Since the first elastomer polymers were harvested, elastomer manufacturing has revolutionized the use and availability of this amazingly flexible material. There are several variants of elastomer polymers, and each has dozens of industrial uses, from catheters to automobile suspensions. Elastomer manufacturing has increased every year as new applications are developed monthly.

Elastomer polymers are also referred to as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Before searching for elastomer suppliers, decide on the industrial uses for the material. If the industrial application requires heat resistance or high compression, consider natural rubber or another elastomer from rubber elastomer manufacturers.

Manufacturing elastomers requires a significant investment in raw materials, and some elastomer suppliers may be reluctant to send large samples of their products for testing. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing what to buy:

1. Purchase elastomer polymers from a supplier large enough to meet your needs. Smaller suppliers will often offer a lower than market price to attract business.

2. Buy the exact elastomer polymers for a specific product. The different molecular structures of various polymers have distinctive physical properties.

3. Place orders for elastomer polymers only after testing. Do not purchase from any suppliers of silicon elastomers or other elastomer polymers without first testing the product.

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

Work directly with elastomer manufacturers to design and manufacture products

Large rubber elastomer manufacturers invest millions every year in the research and development of new materials and applications. New advanced polymer formulas are being created every month, and engineers from global polymer manufacturing companies are always looking for new products that utilize their materials.

I recommend: Work with Elastomer Products to design, test and manufacture customized elastomer polymers. The engineers at Hutchinson can produce all manner of polymer products that provide a perfect solution to your industrial elastomer manufacturing needs.

Purchase products directly from domestic businesses that manufacture elastomers

An American manufacturer of elastomers must meet stringent industrial regulations and provide detailed evidence of all stages of the manufacturing process for quality control purposes. Polymers are used in many products that directly impact the health and safety of individuals. The highest manufacturing specifications must be followed when manufacturing elastomers.

I recommend: Contact the Polymer Technology Group for specialty chemicals and elastomer-polymer-based product solutions. It's an American industry leader in the polymers field. American Polymer can provide thermoplastic resins and color concentrates, as well as material handling equipment.

Employ an elastomer manufacturing distributor

Many elastomer manufacturers employ dedicated distributors of their products. Larger distributors work with numerous elastomer manufacturers to provide an uninterrupted supply of elastomers.

I recommend: Harvest Polymers is one of the largest distributors of elastomers in Europe. The TPE Solutions company is a large developer and distributor of a variety of Thermoplastic Elastomers direct from elastomer manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Test and develop innovative elastomer polymers to stay competitive. Work directly with manufacturers to stay ahead of the crowd.