Rubbers

The one-stop source for rubber products

At Technical Foam Services, we don't see ourselves as mere suppliers. We work in partnership with our customers to develop and produce complete solutions to meet their exact needs.

As a result, some time ago we came to realise that many of our foam conversion clients required solutions that combine the performance properties of both foam and rubber in one or more products.

With our deep understanding of the way in which foam and rubber react to different processes it was therefore a logical step for us to also offer a wide range of rubber based materials to complement our foam ranges.

As a result, Technical Foam Services offers a reliable and expert single source for an expansive selection of both foam and highly specialist grades of rubber, all of which we hold in stock, including:

Neoprene rubber (including flame-retardant)
EPDM (including white EPDM rubber)
Nitrile
Silicone rubber
Sponge
Cork

Materials engineered to perform

While we may have originally introduced rubber products to complement our foam goods, we adopt the same professional approach to this sector as we do across our entire business, providing the widest choice of the highest quality materials possible, engineered to meet the toughest specifications.

We supply both closed and open cell rubber materials in a vast range of densities spanning 60kg/m3 up to 300kg/m3 and in thicknesses from as thin as 0.5mm right through to 75mm.

As with our foam converting facilities, when it comes to the design, development and production of rubber products and materials our engineering capability is second to none.

This allows us to fabricate and cut rubber materials to your exact design and specifications as well as enabling us to add extra elements such as acrylic and resin self-adhesive backing with additional features such as high tack, temperature resistant and perm-peel, which can be re-positioned after initial placement.

A wide array of applications
From neoprene to nitrile

With a wide selection of rubber grades that provide a high level of inherent flexibility and temperature resistance, UV resistance, high thermal properties, and water vapour resistance combined with Technical Foam services converting capabilities, we can produce goods for an expansive array of both industrial and domestic applications in EPDM, Nitrile, silicone, Neoprene and other rubber materials.

These include:

Gaskets, seals and washers for the automotive, aerospace, light engineering, construction and HVAC industries to name just a few - to provide fire retardancy, thermal and anti-static properties, and low smoke toxicity as well as providing water vapour, UV and ozone resistance.
Insulation for plumbing and heating, refrigeration and HVAC systems in the construction, aerospace and marine sectors
Mouldings and extrusions for cords, tubing, profiles across a myriad of industries

At Technical Foam Services our converting and processing capabilities for rubber are vast and it is not possible to list them all here. If you're looking for a high-grade specialist rubber product, contact us and we will work with you to find the right solution for your individual requirements.

From neoprene to nitrile - a rubber for every purpose

The number of uses that rubber can be put to is really quite overwhelming; being a useful pencil topper is only the start of it, as we at Technical Foam Services are evidently aware. We provide neoprene, PVC nitrile, EPDM sponge and silicone sponge for a multitude of purposes - many being more familiar under the generic name of 'sponge rubber'.

Just like our foam products, the rubbers we sell can be grouped into closed and open cell structures. Although the different types read like a chemistry list, you're probably already familiar with many of them. They are widely used in packaging, auto gaskets, engineering workshops, footwear and protective clothing.

What's the difference between neoprene and foam rubber?

Nothing! In fact, many rubbers are created via a foaming process. The term foam, or sponge rubber, refers to a synthetic rubber manufactured with a foaming agent to create air or gas-filled cells. Sponge rubber is generally polyurethane or latex based. People get confused because you can have both an open and closed cell sponge rubber.

For example, neoprene is a sponge rubber containing gas-filled cells, which is widely used as insulation in wetsuits. It is often confused with nitropene, closed-cell foam created from nitrile rubber.

A diverse range of rubber products

We at Technical Foam Services know many of our customers get confused by the scientific names attributed to foam rubber. However, it's important to know the difference between, say, PVC foam and neoprene - especially if they're to be used in research or clinical areas. We strive to keep up with the latest developments in the industry, and pride ourselves on our chemical knowledge of things like white EPDM.

EPDM sponge has a closed-cell structure and is an excellent insulating material, widely used for thermal and acoustic insulation. It also shows outstanding resistance to weathering, ageing, and products like oil and ozone. EPDM comes in various grades and colours, like many of the products we supply.

Another specialist area is thermo-resistant foam, such as flame-retardant nitrile rubber. This is used to make emergency clothing for fire-fighters, ambulance personnel and air-crews, among other things. It is highly prized owing to its flexibility and lack of bulkiness - essential if you are attending to a badly injured burns victim.

Converting PVC and other rubbers

Rubber varies in density from 60kg/m3 up to 300kg/m3, and can vary in thickness from less than 1 mm, to 75 mm or more. Our foam converting machinery is all built and maintained in-house, and is easily adapted to fabricate and cut any kind of rubber, from EPDM to PVC.

Some rubbers, e.g. PVC nitrile are used in the healthcare industry. PVC is used to make non-latex gloves, among other things. Therefore, we must have an in-depth knowledge of the chemicals involved and ensure our products are totally free of any irritants.

We understand our customers' needs, and operate a one-stop-shop approach so all your foam and sponge rubber requirements are met from one convenient supplier. Whether it's neoprene, EPDM or nitrile you're looking for, we guarantee a high-quality product that is free from all impurities.