With the lines becoming increasingly blurry between the use of thermo-set elastomers and thermo-plastic elastomers in today’s marketplace, what distinguishes rubber from plastic in the context of micro-precision parts? With smaller parts and more demanding applications with difficult configurations becoming the norm, what are the unique challenges this presents for part design and material specification? Thermoset elastomers or rubber is often misunderstood and looked at as interchangeable with plastic. This is not the case, as the chemical properties and molding characteristics of rubber are unique.
Rubber vs. Plastic
Rubber is a better material for dynamic sealing applications
Plastic is a lower cost material for high volume production
Rubber has a wider hardness range, and can be very soft or very hard
Plastic is a better material for many retail or commercial applications
Rubber is an excellent solution for a range of different temperatures
Plastic does not perform well in extreme heat or cold
Rubber works well with bonding agents for bonding rubber to metal or plastic substrates
Plastic is a better option when you need a very hard or rigid material
Rubber is a better option when you need a flexible material
Rubber is a high performance material when acoustic or vibration absorbing properties are important
