Rubber caps are often used in painting and powder coating applications where a threaded stud or protrusion must be masked. Rubber caps are also used to prevent sharp ends on rods, shafts, bars and other metal and plastic components. Because of rubber's pliability, rubber caps are used as an alternative to plastic caps when covering rough or odd shapes. The medical industry also utilizes rubber caps in various applications.

Rubber caps are made from a variety of materials, including silicone, neoprene, nitrile, EPDM and polyurethane. Many applications require their rubber caps to be heat and chemical resistant. Rubber caps can often be used more than once. When purchasing rubber caps, consider the following:

1. Order silicone products from rubber cap distributors for pliability and heat resistance.

2. Buy EPDM rubber caps when covering or masking oddly shaped ends.

3. Use rubber flange caps for easy application and removal.

4. Place an order with custom rubber cap manufacturers for sizes not commonly available.

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

Buy silicone rubber caps

Silicone rubber caps are often used during painting and powder coating applications. Silicone caps are extremely pliable and can withstand very high temperatures. Because they can typically be re-used, silicone caps are a cost-effective option.

I recommend: Order silicone molded rubber caps from Timco Rubber Products. The rubber cap manufacturer offers effective and safe caps for specific applications. Find silicone rubber caps at StockCap. These caps can resist the high temperatures needed for sterilization.

Purchase from EPDM rubber cap suppliers

Ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber, commonly referred to as EPDM rubber, is an ideal material for rubber end caps. EPDM rubber caps easily fit over threads, pins, studs and tube ends to prevent sharp ends. This type of rubber cap is also adequate for paint masking applications.

I recommend: Order EPDM rubber caps from MOCAP. The company keeps a selection of rubber caps capable of withstanding 500 degrees F in stock for immediate shipping. Purchase EPDM rubber caps online at TapeCase. The rubber cap supplier offers shipments ranging from 50 to 1,000 caps per box.

Use rubber caps with flanged heads

Rubber flange caps, also called safety caps and mushroom caps, have large flanged heads for easy application and removal. Flange caps are ideal for masking off threaded studs during painting applications. These rubber caps can also be used to alert workers of hard-to-see rods and bars.

I recommend: Find rubber flange caps at Caplugs. The company's flange caps are available with flanged heads for manual removal and prevent seepage of paints and contaminants with an internal lip design for positive sealing. Browse an inventory of silicone flange caps at Harman. The company allows businesses to order a sample cap without committing to a large order.

Contract custom rubber cap manufacturers

Custom rubber cap manufacturers have the ability to fabricate rubber caps based on your specifications. By contracting a custom manufacturer, you can select the best diameter, length, material and color for your applications. This option is ideal for businesses that require abnormally large or small rubber caps.

I recommend: Polymer Molding is a certified manufacturer and distributor of custom and standard rubber caps. The manufacturer fabricates custom silicone caps in a wide variety of colors. Choose from over 200 custom rubber formulations when ordering from TenCate Enbi.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Silicone and EPDM rubber caps both offer excellent heat and chemical resistance, but the level of tolerance varies by manufacturer. Verify the individual cap's heat resistance to ensure it's adequate for your high-heat application.