Welcome to the First Mats glossary on Rubber Sheet, your detailed resource for understanding the various terms and concepts associated with rubber sheeting, particularly those used in seals, gaskets, and other industrial applications. As a leading provider of high-quality rubber sheeting in the UK, First Mats is committed to helping businesses select the right material for their specific needs.
Rubber sheets are essential components in many industries, offering durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors. This glossary is designed to provide clear definitions of key terms, helping you navigate the options available and make informed decisions.
Whether you're dealing with natural rubber, synthetic variations, or specialised rubber grades, this glossary covers everything from material properties to manufacturing processes and industry standards. Our goal is to support you in choosing the best rubber sheet for your application.
Explore the terms below to deepen your understanding of rubber sheeting, and don't hesitate to contact the team at First Mats for further assistance or enquiries.
The ability of a rubber sheet to resist wear and tear from friction, important for applications where the material will be exposed to constant movement or contact.
The ability of rubber to maintain its properties over time, especially when exposed to environmental factors such as UV light, ozone, and temperature extremes.
A classification system for rubber materials established by ASTM International, often used to specify the properties of rubber used in seals and gaskets.
Rubber sheet material with an additional backing layer, such as fabric or metal, to provide extra strength or stability.
The pressure at which a rubber sheet will rupture or burst, an important consideration for applications involving high pressures.
The ability of a rubber sheet to withstand exposure to various chemicals without degrading, essential for use in industrial and chemical environments.
Also known as Neoprene, this synthetic rubber is valued for its durability, oil resistance, and ability to withstand a range of temperatures.
The ability of a rubber sheet to remain flexible and functional at low temperatures, important for outdoor or refrigerated applications.
The practice of using different colours to indicate specific types or grades of rubber, making it easier to identify and select the right material for the job.
A manufacturing process where rubber is shaped into sheets by compressing it in a mould under heat and pressure.
A measure of how much friction a rubber sheet generates when in contact with another surface, affecting its grip and slip resistance.
The permanent deformation of a rubber sheet after it has been compressed and then released, a critical factor in seal performance.
The mass per unit volume of a rubber sheet, which affects its weight, flexibility, and cushioning properties.
The maximum electric field that a rubber sheet can withstand without breaking down, important for electrical insulation applications.
A thin rubber sheet used in valves, pumps, and regulators to control the flow of liquids or gases.
Another term for Shore A Hardness, a measure of the hardness of rubber, indicating its resistance to indentation.
The ability of a rubber sheet to resist the flow of electricity, making it suitable for insulating electrical components.
A measure of how much a rubber sheet can be stretched before it breaks, indicating its flexibility and resilience.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber known for its excellent weather, ozone, and heat resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use.
The ability of a rubber sheet to withstand repeated bending or flexing without cracking or breaking, important for dynamic applications.
A high-performance synthetic rubber with excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and oil, often used in high-temperature and aggressive chemical environments.
Rubber that is safe for use in food processing and handling, typically meeting strict hygiene and safety standards.
A shaped rubber sheet used to create a seal between two surfaces, preventing the leakage of gases or liquids.
The spectrum of hardness levels available for rubber sheets, allowing for the selection of the most suitable material for specific applications.
The ability of a rubber sheet to maintain its properties and performance at elevated temperatures, essential for high-temperature environments.
The ability of a rubber sheet to resist degradation when exposed to oils, fuels, and other hydrocarbon-based substances.
The resistance of a rubber sheet to the passage of gases or liquids through its surface, crucial for sealing applications.
Rubber sheet reinforced with fabric or other materials to enhance its strength and tear resistance.
Rubber sheets made by bonding multiple layers together, often with different properties to create a composite material.
The amount of deformation a rubber sheet undergoes when a load is applied, relevant for cushioning and load-bearing applications.
A rubber made from natural latex, known for its excellent elasticity, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance.
A synthetic rubber with good chemical stability, flexibility, and resistance to oil, heat, and weather conditions.
A synthetic rubber with high resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals, making it ideal for seals and gaskets in automotive and industrial applications.
The ability of a rubber sheet to resist cracking and degradation when exposed to ozone, important for outdoor applications.
The ability of a rubber sheet to allow gases or liquids to pass through it, with low permeability being desired for sealing applications.
The surface texture of a rubber sheet, often created by the finishing process in the mould, which can be smooth, textured, or patterned.
A type of rubber known for its high abrasion resistance, durability, and load-bearing capacity, often used in tough industrial applications.
Rubber sheets that are strengthened with materials like fabric, metal, or plastic to improve their durability and mechanical properties.
The ability of a rubber sheet to return to its original shape after being compressed or stretched, indicating its ability to absorb energy and resist wear.
The allowable variations in the dimensions or properties of rubber sheets, ensuring they meet specified standards for use.
A measure of the hardness of rubber, indicating its resistance to indentation and its flexibility.
A thin layer of rubber applied to the surface of a reinforced rubber sheet to enhance its properties or protect the reinforcement.
The thickness of a rubber sheet, which can vary depending on the application and the required strength or flexibility.
Rubber sheet specifically designed for use in shotblasting environments, where high abrasion resistance is required.
The resistance of a rubber sheet to tearing, an important factor for seals and gaskets that may be exposed to sharp edges or heavy loads.
The maximum amount of tensile (stretching) force a rubber sheet can withstand before breaking, indicating its strength and durability.
The ability of a rubber sheet to conduct heat, relevant for applications where heat dissipation is important.
The allowable limits of variation in a rubber sheet's dimensions or properties, ensuring consistency and quality in production.
A chemical process that hardens rubber, improving its elasticity, strength, and resistance to heat and chemicals.
The ability of a rubber sheet to resist degradation due to exposure to weather conditions such as rain, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations.
