Molded Rubber Components for UAVs - RD Rubber Technology Corp.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) enable precision operations from a distance, reducing the potential risk to human pilots and gathering important data and surveillance. The military relies on UAVs to increase situational awareness in many activities, including reconnaissance, search and rescue, intelligence gathering, and targeted strikes.

At RD Rubber Technology Corporation, we engineer critical-to-function rubber components that these unmanned systems require. Our seals, gaskets, and grommets can protect UAV parts from vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), flexural fatigue, and other environmental conditions. Learn more about our molded rubber components for UAVs, the rubber materials that are suitable for these applications, and the molding processes we use to manufacture them.

Rubber Components Used in UAVs

Operating in variable and hazardous conditions, UAV gaskets, seals, and O-rings are exposed to moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and high physical stresses. These elastomeric parts seal in critical fluids and lubricants, block contaminants, protect sensitive equipment, and they must meet military specifications for durability and performance.

RD Rubber’s engineered rubber products, which include rubber connectors, gaskets, grommets, protective boots and bellows, o-rings, seals, and others provide the following critical-to-function solutions for UAVs:

Protecting sensitive electronic components
Sealing against external elements
Vibration damping

Buttons & Connectors

Molded rubber parts are used in buttons and connectors on control panels in electrical and flight control systems.

Gaskets

Gaskets block moisture and air throughout the UAV’s critical systems and can be found in:

Access hatches
Engine compartments
Hydraulic equipment

Grommets

Standard and custom-molded grommets protect wiring, control cables, and tubing where they pass through openings in firewalls and bulkheads. They also provide thermal protection and insulation against the following conditions:

Electrical shorts
Noise
Vibration

Protective Boots & Bellows

These custom-molded rubber components protect the following parts from contaminants, moisture, and debris, dust, and damage:

Cables
Mechanical joints
Wiring

UAV Seals and O-Rings

Custom-engineered UAV O-rings and seals can help prevent leaks and can be designed for compatibility with:

Corrosive fluids
Extreme temperatures
High pressures

Vibration and Damping Components

Molded rubber components isolate sensitive equipment and electronic systems from vibrations and shock caused by propellers and motors, which can impact payload quality and flight stability. The following components help extend the life of the motor and improve vehicle stability:

Bushings
Isolators
Rubber mounts

Rubber Materials for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Components

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This cost-effective rubber material is easily die-cut, compressible, lightweight, and wear-resistant, making it ideal for UAV components used in outdoor environments.
Fluorosilicone. This material has resistance to oils and fuels and can be used in a broad temperature range, similar to silicone.
Neoprene. This is used for many molded rubber components and provides superior resistance to environmental factors and chemicals.
Nitrile (Buna-N). This strong, stretchable material exhibits excellent resistance to hydraulic fluids, fuels, and oils, and is commonly used for UAV gaskets and seals.
Silicone. Manufactured for high-temperature applications, silicone can handle both cold and hot operating conditions from -150 ºF to 480 ºF. It also has good rebounding and compression set characteristics.
Viton (Fluoroelastomer). This is a high-performance elastomer with high tensile strength, low compression set, and chemical resistance. It is frequently used in extremely hot and corrosive environments.

Rubber Molding Methods for Producing UAV Components

UAV parts can be made using various custom rubber molding methods. The optimal method for each application depends on complexity of the parts, material properties, production volume, and required precision. At RD Rubber, our capabilities include:

Rubber Compression Molding

This cost-efficient method is best suited for large, simple parts without intricate features or those that do not require extremely high precision in manufacturing. UAV applications include:

Anti-slip pads for batteries
Gaskets
Simple seals

Rubber-to-Metal Bonding

Components with a strong, permanent rubber-to-metal bond allow UAVs to remain lightweight while achieving the necessary strength and vibration control. These components can withstand extreme temperature changes, mechanical stress, and harsh environments. UAV applications include:

Anti-vibration mounts
EMI/RFI shielding gaskets
Reinforced seals

Rubber Transfer Molding

Rubber transfer molding is often used for medium-volume production of complex parts with intricate designs or when a plastic or metal insert will be bonded with the rubber. UAV applications include:

Diaphragms
Precision seals
Vibration isolators

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Injection Molding

This highly repeatable, automated process is ideal for producing high volumes of small, high-precision UAV components, such as:

Complex housings
Gimbal dampers
Shock-absorbing balls
O-ring seals

Contact Us for Molded Rubber UAV Components

As an experienced domestic manufacturer based in California, RD Rubber Technology Corporation manufactures custom-molded rubber components for use in many critical-to-function applications, including military UAVs. Our custom molds and tooling meet customer specifications and can be manufactured to make parts in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Our certifications include AS 9001:2016, ISO 9001:2015, Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Certification Program (JCP), as well as NIST 800-171 compliant and ITAR registered.

Contact us to learn more about our custom-molded rubber manufacturing capabilities, or request a quote to get started today!