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Drilling Rubber

Drilling Rubber

Drilling Rubber

(OP)
I am making a prototype out of rubber.  I need to drill 3/4" holes in the rubber and I have no experience with machining or manufacturing of rubber.  I am looking for any information to assist me (such as speeds and feeds).

Any Help would be greatly appreciated!  smile

RE: Drilling Rubber

You might have better luck using a thin hollow tube with a sharp edge (e.g. a hollow punch, sometimes called a washer cutter or gasket cutter).

Sanding/grinding works okay for material removal (shaping), if cutting pressure is kept low.

Beyond that, if you must machine, try freezing the part first (freeze it in the vise/collet/holder to help it stay cold longer).  Freezing it may help make the rubber stiffer and not flex as much when cutting/machining.  Maybe try doing the machining inside a walk-in freezer...

RE: Drilling Rubber

btrueblood is correct. We cut hundreds of holes in rubber each day with a hollow tube with sharpened end.  Depending on the tolerance, sharpen the ID or the OD but not both. Allow a nesting area inside the tube for about three times the thickness of the part you are drilling.  Hope this helps.  Even with the correct tools, there is a technique to the rotational speed and plunge speed.  Suggest practicing on scrap rubber before using on prototype.-Awol

RE: Drilling Rubber

Lubricate the punch with either water with a couple of drops of liquid soap disolved in it or with silicone oil (don't use mineral oils for this).

We use a laboratory cork/stopper borer to punch holes in sheets of rubber up to about 3/4" thickness.

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