The Benefits Of Rubber Products In The Marine Industry
Ever since the beginning of the industrial age, rubber products have become an indispensable part of various industries. From irrigation and water supply to medical, electrical, construction, and automobiles, rubber has proven to be a versatile material. The reason for this is simple—rubber has many benefits to offer, such as water and weather resistance, flexibility, durability, electrical insulation, and easy customization.
In the marine industry, the importance of rubber products becomes even more evident. Here are some of the specific benefits that make rubber products the best choice for the marine environment:
- Rubber Extrusion
Most of the rubber products are manufactured using the rubber extrusion process.
In this process, rubber is softened, pressurized, and then forced to go through a sharp tool called a die. It is used to create continuous lengths of rubber profiles with the same cross-section throughout their lengths. This method not only minimizes waste but is also very cost-effective.
In the marine industry, rubber-extruded products are highly valued due to their exceptional durability, efficiency, and resistance to chemicals, temperature, abrasion, and impact. Following are some common rubber extruded parts in marine applications:
- Bumpers
- Fenders
- Seals and Gaskets
- Hatch Seals
- Corner and End Pieces
- Hose and Tubing
- Safety and Resilience
Using rubber products also guarantees industrial safety to a certain extent by offering excellent sealing properties. The marine environment is often too harsh, where the products are constantly exposed to seawater, rain, wind, and UV rays. Due to their high resilience, rubber products can withstand any damage that might be created through this exposure.
- Staple For Many Products
Many products in the marine industry are made of rubber. For instance, boats and life jackets that are made of rubber offer amazing buoyancy, making floating easy. In addition to this, rubber is used in many pieces of equipment used in the manufacturing of ships to mitigate shocks and vibrations.
- Exceptional Properties
There is no doubt that rubber is one of the most flexible materials and can easily withstand any damage. This makes it ideal for manufacturing marine products. Furthermore, rubber offers water and electrical resistance, making it suitable to be used even in water. Its ability to quickly return to its original shape after stress is removed is another reason why it is a perfect choice for sealing applications in the marine industry.
However, despite all these benefits, it’s important to pick the right rubber material for use in the marine industry. The right choice should possess strength with low dynamic stiffness to avoid heat buildup, which could otherwise lead to huge losses and product failures.
By utilizing the benefits of rubber products, the marine industry can enhance safety, reliability, and overall performance. From extruded profiles to sealing applications, rubber proves to be an indispensable asset in navigating the challenges of the harsh marine environment.