Full definition
Neoprene (polychloroprene) rubber sheet produced by the calendering process — passing compounded rubber between precision-ground, heated steel rolls to achieve continuous sheet of uniform and precisely controlled thickness. Calendering is the standard production method for thin-gauge neoprene sheet (0.5-6 mm), offering excellent thickness tolerance (±0.05-0.1 mm), smooth surface finish, and high production efficiency. The resulting sheet is then continuously vulcanized (in a hot-air tunnel, autoclave, or rotocure) and wound into rolls. Advantages over press-cured sheet: better thickness consistency across the sheet, higher surface quality, more economical for thin gauges. Applications: die-cut gaskets (the primary use — calendar-quality flatness is essential for consistent gasket performance), flat joints, diaphragms, laminated products, fabric-coated neoprene, and thin sealing components. Standard widths: 1,000-1,500 mm. Can be produced with or without fabric reinforcement (nylon or polyester ply insertion during calendering). Hardness: 40-80 Shore A. Per standard rubber calendering practice.