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Hules

Rubber Cord

A solid extruded elastomer profile with a circular cross-section, used as a versatile sealing element for static applications where standard O-rings are not available in the required size, or for custom-length seals that are cut and joined in the field. Available diameters: 1.5-50 mm (standard stock), with custom sizes available. Materials: silicone VMQ (-60 to +230°C, FDA food-grade available), neoprene CR (oil + weather resistance, -35 to +100°C), EPDM (weather + steam resistance, -50 to +150°C), nitrile NBR (oil + fuel resistance, -30 to +100°C), FKM/Viton (chemical + high-temperature resistance, -20 to +200°C), and sponge/foam cord (compression sealing). Ends are joined by butt-splicing with cyanoacrylate or vulcanizing cement to form custom-diameter O-rings. Tolerance: ±0.15-0.25 mm on diameter. Sold by the meter or spool (typically 10-100 m). Per ASTM D2000 for material classification. Applications: tank lids, manhole covers, flanges, oven doors, and any non-standard sealing groove where pre-made O-rings are unavailable. Must account for approximately 5% joint efficiency loss at the splice point.

What you need to know

  • A solid extruded elastomer profile with a circular cross-section, used as a versatile sealing element for static applications where standard O-rings are not available in the required size, or for custom-length seals that are cut and joined in the field.
  • Available diameters: 1.5-50 mm (standard stock), with custom sizes available.
  • Materials: silicone VMQ (-60 to +230°C, FDA food-grade available), neoprene CR (oil + weather resistance, -35 to +100°C), EPDM (weather + steam resistance, -50 to +150°C), nitrile NBR (oil + fuel resistance, -30 to +100°C), FKM/Viton (chemical + high-temperature resistance, -20 to +200°C), and sponge/foam cord (compression sealing).
  • Ends are joined by butt-splicing with cyanoacrylate or vulcanizing cement to form custom-diameter O-rings.
  • Tolerance: ±0.15-0.25 mm on diameter.

Full definition

Rubber cord is a solid extruded elastomer profile characterized by its circular cross-section, making it a highly versatile sealing solution. Unlike standard O-rings, rubber cord can be tailored to specific applications where unique sizes or custom lengths are required. This is particularly useful in industries that demand precision sealing in non-standard grooves or configurations. Rubber cords are available in a range of diameters from 1.5 to 50 mm, with options for custom sizes depending on the industrial application needs. The material selection is crucial, as various elastomers provide distinct properties suited for specific environments and service conditions.

The primary materials used for rubber cord include silicone VMQ, neoprene CR, EPDM, nitrile NBR, and FKM/Viton, each offering unique temperature resistance and chemical compatibility. For instance, silicone VMQ can withstand temperatures from -60 to +230°C and is available in FDA-approved food-grade formulations. On the other hand, nitrile NBR is particularly effective in oil and fuel resistance, making it ideal for automotive applications. The joining of rubber cord ends can be achieved through methods such as butt-splicing with cyanoacrylate adhesive or vulcanizing cement, which allows for the creation of custom-diameter O-rings in the field. It's essential to consider a tolerance of ±0.15-0.25 mm on the diameter to ensure a proper fit in sealing applications.

Applications of rubber cord are widespread across various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, and food processing. These cords are commonly used in sealing tank lids, manhole covers, flanges, and oven doors. However, engineers must account for a joint efficiency loss of approximately 5% at the splice point, which can impact the overall sealing performance. Therefore, careful consideration of the application parameters and material properties is critical for achieving optimal sealing effectiveness.

What you need to know

  • What you need to know:
  • Rubber cord is available in diameters from 1.5 to 50 mm, with custom sizes offered.
  • Common materials include silicone, neoprene, EPDM, nitrile, and FKM, each with specific temperature and chemical resistances.
  • Ends of rubber cords are typically joined using cyanoacrylate or vulcanizing cement, allowing for custom-length O-rings.
  • Tolerance on diameter is ±0.15-0.25 mm, essential for ensuring a proper fit in sealing applications.
  • Applications include tank lids, manhole covers, flanges, and oven doors where standard O-rings are not suitable.

Industrial applications

  • 1Used in sealing tank lids to prevent leaks in chemical storage.
  • 2Applied in manhole covers for wastewater management systems.
  • 3Utilized in flanges for piping systems to ensure airtight connections.
  • 4Incorporated in oven doors to maintain temperature and prevent heat loss.
  • 5Serves in custom sealing applications where pre-made O-rings are not available.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Choosing the wrong elastomer type for the application, leading to premature failure.
  • ✕Not accounting for joint efficiency loss at the splice point, which can compromise sealing integrity.
  • ✕Overlooking the importance of precise diameter tolerances, resulting in poor fit.
  • ✕Failing to consider environmental factors such as temperature and chemical exposure when selecting materials.
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Pro tip

When creating custom O-rings, ensure that the splice joint is adequately cured to maximize sealing performance and minimize joint efficiency loss.

Technical standards

  • ASTM D2000 - Standard classification system for rubber materials.
  • ISO 3302 - Tolerances for rubber products.

Suppliers of industrial rubber in Mexico

AguascalientesVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad JuárezVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad de MéxicoVer Hule Industrial
GuadalajaraVer Hule Industrial
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Applicable standards

ASTM D2000
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