Rubber Compression Molding: Compounds, Mold Design, Curing

Rubber parts production through compression molding.

Rubber Molding

Compression molding is the oldest method for rubber parts. NBR: oil seals, O-rings. EPDM: weather seals, gaskets. Silicone (VMQ): high-temp, medical. FKM (Viton): extreme chemical/high-temp. Mold pre-heat to 150-190C. Cure time 5-20 min depending on section thickness. Draft angle 2-5 degrees for demolding. Shrinkage: 1.5-3% depending on compound.

RubberTempHardnessTensileCost/kg
NBR150-170C50-90 A10-20 MPa$3-5
EPDM160-175C40-80 A8-16 MPa$2.5-4
Silicone165-185C30-80 A6-12 MPa$8-15
FKM170-190C60-90 A10-18 MPa$25-50