Elastomers and rubbers are manufactured for numerous industries. Rubber products, including rubber elastomers and silicone elastomers, are found in the transportation, power and electric, military and pharmaceutical industries. Rubber manufacturing is also responsible for multiple computer and office needs.

Premade and made-to-order products constructed of rubbers and elastomers are available in numerous places. Elastomer suppliers and rubber manufacturers offer services outside of manufacturing alone, including design assistance. To find what you're looking for consider the following:

1. Product manufacturers that work with elastomers and rubbers in a variety of industries and that are following ISO standards

2. Rubber and elastomer manufacturing firms that offer support and development and are backed with rubber manufacture know-how

3. Elastomer or rubber distributors to supply you with ready-to-ship rubber products including specialty adhesives and aerosol coatings

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find manufacturers that work with elastomers and rubbers and are experienced in many industries

Rubber and elastomer manufacturing markets to numerous industries including medical and health care, transportation, and for many industrial applications and commercial needs. Some shops have design services and tooling available with an extensive material selection for your rubber manufacturing needs.

I recommend: Get a quote from The Rubber Group. It handles custom molding services, design services and tooling. Contact VIP Rubber Company for information on calender sheeting, rubber extrusion (including silicone rubber) and rubber molding. Both serve a number of industries.

Look for a rubber and elastomer manufacturer that offers support and development

When you don't know where to start and wouldn't know the difference between compression molding, transfer molding and injection molding, you need an elastomer manufacturer who can guide you through rubber manufacturing and more. The right manufacturer can help you determine the difference in properties between natural rubber, silicone rubber and other elastomers and rubbers. This rubber information equips you to make the right decisions for strength, durability and safety, depending on your product or industry.

I recommend: Get a quote from Itran Rubber, and receive additional assistance from their Rubber Resource Hotspot center to address frequently asked questions. It covers your industry and helps you get through your project from the development stage to the finished product. Contact a Flexan representative for the company's offerings in design and development services when you develop your rubber products.

Locate rubber or elastomer distributors for rubber products and specialty supplies

Ready-made rubber products are available for your business needs, including flooring, playground surfacing and ducting. Elastomer distributors can supply you with special adhesives and coatings for your manufacturing business or protective clothing and safety gear for your workers.

I recommend: Request information from Rubber Products Distributors on adhesives, thread sealing, tubing, strips and grommets. Contact California Industrial Rubber (CIR) for more on adhesives, aerosols, coatings, protective clothing and other safety rubber products. Get an online quote from Rubber-Cal for mats, flooring, rubber sheeting, playground surfacing and ducting. It offers recycled rubber products as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Elastomer and rubber products are quite durable, however, it's advisable to ask the manufacturer about storage of your rubber products. Temperature, oxidation, ozone and UV light affects the shelf-life of rubber parts.