal’s Silicone Commercial Grade is a prime example of how this compound is used to make rubber products that can withstand high-temperature and chemically-volatile applications.
NR (natural rubber): Natural rubber is harvested from rubber trees, and it features the elasticity that rubber is known for. Typically mixed with other compounds to form various types of rubber sheets, natural rubber is the compositional core that gives most rubber products their basic elasticity, durability, and resiliencies.
Recycled/reclaimed rubber: Recycled and reclaimed rubbers are eco-friendly rubber materials that are highly durable and are resistant to weathering. These recycled and reclaimed rubber sheets are often combined with other compounds to expand their functionality. From Rubber-Cal’s famous Elephant Bark series to the well-known X-Derm line—this rubber material is highly multi-functional, an appropriate fit for many applications. And the fact that this rubber material is environmentally friendly is a huge plus.
With a better grasp of the various types of rubber sheets that populate the rubber market, you can now make an informed decision about the types of rubber sheets that suit your needs. As one of the world’s leading sheet rubber suppliers, we at Rubber-Cal hope that we’ve helped guide you toward the best solutions to your elastic rubber sheet needs. With our vast selection of rubber rolls, we are confident that we can give you with the right products at the best prices. So, next time you need help making an informed decision, don’t hesitate: Call Rubber-Cal to consult one of our many experts. As always, it is a privilege to make our customers happy.
