Rubber Molding Technology in Hybrid Vehicles

2008 saw gas prices climb to an all-time high. Indeed, on July 1, 2008, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline climbed to $4.087. It isn’t surprising then that hybrid vehicle sales also experienced an increase in popularity. What might be surprising is the use of rubber molding technology that is found in these fuel-saving and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Wikipedia defines a hybrid vehicle as “a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle.” Because they are powered by at least one alternative to gas, hybrid automobiles were all the rage back when gas topped $4/gallon. Even now that the price at the pump is dropping, Americans are still drawn to these vehicles. They know all too well that another fuel crisis could be just around the corner, but they’re also sold on the eco-friendly design of hybrid autos.

One of the unique aspects that owners of hybrid vehicles might see in their 21st century modes of transportation is rubber molding components. In particular, Auto Answers recently noted that “most windshields have a rubber molding with a border on it that lies tightly against the frame. In cold weather, this rubber would contract slightly and it might pucker up a little just enough to catch the air flowing over it, causing it to buzz or vibrate. In warmer weather, the rubber expands and flattens out, causing the noise to go with it.” By taking “special care with the [rubber] molding material, any loose fitting problems that could create a vibration or other noise later” can be avoided.

A company specializing in custom rubber molding and rubber-to-metal bonding can assist hybrid vehicle manufacturers in releasing the best possible product. That’s important in an industry that’s currently rife with financial problems, where hybrid models are one of only a very few bright spots.

Hundreds of different SPC-certified custom rubber parts are produced for companies throughout the United States, including those in the automobile industry. Hybrid auto manufacturers that are looking to launch a quality product should look to a leading manufacturer of custom molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded parts with a modern manufacturing plant that is staffed by personnel with many years of experience. A rubber molding specialist that offers compression, transfer and injection molding services is a mark of excellence and should be the type hybrid vehicle manufacturers seek out for a reliable source for high-quality rubber parts.

Some of the custom rubber molded parts hybrid vehicle manufacturers might consider standard installation on their automobiles are complex shaded parts that include pump impellers, gear shift boots for off road equipment, silicone steering column seals, control panel switch covers and gas pump nozzle gaskets. Relevant rubber-to-metal parts also include cylinder seals with Viton or high acrylic nitrile bonded to aluminum, brass, stainless steel or nylon, electric motor mounts with neoprene bonded to brass or cadmium plated steel, flapper valves with rubber bonded to cast aluminum, idler rollers with neoprene bonded to steel, air spring bumpers with high abrasive SBR bonded to anodyzed steel and square bonded center mounts.