Hot Branded rubber flooring wont solidify
Hot Branded rubber flooring wont solidify
(OP)
I am trying to brand a logo into natural rubber flooring. I am using a 400 Watt electric branding iron. I am able to successfully brand the rubber. Prior to branding the rubber does not rub off onto the hands or any other contacted surface. After the logo is branded into the rubber, the rubber rubs off after cooling down. The rubber is made from 100% recycled tires. I contacted the manufacturer, they had no suggestions.
I need to stop the post-branded rubber to solidify and stop rubbing off.
I have tried cleaning the branded area with regular household cleaners with no success. I have not tried acetone or the like since acetone melts rubber.
Any thoughts?
I need to stop the post-branded rubber to solidify and stop rubbing off.
I have tried cleaning the branded area with regular household cleaners with no success. I have not tried acetone or the like since acetone melts rubber.
Any thoughts?





RE: Hot Branded rubber flooring wont solidify
RE: Hot Branded rubber flooring wont solidify
You can buy heat resistant rubber patches that can be inserted in the mould along with your uncured rubber compound. These patches already have the information you require moulded onto the surface and are available in black, red, blue or yellow at least. These will cost a fair deal as the mould used will be specific to your company.
RE: Hot Branded rubber flooring wont solidify
Hello,
Your method should work; I have done similar brands myself with good results. I used a brass template which I placed along with the rubber in a press and closed it for two minutes with a temperature of about 200°C (see attached image). I believe you have used a temperature that has been too high or exposed the rubber to heat for too long. Even though I worked with an EPDM rubber which has a higher tolerance against heat compared to NR, I'm sure you could find the right balance between heat and time of exposure.
Alternatively you could ask your rubber manufacturer to make the logo in the vulcanization process (depending on the method used) or use a laser-printer to make the logo.
Good luck!
/Mathias