Custom Mouldings

Custom rubber mouldings are the solution to bespoke rubber gaskets, seals and other performance parts. Although a small part of most machines and equipment, rubber seals and gaskets are crucial to the machine’s performance. To function correctly, these parts have to be made to order and fit the exact dimensions of the machine they will be fitted.

The variables in providing custom mouldings are extensive, and you need a partner who understands the dimensions and application requirements; this is where TFC comes in. Our technical team and the right manufacturing partners will make your custom seals or gaskets a reality.

Methods of Custom Rubber Mouldings

Custom moulding has diverse manufacturing methods with multiple variations. The manufacturing methods used depend on the type of rubber part required, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. Some of the commonly used rubber moulding processes include;

Rubber injection moulding

Rubber injection moulding is strikingly similar to the well-known plastic injection moulding process. The process starts with uncured rubber strips that are heated and compressed to a very fluid state. The rubber is fed into the mould at high pressure to fill up the cavity built inside the rubber mould. The mould is then gradually cooled down to solidify the rubber. The mould then opens to eject the end product, which is now ready for the next cycle.

This method is preferred for its high accuracy and ability to yield parts with complex geometry with impressive accuracy and that have high mechanical strength. It’s a quick process that is perfect for large-scale production.

Rubber compression moulding

This process is similar to injection moulding in that it uses heat and pressure but uses them differently.

In this method, the mould has two halves, each carrying a portion of the cavity. A chunk of the uncured raw material is heated and placed in the lower half of the mould. The mould sections are also heated beforehand.

After the placement of the material, the top half of the mould lowers into the fixed mould, and the charge takes the shape of the mould cavity. It also applies heat to cure the rubber to its new shape.

This method is low cost, can be used with various materials, and the final product has no gate vestige left behind. It’s smooth and complete.

Rubber transfer moulding

This custom moulding process utilises a distinct rubber mould design. The die mould has two halves, but the upper half has an additional open-ended cavity known as the pot. The preform (rubber or other relevant material is transferred into the pot through high pressure and heat. The upper and lower halves connect to create the mould, which is left to cure and solidify.

Rubber transfer moulding provides tighter tolerances and is ideal for making large parts. However, it has a high tooling cost and has a high cycle time.

How it Works

Manufacturing any form of custom parts can be a tedious, lengthy and frustrating experience. TFC works to simplify it and focuses on the benefits of getting custom moulding for rubber parts like seals and gaskets.

Our technical team

Everything starts with our technical design team. Our qualified and diverse team handles customised orders, including custom rubber mouldings. After contacting us with a customised request, our technical team will handle the order.

To get things started, you will send us an AutoCAD design of the parts you would like made. Our technical team will have a look at it and discuss your needs with our manufacturing partners.

We provide you with a prototype of the custom mouldings of the parts requested within a reasonable time for testing and improvements. Once the prototypes are perfect and functioning as required, we will help you transition into full manufacturing.

Our approach to custom mouldings ensures you don’t have to worry about the production processes or delivery timelines. Combined with our superior Vendor Supply Management system, we provide an effective distribution network that delivers the parts you need when needed, so you don’t have to worry about warehousing costs. You can always keep your projects on time.

Partner with TFC

Custom mouldings are crucial to the performance of highly advanced equipment. You need an experienced partner and distributor that not only adheres to the tight tolerances of the requirements of the bespoke parts but can deliver them efficiently and promptly.

TFC is that partner. We are a subsidiary of AFC, a company with over 60 years of experience providing quality parts and components in the engineering world. We also hold exclusive distribution rights to leading brands like Smalleys, among others. We also have partnerships with leading manufacturing brands that ensure we deliver quality parts to vendors and OEM manufacturers in a timely fashion.