Rubber parts for insulating, sealing | Global Sources

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Rubber parts used in electronics products provide protection from dust, moisture, chemicals, shock and impact, abrasion, corrosion, and high and low temperatures, all of which can affect component or device performance. They also act as insulators, forming a barrier against electromagnetic interference and shielding against accidental contact with tools or fingers that can result in shock, burns or other injury.

Chinese manufacturers of such parts have a range of options, mainly silicone, natural rubber, and synthetics such as NBR, SBR, CR, SR, EPDM and IIR, which are available in Shore A hardness of 10 to 90. Others also use HNBR, neoprene, Viton from DuPont and ACM.

In addition to the inherent characteristics of all types of rubber, materials with high elongation, enhanced permeability, and can withstand temperatures as low as -60 to -80 C to as high as 180 to 350 C are emphasized for use in the automotive, medical, communications, consumer electronics and industrial applications.

As further guarantee of quality and safety, most companies in China follow the criteria set under UL, MSDS, NSF, WRAS, KTW, CTI and RoHS. A number have invested in advanced production and test equipment to deliver products that are up to par.

Chinese suppliers use materials from domestic and foreign providers, depending on buyer preference. DuPont is a key source, as are homegrown companies such as Sinochem, Sunfar and Xingfa. The cost of raw materials has not fluctuated much in the past 12 months, keeping the prices of rubber parts almost unchanged. This is expected to continue in the months ahead.