What are the key steps in the production process of automotive rubber parts?

1. Raw material preparation
Rubber material: According to the use environment and performance requirements of automotive rubber parts, select suitable rubber materials, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber (such as styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, etc.).
Additives: According to the formula requirements, prepare additives such as vulcanizers, accelerators, antioxidants, fillers, etc. to improve the performance of rubber.
2. Mixing
Put the rubber material and additives into the mixer, and mix them by mechanical shearing and heating to make the raw materials evenly mixed and obtain certain physical and chemical properties.
The temperature and time need to be strictly controlled during the mixing process to ensure the quality of the mixed rubber.
3. Molding
Mold design: Design and manufacture special molds according to the shape and size requirements of the parts.
Molding process: Put the mixed rubber material into the mold, and solidify the rubber material into the desired shape in the mold through molding processes such as injection molding, extrusion or molding.
For parts with complex shapes such as air filter outlet pipe assemblies, rubber water outlet pipes and rubber intake/exhaust pipe assemblies, special molding processes such as three-dimensional vacuum blow molding or rubber vulcanization may be required.
4. Vulcanization
Put the molded rubber parts into a vulcanization furnace and vulcanize them at high temperature and high pressure.
During the vulcanization process, the chemical bonds between rubber molecules change, making the rubber more elastic and wear-resistant.
The vulcanization time and temperature need to be adjusted according to the type and thickness of the rubber.
5. Trimming and inspection
Trimming: After the rubber parts are cooled and solidified, they are removed from the mold, and the excess rubber material is removed and the shape is trimmed.
Inspection: The quality of the processed rubber parts is inspected, including the inspection of size, hardness, physical properties, heat resistance, wear resistance, etc. Ensure that the parts meet the design requirements and quality standards.
6. Packaging and transportation
Package the rubber parts of qualified quality to prevent damage during transportation and storage.
Use appropriate packaging methods, such as plastic bags, cartons, wooden boxes, etc., and mark and label as needed.
Safely transport the packaged automotive rubber parts to customers or production lines for use.