Need a direction 1

[FeldmanWill]

Mechanical engineer here with no but basic knowledge of rubber products. I need some sort of easy guide of rubber properties and names of some rubber manufactures, as close to the source as possible because cost per quantity will be an issue. I'm particular interested in rubber sheet ~1/8 THK. I picked up from home depot "DANCO 6 in. x 6 in. Rubber Packing Sheets" and it worked out particularly well for prototype- can somebody identify this rubber for me?
Thanks, I know this is algebra stuff for you guys but I forgot my multiplication table.

 

[btrueblood]

Tough to say what the material is or how to figure out what it is very easily, try contacting the manufacturer, or (good luck) via home depot. Most likely it is an SBR rubber, about 50 to 70 durometer, but that's just a wag.

You might also try looking at the mcmaster-carr website (

http://www.mcmaster.com),

and search for rubber sheet products there. They sell sampler packs of different materials, durometers, etc. that will help you home in on your best choice(s), and the advantage is that you then know what the heck you are working with. Their website also has a pretty good "primer" of info. under the rubber products section that can tell you some basics about the environmental resistance of different rubbers, etc.

More basic info. here:

http://www.standard-gasket.com/tech_specs/solid-rubber-specifications.htm

Realize such tables are pretty basic, and that any rubber part has a lot of additives in it that can affect its performance. Once you have picked a base polymer you think meets your needs, start talking to a local rubber molding shop, and ask them for help.

Or, you can post back here with more details on what exactly your design requirements are, and we can help you a bit better...

 

[FeldmanWill]

I don't know how I forgot about McMaster. I was contacting all kinds of companies with no success ( I guess gmail doesn't smell like profits to them), $45 sampler sounds perfect to get a feel for different rubbers. Tables are quick and easy ref. too.

Thanks
Regards
William