Rubber Seal Manufacturing Process Guide
Rubber Seal Manufacturing Process Guide
Consistent seal performance depends on tightly controlled manufacturing—from raw material compounding through finishing and final inspection. This guide outlines each process step and key quality checkpoints for molded rubber seals.
## Process Flow Overview
1. **Raw Material Compounding** – polymer selection, fillers, curatives, and additives blended to specification.
2. **Preforming** – calendaring, extrusion, or strip cutting to prepare charge weights for molding.
3. **Molding** – compression, transfer, or injection molding depending on part geometry and volume.
4. **Curing / Post-curing** – vulcanisation and secondary heat treatment to achieve final properties.
5. **Finishing** – deflashing, grinding, coating, or bonding operations.
6. **Inspection & Testing** – dimensional, mechanical, and visual checks prior to packaging.
## Critical Control Points
| Step | Key Parameters | Monitoring Method |
| — | — | — |
| Mixing | Temperature, time, rotor speed, ingredient accuracy | Automated feeders, batch traceability, Mooney viscosity checks |
| Preforming | Weight uniformity, surface condition | Statistical sampling, automated cutters |
| Molding | Cure time, cavity pressure, mold temperature | Press PLC data logging, thermocouples |
| Post-cure | Time, oven temperature, air flow | Thermocouples, temperature mapping |
| Finishing | Flash removal, surface finish, contamination | Vision systems, manual inspection |
| Inspection | Dimensions, hardness, tensile, compression set | CMM, durometer, tensile testers |
## Quality Documentation
– Batch/lot traceability linking compound, mixer, press, and inspector.
– Control plans and work instructions aligned with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949.
– PPAP/FAI packages containing dimensional reports, material certifications, and performance test results.
– Nonconformance and CAPA tracking to close the loop on field issues.
## Automation & Data
– Implement MES/SCADA integration to capture real-time process data.
– Use SPC charts for critical dimensions and hardness.
– Employ barcode/RFID tracking for WIP and finished goods.
– Predictive maintenance on presses and mixers to reduce downtime.
## Related Services
– [Custom Manufacturing Hub](/services/custom-manufacturing/) – prototype to production support.
– [Design Services](/services/design-services/) – tooling design, optimization, FEA.
– [Standards Center](/standards/) – ensure molded parts align with AS568/ISO groove tolerances.
Looking to qualify a new supplier or audit an existing plant? Provide your control plan requirements through the [custom quote form](/quote/custom/) for a detailed manufacturing capability assessment.
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