Today, manufacturers of original equipment and components have many choices as to the types of materials to choose. When it comes to wearable and flexible types of elastomers, neoprene is often the go-to option.
To understand why neoprene is used for such diverse products as wetsuits and gaskets, it is important to take a brief look at the material and its characteristics and properties. This will also help in determining if neoprene molding is the best production methods for part or component.
The Basics of Neoprene
DuPont is the company that originally developed what is now called neoprene. The official chemical name is polychloroprene and, while it was originally a trademarked name, it now refers to the class of synthetic elastomers.
When first used, it was the ideal option for a product that could resist oil. However, it is also resistant to natural degradation from rain, snow, UV light and even from exposure to ozone. Unlike some products, it is also resistant to damage by exposure to a significant range of chemicals, but it is not suitable for all types of chemical exposure.
The Advantages of Molded Neoprene
The use of neoprene molding incorporates all of the advantages of the elastomer, the flexibility the product retains even over a wide range of temperatures is essential. Gaskets and other types of equipment components will work when exposed to very high engine temperatures but also to very low temperatures as well.
The process of neoprene molding is also very cost-effective to product both thin walled and thickly walled products. Through molding, each part produced is identical to each other and to the mold, ensuring each part can be fabricated to work on a production line that is fully automated.
With limited waste and fast production speeds, the is a cost-effective process for small to large volume production requirements.
