Since the early 80’s, V.M. has been producing polyurethane rubber compounds for punches both for the national and international markets.
Production is divided into different categories:
SHORT-LIFE RUBBER
General characteristics
This is a PUR ester elastomer (AU) with exceptional features in terms of mechanical resistance, resistance to cutting, abrasion and rebound, as well as an exceptional elongation prior to fracture, even when particularly hard (a characteristic that cannot be achieved with conventional elastomer). It also has an excellent resistance to mineral oil and fuel but is not particularly resistant to hydrolysis.
Hardness ranges from 70 to 100 Shore A, with intermediate values of even 2 Shore A points.
Excellent adhesion to metal.
This type of rubber is used for the production of technical items subject to particularly high stress. Vulcanisation can be obtained by compression or using an autoclave for the production of rollers.
Compounds storage conditions
This type of rubber is called “SHORT-LIFE” due to its considerable reactivity to ambient temperature. For this reason, it must be stored in cold chambers at a temperature of -15/-20°C suitably protected in PE packs.
Molding
Molding is performed at a temperature ranging from 125 °C to 130°C (not higher).
VM can supply the right adhesive and detaching agent for the compounds purchased.
Over the years, we have focused on research and development and have developed special compunds for solving the many issues of the ceramic industry:
FLOW COMPOUNDS High flowing properties
The market has recently concentrated on tiles of sizes that are becoming larger and larger and this means that punches must be of an adequate size. For each rated hardness, we can produce compounds with different flowing properties (FLOW degrees), depending on the size of the product:
| FLOW | Suitable for large sizes, e.g. 600x600 mm |
| SUPERFLOW | Increased flowing properties with respect to the "Flow" range |
| EXTRAFLOW | Maximum flowing properties, for sizes up to 1200x1200 mm |
SPECIAL COMPOUNDS
“SPECIAL” rubber compounds offer excellent detachment properties of the powders from the punch during pressing.
This type of rubber is ideal for applications that call for a considerable hardness to obtain a high definition of the surface, as well as excellent detachment properties.
LONG-LIFE RUBBER
“CLD” LONG-LIFE POLYURETHANE RUBBER
General characteristics
This is a polyether polyurethane-based elastomer (EU) that, like the polyester-based type, has an excellent mechanical resistance, resistance to wear and abrasion, elasticity and a low gas permeability. Resistance to mineral oils and fuel is lower than that of the POLYESTER type, especially at a high temperature (approx. 100°C). On the other hand, it has an excellent resistance to hydrolysis. Hardness can range from 55 to 90 Shore A. Excellent adhesion to metal.
This type of rubber is used for the production of technical items subject to particulary high stress. Vulcanisation can be obtained by compression, injection or using an autoclave for the production of rollers.
Compounds storage conditions
Storage conditions are those indicated for conventional rubber: +10/+30 °C, in the original PE package and avoiding exposure to direct light and heat. In these conditions, integrity can be guaranteed for up to 3 months. This period can be extended at lower temperatures.
Molding
This rubber is molded at a temperature ranging from 135°C to 145°C.
VM can supply the right adhesive and detaching agent for the compounds purchased.
“LSR” RUBBER FOR LASER ENGRAVING
This rubber has been developed for laser engraving. Owing to particular nature of this product, it is ideal for ensuring accuracy and definition of the structure or pattern to obtain special prototypes and matrices for the ceramics sector.
It can also be used in other sectors for the production of technical items.
SPECIAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
As well as products metioned above, we can manufacture conventional compounds (along with the finished technical product – suction cups, etc.) for special application, namely:
- stain-proof NBR-HNBR-SILICONE compounds for handling delicate products (paper, cardboard, glass, tiles, etc.);
- NR for the production of bricks (membranes for molding roof bricks).
