Custom Rubber Extrusions

Rubber extrusions are similar to molded rubber products, in that both are created by forcing heated rubber in a near-liquid state into a specially made mold or die under pressure. The extrusion process begins with an unvulcanized rubber compound being fed into an extruder. Revolving screws within the extruder carry the rubber toward the die; temperature and pressure increase as the material is forced through the opening. As it passes through the opening, the material generally swells to a certain extent, based on its chemical makeup and hardness. Plus/minus tolerances in the design of the extruded part’s cross section are often required to account for this swelling.

Extruded products are often left unvulcanized prior to extrusion, which leaves the rubber in a softer, more pliable state post-extrusion. If this is the case, rubber extruded products generally need to be vulcanized before they can be used. Depending on the type of rubber being extruded, the vulcanization process will cause the material to either swell or shrink, both in its cross section and its length. In most cases, a length of rubber extrusion will experience greater dimensional reduction or expansion across the center than at its ends.

A primary benefit of extrusion is the ability to create custom rubber shapes with tight tolerances. In addition to standard tube, rectangular and square extrusions, this process cane be used to create custom rubber seals including “P” shapes, “J” seals, “T” shapes, and oddly-shaped extruded rubber products.

Custom Extruded Rubber Seals, Extruded Rubber Tubes & More

Northwest Rubber Extruders, Inc. produces custom extruded rubber products for customers in all markets. We specialize in extruded rubber aircraft seals, extruded rubber tubes, and custom rubber shapes for all applications.

With our innovative, lean production processes and highly trained staff, we manufacture custom rubber extrusions that match our customers’ exact design specifications. We can produce the custom rubber extrusions you need in short runs or high quantities, all with quick turnarounds and at competitive prices.

At Northwest Rubber Extruders, we make all our extrusion dies and tooling in-house to provide total control over quality, reliability, and accuracy. Our in-house processes enable us to maintain tight tolerances and accurate profiles, to ensure that the rubber extrusions you receive meet your design requirements. We can deliver custom rubber extrusions in sizes from 1/16” around to 14” wide, in straight lengths up to 20’ and coiled lengths up to 200’.

Extruded Rubber Shapes

In rubber extrusion, the term “shape” and “profile” are more or less interchangeable. When discussing an extruded rubber shape or profile, you are talking about its cross section—essentially, the “shape” of the die or tooling through which it is extruded. This can be anything from a simple “U” shape to more complex, multifaceted shapes with intricate edges and interior details. Some of the various custom rubber shapes include:

• “D” profiles provide a soft seal and can be solid or hollow
• “L” profiles for corner applications
• “T” profiles are commonly used for food packaging
• “U” profiles provide edge protection for panels
• “E” profiles contain a hollow seal and groove
• “H” profiles seal two adjoining panels
• Omega profiles have a t-shaped bar and bulbous seal
• Wedge profiles to secure panel and glazing units

Extruded Rubber Seals

The rubber extrusion process is ideal for creating seals for any number of uses. An extruded rubber seal can provide a barrier against water/moisture, fluids, gases, dirt/dust/particulates, and much more, so long as the correct material is used for the application at hand. Our expert team can help you determine which material is best for your sealing needs, based the environmental and application.

Rubber Extrusion Materials

Custom rubber extrusions, extruded rubber aircraft seals, and extruded rubber tubes are produced using a wide range of standard and specialty materials. These include natural rubber, chloroprene, and a variety of unique blends. Each material offers different benefits, and your decision should be based on your performance and application requirements.

Rubber Extrusion Material Options

• Chloroprene (Neoprene®) exhibits high water, flame, and weather resistance.
• EPDM is weather and ozone resistant.
• Natural rubbers are tear and abrasion resistant, with dynamic flex fatigue characteristics.
• Nitrile (Buna N) is oil resistant, and therefore is an excellent choice for gaskets. 
• SBR is a good general purpose rubber extrusion material, offering good abrasion resistance at low cost.
• and numerous standard blends, which can provide the combined physical properties of two or more materials.

Custom Rubber Extrusion Specifications

Northwest Rubber Extruders can deliver custom rubber extrusions that meet our quality control standards a variety of industry specifications, including:

• AMS
• ASTM D-2000
• BMS
• FDA
• FMVSS
• MIL-Specs
• and more

Rubber Extrusion Size Guidelines

Size requirements for your custom rubber extrusion are based on the application. Weatherstripping and gaskets, for example, are typically in longer lengths with the width or diameter depending on the size of the door, window, or component being sealed. To meet the needs to various applications, we provide rubber extrusions in a wide range of sizes and lengths.

• 1/16″ round to 14″ wide
• Straight lengths up to 20’
• Coiled lengths up to 200’

Custom Rubber Extrusion Capabilities

Custom rubber extrusions are produced in a range of shapes and configurations ranging from tubes and pipes to custom rubber shapes with intricate designs. Though every project we work on is different, some products are more common than others, such as:

• Adhesive backed rubber seals
• Extruded rubber aircraft seals
• Automotive gaskets
• Dock bumpers
• Chemical resistant rubber seals
• Extruded rubber cord
• Door seals
• Food grade seals
• High temperature rubber seals
• Hydraulic seals
• Low temperature seals
• Extruded rubber tubing
• Vibration absorption cushions
• and more

Contact Us for Custom Rubber Extrusions

Northwest Rubber Extruders is a leading custom rubber extrusion manufacturer. We can deliver short runs or products with quantities in the tens of thousands, with unparalleled service and on-time deliveries to meet your schedule. Request a quote on custom rubber extrusions, or contact us to discuss your project.