Armored vehicles play an essential role in projecting military power and protecting service personnel. Metal plating and weapons systems are what most observers notice, but closer inspection reveals that rubber parts also help support the mission. In this technical article from Elasto Proxy, you’ll learn about the six types of custom-fabricated components that we supply for a military vehicle that’s been an important part of U.S. and Coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Spliced and Molded Window Gaskets
As the image above shows, callouts 1 and 2 are for spliced and molded window gaskets. With film splicing, Elasto Proxy’s skilled production team can create rubber gaskets with strong bonds – and without adhesives or secondary trimming. Other available splicing solutions from Elasto Proxy include cold bonding, vulcanizing, C-press injection molding, and infrared or IR splicing – a joining technique that creates strong bonds in the flash of a lightbulb.
Acoustic and Thermal Insulation
Elasto Proxy also supplies armored vehicles with engine bay insulation. In the image above, callouts 3 and 4 are examples of acoustic insulation and thermal insulation. Both types of products can be made of composite materials and then formed into application-specific shapes and thicknesses. Typically, the structure is sandwich-like with multiple layers.
Acoustic insulation for engine bays is usually made of lightweight, sound-dampening materials that allow sound waves to bounce off. Thermal insulation is designed to absorb heat from an engine compartment and deflect heat away from the cab. Silicone, a synthetic resin, is often used because it resists high temperatures and provides acoustic insulation at the same time.
Windows Channels, Sealing Profiles, and Vibration Mounts
In addition to spliced and molded window gaskets and engine bay insulation, Elasto Proxy can supply window channels and rubber profiles. In the image above, the rubber channels shown in callout 5 help to secure window frames and hold window glass in place. These rubber parts also seal gaps and help to prevent the ingress of dust, smoke, or water into the vehicle’s interior.
Elasto Proxy can also custom-fabricate rubber gaskets that help keep air, sand, and water out of vehicle compartments. As callout 5 shows, sponge profiles and solid profiles are available for these and other applications. Finally, as callout 6 indicates, Elasto Proxy can supply vibration mounts to help protect sensitive electronic displays within a vehicle’s interior.
How Can We Help You?
Do you have questions about rubber products for armored vehicles? Are you seeking a supply chain partner whose defense and security industry experience complements your own? For 25 years, Elasto Proxy has been solving sealing challenges on land, air, and sea.
