Rubber-to-Metal Components
Rubber-to-metal bonded components combine rubber chemically bonded to metal parts, such as anti-vibration mounts, bushes, buffers, couplings and rollers. They isolate vibration and shock while giving secure mounting points.
What it is
Metal inserts are cleaned, primed with bonding agent and placed in a mould; rubber is moulded and vulcanised onto them, creating a bond stronger than the rubber itself. Rubber hardness and geometry set the stiffness.
Common forms include cylindrical and conical mounts, bonded bushes, flexible coupling elements and rubber-lined rollers.
Typical applications
- Engine and machine mounts
- Anti-vibration mounts for equipment
- Suspension bushes
- Flexible coupling elements
- Rubber-covered rollers
Materials & grades
- Natural rubber (vibration)
- NBR (oil resistant)
- Neoprene
- Steel and aluminium inserts
Points to consider
- Provide load, frequency and deflection needs for mounts.
- Natural rubber gives best vibration isolation; NBR for oil exposure.
- Mould and insert tooling needed for new designs.
- Protect bonded parts from solvents and ozone.
Frequently asked questions
What are rubber-to-metal parts used for?
Isolating vibration and shock, such as engine and machine mounts, bushes and couplings.
How strong is the rubber-to-metal bond?
A proper vulcanised bond is typically stronger than the rubber itself.
Can you make custom anti-vibration mounts?
Yes, to drawing or sample, with stiffness tuned by rubber hardness and geometry.