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The key terms in elastomer processing

From abrasive to cycle time: technical terms relating to materials, manufacturing processes, test parameters and approvals, clearly explained.

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A

Abil N Material Abrasion Abrasion is the loss of material caused by mechanical action such as friction, heavy and continuous stress or wear. In the rubber and plastics industry, abrasion is a decisive factor that affects the durability, sealing performance and overall performance of products. Abrasive Abrasive materials are substances used to remove other materials by friction or grinding. In our case, the term is relevant in water jet cutting technology. Accelerators Accelerators are chemical additives that speed up the vulcanisation process in compound production. They enable faster and more efficient crosslinking of the rubber molecules with sulphur or peroxide, which leads to improved mechanical properties such as elasticity, tear strength and elongation. Vulcanisation accelerators are an indispensable ingredient in the rubber industry, as they shorten production times and optimise the properties of the fully vulcanised seals. Activators Activators are special additives used in rubber compounds to speed up the vulcanisation process and improve the reactivity of vulcanisation accelerators. In the rubber industry, they are indispensable for increasing the efficiency and quality of vulcanisation, a key step in the manufacture of moulded rubber parts. With activators, rubber products can be manufactured faster, more uniformly and with optimised physical properties. They are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and construction industries. Additives Additives are chemical substances added to rubber compounds to specifically improve their physical, mechanical and chemical properties. These ingredients play a central role in the rubber industry, as they make a decisive contribution to optimising the performance and durability of rubber products. Additives can improve the processability of rubber, its resistance to external influences and its elasticity and strength. In the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and many other sectors, additives in rubber compounds are indispensable. Ageing Ageing is the progressive change in the chemical and physical properties of elastomers and plastics caused by external influences. This process can lead to reduced functionality, loss of elongation, embrittlement or even disintegration of the material. Amorphous plastics Amorphous plastics, also referred to as anamorphous plastics, are polymers whose molecular chains do not form an ordered, crystalline structure. Unlike semi-crystalline plastics, in which the molecular chains are regularly arranged in certain areas, amorphous plastics have a random, disordered structure. This specific molecular arrangement gives amorphous plastics characteristic properties that make them indispensable in numerous industrial applications. APTK APTK is another name for EPDM that was often used in the past. EPDM is an elastomer known for its excellent and versatile properties in sealing technology. Assembly An assembly is a combination of several individual components or parts that together form a functional whole. In production engineering and mechanical engineering, an assembly usually consists of mechanical, electronic or structural individual parts that are joined together to perform a specific function. Assemblies play a central role in many industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, electronics and mechanical engineering industries, and are often part of more complex systems or end products. ASTM ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials, an internationally recognised organisation that develops standards for material testing and analysis. Founded in 1898, ASTM has created more than 12,000 standards that are used in various industries, including the rubber and plastics industry. ATEX ATEX stands for Atmosphères Explosibles and refers to the European directives governing equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX certification is carried out by official testing bodies and is an essential procedure for manufacturers who want to ensure that their products meet the safety requirements for potentially explosive environments. The ATEX directives are of crucial importance for many industries, including the electrical industry and the chemical, oil and gas industries. AUMA The term AUMA stands for automated mass production (German: Automatisierte Massenproduktion) and describes a production process used in rubber sheet manufacturing to produce large quantities of uniform products efficiently and cost-effectively. This production method is mainly used for standardised rubber sheets that are used in various industrial applications. The AUMA process optimises production through automation technology, which ensures fast production and consistently high quality. AUMA is particularly relevant in industries that need rubber sheets for seals, punched parts, insulation and technical applications.

B

BfR approval Standard Biocompatible The term biocompatible describes the ability of a material to come into direct contact with biological tissue or fluids without triggering a toxic, immunological or inflammatory reaction. In the rubber industry, and particularly in medical applications, biocompatibility is of crucial importance. Bisphenol-cured Bisphenol-cured (bisphenol crosslinked) refers to a chemical process in which elastomers are crosslinked by reaction with bisphenol A (BPA) or similar compounds. This form of crosslinking, also known as bisphenolic crosslinking, results in more stable, more durable and more chemically resistant polymer structures. The term is mainly used in connection with fluoroelastomers (FKM, FPM, Viton®), which obtain their resistance to chemicals and high temperatures through this crosslinking mechanism. Buna Buna is the trade name for various types of synthetic rubber produced by the polymerisation of 1,3-butadiene. The term dates back to the early development of synthetic elastomers, particularly during the Second World War, when access to natural rubber was restricted. Buna rubbers such as Buna-S (styrene-butadiene rubber, SBR) and Buna-N (nitrile rubber, NBR) play an important role in modern industry, as they are used in many areas, from tyres to seals, moulded articles and hoses. Butt vulcanisation Butt vulcanisation is a process for manufacturing rubber products in which two or more material ends are joined by vulcanisation. It is widely used to produce endless products such as hoses, round cords, profiles and sealing rings. Butt vulcanisation ensures a robust joint that can withstand mechanical and thermal loads.

C

Calender A calender is an industrial machine consisting of several heated or cooled rollers that is used to process materials such as rubber (elastomers). The calendering process forms materials into thin webs, films or sheets. The calender plays a decisive role in the manufacture of products that require precise thicknesses, smooth surfaces or special textures. In particular, almost all rubber sheets used for punched parts or seals are produced by calendering. Carbon black Carbon black is a fine, carbonaceous substance produced by the incomplete combustion of organic materials such as oil, gas or wood. In the rubber and plastics industry, carbon black is used as a filler and reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties of materials. It is an essential constituent of many technical products, particularly elastomers and plastics. Centre offset Centre offset is the deviation between the centre lines or centre points of two opposing or coaxial elements. It frequently occurs in seals such as sealing rings, hose rings and cut-in rings when they are not exactly aligned. This deviation can impair the function and service life of components, particularly in systems with high speeds or tight tolerance requirements. Chemical resistance Material CM: Compression Moulding Page Co-extrusion Co-extrusion is a process in elastomer and plastics processing in which two or more different materials are pressed simultaneously through an extrusion die, also called a mouthpiece, to create a multi-layer product. This technique makes it possible to produce elastomer hoses and profiles with different properties in the various layers, resulting in improved mechanical, chemical or optical properties. Co-extruded products are widely used in the packaging, construction and automotive industries. Coating Page Cold runner A cold runner is a special mould concept used in the manufacture of elastomer and silicone parts, particularly in the rubber industry. The cold runner system ensures that the material in the runner stays cold and does not vulcanise or cure until it reaches the mould cavities. Unlike in hot runners, the material in the cold runner remains formable and can be reused after the injection process, which reduces material losses. Compound In materials science and manufacturing, a compound (mix) is the combination of different substances or components to achieve specific properties and functions. In the rubber and plastics industry, a compound usually describes the formulation of base materials (such as rubber or plastic), fillers, plasticisers and additives used to manufacture products such as seals, tyres or technical components. Compression set (DVR) Compression set (German: Druckverformungsrest, DVR) describes the ability of an elastic material to return to its original shape after compression. It is expressed as a percentage and indicates how much deformation remains after loading. A low compression set value means that the material returns well to its original shape, while a high value indicates permanent deformation. Concentric Concentric describes an arrangement in which all points of a component, geometry or system are evenly distributed around a common axis or centre point. In engineering, manufacturing and design, concentric alignment is crucial for the function, stability and efficiency of components and machines. Conflict minerals Download Conformity Conformity refers to the agreement of a product, process or service with specified standards, directives or legal requirements. It is a central aspect of quality control and certification that ensures products and services meet the requirements of industry, regulatory authorities and consumer protection standards. Continuous vulcanisation Continuous vulcanisation is a process used for the continuous vulcanisation of elastomer products such as profiles, seals, hoses and conveyor belts. Unlike discontinuous (batch) vulcanisation, this process enables seamless production, as the material is vulcanised directly after extrusion. For specific applications such as endless O-rings, modern processes are combined to produce closed shapes. CP65: California Proposition Standard Crack formation stage The crack formation stage describes the degree or phase in which cracks form and spread in a material. It is widely used in materials testing and quality assurance to evaluate a material's resistance to mechanical stress, fatigue or environmental influences. In the rubber and plastics industry in particular, analysing crack formation is essential to ensure the longevity and safety of products. Crosslinking Crosslinking is the chemical process in which molecular chains in a material are linked together by chemical or physical bonds. This process increases the mechanical strength, elasticity and thermal stability of the material. Crosslinking is an essential step in processing elastomers and plastics and is used in numerous industries. Crush ring Product Cryogenic deburring Cryogenic deburring is a process for removing burrs and unwanted material residues from moulded and punched parts made of rubber and plastic. The workpieces are cooled to very low temperatures, which makes the burrs brittle so that they can be removed mechanically. This process is particularly suitable for elastomers, as their main body remains flexible while the fine burrs become brittle and break off. Cyanoacrylate adhesive Cyanoacrylate adhesive, commonly known as superglue, is a highly effective adhesive known for extremely fast curing and strong adhesion. It is based on cyanoacrylate monomers, which are activated by moisture in the environment or on the surface of the material to be bonded. Within a few seconds, a stable bond forms, which is used in many industries such as electronics, automotive, construction and medical technology. Cycle time Cycle time is the time needed to complete a full production cycle in a manufacturing process. It begins and ends with the repetition of the same event, such as the completion of a component or an assembly. Cycle time is a key parameter in manufacturing, particularly in automated processes such as injection moulding, extrusion or the assembly of components.

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Density The density of a material is a measure of its mass per unit volume and is usually given in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³). In the rubber and plastics industry, density is an essential property, as it influences the material structure, weight and performance of a product. Density can also provide information about the composition of a material and its suitability for specific applications. Dodd-Frank Act The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Dodd-Frank Act for short, is a comprehensive US law passed in 2010 in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. It aims to regulate financial markets, minimise risks and increase transparency. The Dodd-Frank Act is particularly relevant for companies that use raw materials, as it regulates, among other things, the use of conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG). Doubling In the rubber and plastics industry, doubling refers to the process of permanently bonding two or more layers of a material, usually elastic materials such as rubber or plastics. The aim of doubling is to combine the properties of the materials to create an end product with improved mechanical, thermal or chemical properties. Another reason for this process is to increase the thickness of rubber sheets. If, for example, a sheet with a thickness of 50 mm is required, it can be doubled from one 30 mm sheet and one 20 mm sheet. In this example, this process is more cost-effective than producing a sheet 50 mm thick. DVGW Standard

E

Eccentric press An eccentric press is a mechanical press that transmits linear force to a tool through the rotating movement of an eccentric (also called a crank). This tool processes workpieces by punching, cutting, forming or embossing. Eccentric presses are essential machines in elastomer and plastics processing and are used in the manufacture of all kinds of punched parts. Electrically insulating Electrically insulating describes the property of a material to prevent the flow of electric current. Electrically insulating materials have very low electrical conductivity and are used to separate electrical conductors, control the flow of current and prevent short circuits or electrical hazards. They play a central role in electronics, electrical engineering, lighting technology, the automotive industry and other technical applications in which safety and functionality must be ensured when working with electricity. Elongation Elongation describes the ability of a material to stretch under tensile load. It is an important mechanical parameter in the rubber and plastics industry, as it indicates how flexible and elastic a material is. Elongation is expressed as a percentage and indicates how far a material can stretch in relation to its original length before it breaks. High elongation is particularly important for elastic materials such as elastomers (rubber), which can deform considerably under load and then return to their original shape. EMC gaskets (EMC/EMI shielding gaskets) EMC gaskets are conductive gaskets that attenuate electromagnetic interference (EMI) at gaps, covers and connection points of enclosures and, depending on the design, also seal against environmental influences (dust/moisture). They close gaps, create electrical contact between enclosure parts and increase the shielding effectiveness of the entire assembly. ePTFE (expanded PTFE) ePTFE is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene with a characteristic node-fibril microstructure. Compared with solid (virgin) PTFE, ePTFE is more compressible and conforms to surface roughness even at lower bolt loads, while retaining excellent chemical and temperature resistance. Typical applications are flange seals, membranes and seals in ventilation and valve applications. EU DWD EU DWD is short for the European Drinking Water Directive, Directive (EU) 2020/2184. It governs the quality of drinking water in the EU and, for the first time, introduces uniform requirements for materials that come into contact with drinking water, including elastomer seals. EVA EVA stands for ethylene vinyl acetate, a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It is an extremely versatile material characterised by its flexibility, light weight and resistance. EVA is used in numerous industries such as packaging, automotive and construction, as well as in the manufacture of shoe soles and sports equipment. Thanks to its excellent properties, it offers a cost-efficient, high-performance solution for a wide range of applications. Explosion-proof (Ex-protected) Ex-protected stands for explosion-proof and describes products, equipment or plants developed specifically for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The term refers to a range of safety measures and protection concepts aimed at preventing explosions or minimising their effects. These protective measures are of crucial importance in industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, mining and food processing. Extruder An extruder is a machine that turns raw materials such as plastic or rubber into a continuous shape by heating, plasticising and applying pressure. The material is moved by a rotating screw, melted and pressed through a die (mouthpiece) to create a specific shape such as profiles, hoses or round cords. Extruders are used in the plastics and elastomer industries. Extrusion die An extrusion die is a technical tool used as the end piece of production machines, particularly in extrusion processes. It gives mouldable materials such as elastomers (rubber) and plastics a specific shape. Dies, also known as nozzles, are usually made from high-precision, wear-resistant materials to ensure consistent quality and dimensional accuracy of the extruded products.

F

Fabric insert A fabric insert is a reinforcing layer of textile material embedded in rubber, plastic or other composites to improve their mechanical properties such as strength, flexibility and stability. Fabric inserts are often used in industrial products such as seals, sheet material, conveyor belts or hoses to increase their performance and service life. FDA Standard Fell (rubber sheet) In a technical and industrial context, the German term Fell refers to a thin, flexible layer or coating that performs a specific protective, sealing or functional task. The term is often used in sealing technology, materials processing and coatings. In this sense, Fell has nothing to do with its everyday meaning of animal fur or hide and is used mainly for elastic or textile applications. Fillers Fillers are solid, liquid or gaseous substances added to a base material such as plastic or elastomers (rubber) to improve its physical, chemical or economic properties. They are used not only to increase volume but also to optimise material properties such as strength, elasticity or resistance. Flange seal Product Flat seal Product Flow behaviour Flow behaviour describes the way in which a material moves or deforms under the influence of external forces and temperatures. It is a central concept in materials science, particularly in the processing of liquids, melts and viscoelastic materials such as plastics and elastomers (rubber). Flow behaviour influences processability, product quality and the efficiency of manufacturing processes. FMEA FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis, German: Fehlermöglichkeits- und Einflussanalyse) is a systematic method for identifying, assessing and preventing failures in products or processes. Originally developed in the aerospace industry, FMEA is now used in various industries such as automotive, electronics manufacturing and medical technology to minimise risks and improve quality. Food-safe Food-safe describes materials that are suitable for direct contact with food without impairing its quality, taste or safety. These materials do not release harmful substances into the food and meet strict legal requirements and standards. Food safety of materials is essential in industries such as food processing, packaging and catering. Formulation A formulation is the exact composition of raw materials used to manufacture a specific product. In the rubber and plastics industry, the formulation describes the mix of polymers, fillers, additives and other components that together give a material its desired properties. Formulations are decisive for the quality, function and cost-effectiveness of products. FVMQ FVMQ stands for fluorosilicone elastomer and refers to a special group of fluorinated silicone elastomers. These materials combine the advantages of standard silicones (VMQ), such as flexibility and temperature resistance, with the additional resistance to fuels, oils and chemicals achieved through fluorination. FVMQ is often used in demanding applications in which conventional silicones or other elastomers are not sufficient.

M

Material test certificate A material test certificate is a document that confirms the properties and tests of a material or product and certifies their compliance with the specified requirements and standards. It is issued by the manufacturer or supplier and serves as proof of the quality and conformity of the goods supplied. Material test certificates are particularly important in manufacturing and mechanical engineering. Metric rings Metric rings are sealing or connecting elements that are standardised to metric dimensions. They are widely used in technical and industrial applications to ensure precise fits, seals or connections between components. These rings are available in various materials and designs and comply with international standards such as ISO and DIN. Modulus 100 Modulus 100 is a technical term typically used in manufacturing and materials testing, particularly for elastomers and plastics. It describes the force or stress required to stretch a material by 100% of its original length. Modulus 100 is usually stated in megapascals (MPa) and provides information about the elasticity and mechanical strength of a material. Molykote Page Mooney viscosity Mooney viscosity is a measure of the viscosity of uncured rubber compounds or uncrosslinked elastomers under defined conditions. It indicates how easily or with how much difficulty a material can flow and is widely used in the rubber industry to assess the processability of raw materials. Named after Melvin Mooney, a pioneer of rubber research, Mooney viscosity is a key parameter in quality control and material development. Moulded articles Product

P

PAH Download Para rubber Para rubber is a high-quality natural rubber obtained from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, also known as the rubber tree. The term "Para" derives from the Brazilian region of Pará, where the rubber tree was originally discovered. Para rubber is characterised by its high elasticity, abrasion resistance and versatility and is a key material in the rubber industry. Parameter Parameters are measurable quantities used to characterise, analyse and control processes, systems or products. In the rubber and plastics industry, parameters play a decisive role in precisely defining and optimising material properties, production processes and product quality. They provide an objective basis for decisions and adjustments throughout the manufacturing process. Peroxide-cured Peroxide-cured describes a crosslinking process in which peroxides are used as chemical initiators to create permanent crosslinks in elastomers or plastics. This process is widely used in the rubber and plastics industry to produce materials with improved mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. Peroxide crosslinking is particularly in demand in applications involving high temperatures or special environments. Pertinax Material PFAS Download PG rings Product Phthalate Phthalates are chemical compounds derived from phthalic acid and alcohols. They are mainly used as plasticisers to make elastomers (rubber) and plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), flexible and pliable. Phthalates are widely used, but are increasingly under discussion because of possible effects on health and the environment. Plasticisers Plasticisers are chemical substances that make plastics, rubber and other materials more flexible, more elastic and easier to process. They lower the glass transition temperature of the material and thus make it easier to deform. Plasticisers are used mainly in the plastics and rubber industry to make products easier to use and more durable. Plug gauge A plug gauge (measuring mandrel) is a precision tool used in metrology to check diameters, bores, tapers and other internal geometries. It is a cylindrical or conical device that is inserted into the workpiece under test to check its dimensions or deviations in form. Plug gauges are indispensable in quality assurance and production control in industries such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and aerospace. Polymer Polymers are chemical compounds consisting of long chains or networks of repeating molecular units, known as monomers. These molecules are linked by chemical bonds and form one of the foundations of modern materials. Polymers can be natural (e.g. rubber, cellulose) or synthetic (e.g. polyethylene, PVC) and have a wide range of properties that make them indispensable in numerous industries. PPAP sampling (Level 1 to 3), Production Part Approval Process PPAP sampling (Production Part Approval Process) is the automotive industry's series release process for validating components and processes. For sealing rings, moulded articles and flat seals, PPAP provides evidence that the drawing, material, process capability and documentation meet the customer's requirements.

R

RAL colour Page REACH Download Rebound resilience Rebound resilience describes the ability of a material to return energy after deformation. It is often used as a measure of how well a material absorbs impacts or pressure and then releases the absorbed energy again. In the elastomer industry, rebound resilience is a key parameter for evaluating the performance of materials in dynamic applications such as seals, tyres or vibration dampers. Release agent Release agents are substances used to prevent materials from sticking to surfaces or moulds (cavities) during processing. They create a thin separating layer that makes it easier to demould components, reduces tool wear and improves the quality of the end products. Release agents play an important role in elastomer processing. Rheometer A rheometer is a measuring instrument that examines the flow properties (rheology) and deformation properties of materials such as elastomers or plastics. It is widely used in the rubber and plastics industry to analyse the viscosity, elasticity and flow behaviour of materials under different conditions. The results of rheometer measurements are decisive for the development, optimisation and quality control of materials and processes. RoHS Download Rubber (Kautschuk) Rubber (German: Kautschuk) is an elastic material that is either obtained from the milky sap (latex) of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) (natural rubber) or produced synthetically by chemical processes (synthetic rubber). It is characterised by high elasticity, tear strength and resistance to mechanical stress and is used in numerous industries such as the automotive, construction, medical and consumer goods industries. Rubber lining Rubber lining refers to the application of a layer of rubber to surfaces such as metal, plastic or textiles. It provides protection against wear, corrosion, chemicals and mechanical stress. Rubber linings are widely used in industry, particularly in chemical processing, mechanical engineering and conveyor technology, to improve the durability and functionality of components.

S

Screw A screw is a cylindrical component with a helical surface used in machines such as extruders and injection moulding machines. It conveys, mixes, heats or compresses material. Screws are essential in the elastomer and plastics industry and ensure that materials are processed evenly. Semi-crystalline plastics Semi-crystalline plastics are polymer materials that have both amorphous and crystalline regions in their molecular structure. These special properties arise during cooling from the melt, when some of the molecular chains arrange themselves in an ordered, crystalline state while others remain amorphous. This combination gives semi-crystalline plastics excellent mechanical stability, chemical resistance and good thermal properties. Semi-finished product Semi-finished products are prefabricated industrial materials in a basic form that serve as the starting product for further processing into finished parts. In the rubber industry, these are often sheet material, round cords, profiles and hoses produced by processes such as rolling, pressing or extrusion. These intermediate products have standardised dimensions and shapes and enable the efficient manufacture of seals, punched parts and rubber-lined components. Shore hardness Shore hardness is a measure of the hardness of materials such as elastomers (rubber) and plastics. It describes a material's resistance to the penetration of an indenter under standardised conditions. Shore hardness is measured on different scales, which vary according to material type and application. The scales range from Shore A for soft materials to Shore D for harder materials. Silica (silicic acid) Silica (silicic acid) is a chemical compound of silicon, oxygen and hydrogen with the general formula SiO₂·nH₂O. In nature it often occurs in hydrated form and is an essential component of quartz and sand. In industrial processes, silica is often used in the form of amorphous or precipitated silicates. It is particularly known for its excellent properties as a filler, reinforcing agent and adsorbent. Specific weight Specific weight is a physical quantity that describes the ratio of the weight force of a material to its volume. It is usually stated in newtons per cubic metre (N/m³) and is used to evaluate the density of a material in relation to gravity. In practice it is often equated with density (mass per volume), but it differs in that it takes weight force rather than mass into account. Stabilisers Stabilisers are chemical substances used to preserve the physical, chemical or mechanical properties of materials during processing or in use. They play an essential role in the plastics and rubber industry by protecting materials against the effects of heat, light, oxygen or mechanical stress. Stabilisers ensure that the quality and longevity of products are maintained. Stearic acid Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H36O2. It is one of the long-chain fatty acids and occurs in natural fats and oils of both animal and vegetable origin. In industry, stearic acid is used as an additive and processing aid in numerous applications because of its versatile chemical and physical properties. Stick-slip effect Page Straining Straining is a process in the rubber and plastics industry in which unwanted foreign matter or contaminants are removed from a material. This is done by pressing the compound through a screen or filter with finely defined openings. The aim of the process is to improve material quality and ensure that the end product meets high requirements for purity and homogeneity. Sulphur-cured Sulphur-cured describes a chemical process in which rubber is converted into an elastic material by adding sulphur and heat. This process, also known as vulcanisation, creates a three-dimensional network of polymer chains that significantly improves the mechanical and thermal properties of the material. Sulphur curing is a standard process in the rubber industry and is widely used for products such as seals, moulded parts, profiles, sheets and conveyor belts. Surface roughness Surface roughness describes the microscopically small irregularities on the surface of a workpiece that result from machining processes, material properties or manufacturing techniques. In the rubber and plastics industry, surface roughness is a decisive parameter that significantly influences the function, appearance and performance of a component. Swelling Swelling describes the reversible absorption of liquids, media or gases into a material, which increases its volume. This process occurs frequently in polymer materials such as elastomers and plastics and can affect the mechanical, chemical and physical properties of the material. In the rubber and plastics industry, controlling swelling is essential to ensure the function and durability of products. Synthetic rubber Synthetic rubber is a man-made elastomer that imitates the properties of natural rubber while offering extended mechanical and chemical properties. It is produced by polymerisation or copolymerisation of monomers such as butadiene, styrene or isoprene. Because of its versatile properties, synthetic rubber is an essential material in the automotive, construction and rubber industries.

T

Talc Page Tear strength Tear strength describes the ability of a material to resist a tear or mechanical damage and prevent it from spreading further. It is measured particularly for elastomers and plastics and plays a decisive role in the durability and reliability of components under load. Teflon (PTFE) Teflon is the trade name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional chemical, thermal and mechanical properties. PTFE was discovered in 1938 by Roy Plunkett at DuPont and is particularly famous for its non-stick and chemically resistant properties. Thanks to these unique properties, Teflon is used in numerous industries and applications. Temperature control unit A temperature control unit is a technical device used in industrial processes to precisely control the temperature of tools, moulds or machine components. It supplies or removes heat to maintain a constant process temperature. Temperature control units are indispensable in the plastics and rubber industry, particularly in the manufacture of injection-moulded or extruded products, as they improve product quality and process stability. Tensile strength Tensile strength describes the maximum mechanical stress that a material can withstand before it breaks under tensile load. It is usually stated in newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²) or megapascals (MPa) and is a key parameter for assessing the load-bearing capacity of materials such as rubber, plastic, metal or composites. TM: Transfer Moulding Page Tolerances Page TSCA Download

V

Viscoelastic Viscoelastic describes material behaviour that combines both viscous (liquid-like) and elastic (solid-like) properties. A viscoelastic material shows time-dependent deformation: under load it responds partly elastically (returning to its original shape when the load is removed) and partly viscously (permanent deformation or energy loss through flow). This unique combination makes viscoelastic materials indispensable for numerous industrial applications. Viscosity Viscosity is a measure of how thick a fluid is. It describes the resistance that a liquid or a viscous material (e.g. rubber or plastic) offers to flow or deformation. High viscosity means that the material is thick (e.g. honey), while low viscosity indicates a free-flowing material (e.g. water). Voids Voids are cavities or pores that can form in elastomer (rubber) moulded articles during the manufacturing process. They result from shrinkage or gas formation and occur frequently in casting, injection moulding or vulcanisation processes. Voids can impair the mechanical properties and surface quality of a workpiece and thus adversely affect its function and appearance. Volume resistivity Volume resistivity describes the resistance a material offers to electric current flowing through its thickness. This value is used to evaluate the electrical conductivity or insulating capacity of a material. It is usually stated in ohm-metres (Ω·m) and is a decisive parameter in materials science, particularly for plastics, elastomers (rubber) and coatings. Vulcanisation Vulcanisation is a chemical process in which elastomers such as natural or synthetic rubber are made permanently elastic by adding crosslinking agents (e.g. sulphur or peroxide) under heat and pressure. During vulcanisation, chemical bonds form between the polymer chains, giving the material improved mechanical properties, thermal stability and elasticity.

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