Rubber Transfer Molding

Rubber transfer molding is an effective form of rubber molding that produces high-quality rubber parts. At RD Rubber Technology Corporation., we specialize in a variety of rubber molding techniques to meet the needs of customers across different industries. Learn more about our rubber transfer molding including how it works, its benefits, the most common compatible materials, and applications.

The Rubber Transfer Molding Process

The rubber transfer molding process starts by measuring and cutting the required uncured material and positioning it into the “pot” section of the transfer mold. The transfer mold is then closed and placed into the molding press. The mold plunger compresses the material as heat is applied and the ensuing pressure transfers the uncured rubber through runners into the mold cavities to cure the material to the desired shape. The next step involves trimming or deflashing to remove unwanted overflow material or flash. Transfer molding provides precise control of dimensional tolerances. Although pre-formed materials are required, a single pre-form can fill multiple mold cavities.

Benefits and Applications of Rubber Transfer Molding

Rubber transfer molding is an effective and precise alternative to other molding processes. By comparison, rubber transfer molding has:

• Lower mold costs compared to injection molding
• Quicker mold changeovers compared to injection molding
• Higher labor efficiency compared to compression molding
• Enables manufacturers to produce precise dimensional control and complex manufacturing features while minimizing parting lines compared to rubber compression molding

Some common applications for transfer molded rubber products include:

• Seals, O-rings, gaskets and grommets
• Valves, diaphragms, poppet assemblies, plungers, latches, flappers and vacuum cups
• Boot pads, switches, covers, shells, housings, cases, connectors and buttons

Materials Used in Rubber Transfer Molding

Below are high-performance synthetic rubber materials ideal for manufacturing parts that require high precision or complex geometries.

• Nitrile (NBR): Its excellent resistance to fuels and oils makes it the standard for automotive and industrial seals produced in high-precision transfer molds.
• Silicone: It flows easily into complex mold cavities when heated and maintains stability across extreme temperatures (-60°C to 230°C).
• EPDM: Rubber transfer molding allows EPDM to be molded with tighter tolerances than standard compression molding. EPDM is ideal for outdoor seals and gaskets.
• Fluoroelastomers (FKM/Viton™): The high-pressure plunger in transfer molding ensures this viscous material fills every detail of the mold. Fluoroelastomers are commonly used for high-end aerospace seals.
• Neoprene: Offers a balanced mix of chemical and environmental resistance, making it a versatile choice for multi-purpose industrial components.

Contact Us Today for Expert Rubber Transfer Molding

At RD Rubber, we specialize in producing high-quality rubber parts for clients across the United States. We prioritize quality and excellent customer service so every custom part meets your precise requirements. Our engineering experts will optimize the manufacturing process and production of your rubber components for reliable, long-term performance.

We maintain quality control throughout the quoting, tooling, manufacturing, and inspecting stages. In addition to being ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100:2016, and Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Certification Program (JCP) certified, RD Rubber complies with the following standards:

To learn more about our manufacturing capabilities or to start your project, contact us today.