Rubber pad forming is an excellent tooling solution for prototyping designs or low-volume production runs. Also called rubber press forming, this process uses hydraulic pressure and rubber pads to press blank sheet metal into desired metal shapes and parts. Rubber pad forming is often used for manufacturing metal diaphragms and components with simple geometries.
Hudson Technologies performs rubber pad forming with in-house machine presses to produce precision metal parts and products. Contact us for more information and see what we can do for you.
What is Rubber Press Forming?
Rubber pad forming, or metal-to-rubber forming, is a specialized tooling method for stamping and forming thin sheet metal into specific shapes and precision diaphragms. The main components of a rubber press are rubber pads, which are fitted into a stable steel frame, and a press bed or form block. The form block is machined to the necessary specifications for the desired diaphragms while the rubber pads are standard flat. These components are inserted into a hydraulic press machine, and blank sheet metal is placed between them. Hydraulic operations mold the sheet metal by compressing it between the press bed and the rubber pads.
Also known as metal-to-rubber forming, rubber press forming is primarily for metal diaphragms, although other simple metal components can also be formed. Hudson Technologies uses metal-to-rubber tooling to form parts greater than .0015 inches thick and metal-to-metal tooling for parts less than .0015 inches thick. These presses produce precision metal diaphragms at low tooling and production costs.
Machines & Equipment for Rubber Pad Forming
At Hudson Technologies, we use two styles of press machines for rubber pressing. Our hydraulic presses can provide both consistent pressure and variable-controlled pressure for different applications, offering flexibility for rubber pressing operations. We operate open-back inclinable gap presses (OBI) to increase metal diaphragm production rates while maintaining quality and precision.
Benefits of Rubber Pad Forming & Tooling
Low tooling and production costs are the main advantages of rubber press forming. Quick-change tooling in metal-to-rubber machines allows for efficient production rates while maintaining precision. Rubber pad forming is most often used for low-volume production runs or testing design ideas.
Additional advantages of rubber press forming for metal stamping processes include:
- Design versatility
- Reduced lead times
- Multiple products in varying quantities
- Low product piece price
- Excellent for simple geometries
- Ideal for prototyping and design testing
- Compatible with numerous metals
Common Metals for Rubber Pressing
Rubber pad forming is highly versatile and can press a variety of thin foil metals and materials. While aluminum is one of the most common metals for rubber press forming, additional materials can range from stainless steel and titanium to specialty alloys like Haynes® and Inconel®. When selecting the best metal for a diaphragm project, the team at Hudson Technologies evaluates factors including machinability, weldability, tensile strength, and ductility. Talk to an expert to help determine the right sheet metal for your needs.
Rubber Pad Forming for Industrial Applications
While rubber press forming can be used to form a variety of simple geometries, it is most often used to craft precision-shaped metal diaphragms. While these metal components are found in numerous industries, they are predominantly used for aerospace applications. Metal diaphragms formed with metal-to-rubber presses for the aerospace industry can be used for:
- Cabin environmental control
- Hydraulic systems
- Fuel injection
- Pressure sensing
Additional Tooling Capabilities
Hudson Technologies is a leading manufacturer of top-quality metal components for clients in any trade. Our facility houses over 130 metal-forming presses to ensure we have the right tooling for all your needs. No matter your industry, our metal stamping and forming capabilities will provide you with the best parts.
In addition to rubber pad forming and metal-to-rubber pressing, we use various hard tooling methods and tools to shape metal into products that meet or exceed your expectations. Our trained specialists use tooling methods including:
- Stage Tooling: This method uses multiple tools on one press to form components. The tooling is changed between each stamp, resulting in numerous “stages” of operation. Stage tooling can create simple and complex geometries and is best for low-volume production runs.
- Progressive Die Tooling: This method incorporates all required tooling into a single die set. Sheet metal is fed through a press and stamped at each operation. The finished part is cut off and ejected after completion. Progressive die tooling is excellent for high-volume production runs.
- Transfer Press Tooling: This process integrates all necessary tooling into one die set. After the sheet metal is inserted into a press, each component is separated during the first operation and transferred to each consecutive operation. Transfer tooling is ideal for high-volume production runs.
Rubber Pad Forming Services from Hudson Technologies
For high-precision metal components for any application, Hudson Technologies is your best source. Backed by over 80 years of industry experience, we have the tools and capabilities to manufacture precisely what you need.
Explore answers to Frequently Asked Questions or contact us to learn more, and a team member will assist you. Request a quote to get started on your order today.
