Standard Rubber Products

Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Acoustic Insulation

sound transmission classSound transmission class (STC) describes the ability of a product or material to stop the transmission of airborne sound. Since the 1960s, STC ratings have been used to describe the acoustical properties of ceilings, walls, floors, and doors. Today, STC values are provided for acoustic insulation made from a single material, and for multi-layer composites that are sandwiched together. Higher STC numbers are generally better, but there are exceptions to this rule – and other factors to consider as well.

In this article from Elasto Proxy, you’ll learn what STC is and how it’s measured. For starters, we’ll cover some basic concepts about sound, vibrations that travel through the air or another medium (such as a wall) and can be heard by the human ear. Along the way, it’s important to remember that sound can also be reflected inward (such as within a metal enclosure) and cause vibrations. So while preventing the transmission of unwanted sound (noise) is important, you may face other design challenges, too. (more…)

Continue ReadingSound Transmission Class (STC) and Acoustic Insulation

Custom Weather Stripping for Doors and Windows

custom weather strippingCustom weather stripping from Elasto Proxy can meet the challenges of static or dynamic sealing in hot or cold weather conditions.

Here in the northern hemisphere, the days are becoming colder. In Canada, where Elasto Proxy is headquartered, the snows will arrive long before December 21, the first day of winter. At offices and factories across North America, doors and windows that let warm air out and cold air in mean higher heating costs. Leaky door and windows can also make occupants less comfortable and workers less productive.

Standard weather stripping can help, but what if your sealing and insulation application requires a specialized solution? After all, off-the-shelf rubber products aren’t designed and manufactured with your specific needs in mind. For a custom sealing solution you can count on, choose weather stripping from Elasto Proxy. All weather stripping isn’t the same, and selecting a custom-fabricated rubber product can save you time and money in the end. (more…)

Continue ReadingCustom Weather Stripping for Doors and Windows

Three Types of Custom Silicone Gaskets

Custom Silicone GasketsCustom silicone gaskets provide strong environmental sealing and excellent temperature stability. They resist water, ozone, sunlight, weathering, and aging; withstand high temperatures; and maintain their flexibility at low temperatures. Silicone rubber is also chemically inert and provides good dielectric properties. Custom silicone gaskets can be categorized in various ways, but there are three basic types: solid, sponge, and foam.

For product designers and technical buyers, it’s important to understand the differences between these three types so that you can choose the right one for your application. Type is just one of many specifications you’ll need to consider, but it’s a good place to start. For example, depending on your application, you may need to choose a silicone that’s UL listed for flame-resistance or FDA approved for medical or food processing applications.

For over 25 years, Elasto Proxy has been helping companies like yours get the custom silicone gaskets that they really need. In addition to design assistance and help with compound selection, we provide gasket fabrication services that are fast, dependable, and cost-effective. From prototyping and custom fabrication to warehousing and shipping, Elasto Proxy saves you time and money. (more…)

Continue ReadingThree Types of Custom Silicone Gaskets

What’s the Right Rubber Tubing for Your Application?

Rubber TubingRubber tubing is used in fluid transport and for electrical protection. Applications include shock absorption and low compression force sealing. Different elastomers have different properties, so design engineers and technical buyers need to choose rubber tubes carefully. Specifications such as durometer (hardness) and inner and outer diameter are especially important to consider.

By choosing the right rubber compound for industrial tubing, you can strengthen your company’s product designs. You can also control costs by selecting rubber tubes that are cut-to-size and ready-to-install. Metal tubes resist high temperatures and provide physical strength, but they cost more than rubber tubes. Plus, metal tubing may be subject to rust, corrosion, or scaling. (more…)

Continue ReadingWhat’s the Right Rubber Tubing for Your Application?

Military Acoustic Thermal Insulation

Americans say “Zee” for the letter Z. Canadians say “Zed” instead. In both North American countries, their militaries say “Zulu” so that radio or telephone messages can be understood clearly. If you’re a defense contractor that makes military vehicles, it’s important to know you’ll receive exactly what you asked for. Elasto Proxy, a trusted member of the defense supply chain, can custom-fabricate thermal acoustic insulation that meets all of your requirements.

In this product overview, you’ll learn about two types of thermal acoustic insulation – each with part numbers that begin with Z. So whether you say Zee, Zed, or Zulu, you can count on Elasto Proxy’s U.S. and Canadian offices to support the mission every time. (more…)

Continue ReadingMilitary Acoustic Thermal Insulation

How to Choose Bulb Trim Seals

Bulb Trim SealsBulb trim seals provide sealing and insulation for doors, hatches, and enclosures. These industrial rubber products have bulb and retainer sections that are made of different materials. The bulb section provides sealing and insulation under compressive force. The trim or retainer presses onto a flange or substrate.  Each section of the seal also has a different durometer or hardness to support proper compression.

This technical article from Elasto Proxy is designed to help you choose the right bulb trim seals for your application. In addition to compound selection and part dimensions, product designers and technical buyers need to consider color, texture, internal supports, and exterior finishes. Your application may also require flame-resistant compounds or rubber that meets specific industry standards. (more…)

Continue ReadingHow to Choose Bulb Trim Seals

Military Vehicle Insulation

Military Vehicles

Thermal acoustic insulation is used in the floors, doors, side panels, and engine bays of military vehicles. Many different types of insulating materials are available, but you don’t need to be a material scientist to make the right choice. By choosing an experienced custom-fabricator who provides design assistance and help with material selection, you can strengthen your product designs as well as your supply chain. That’s why the North American defense industry asks Elasto Proxy for thermal acoustic solutions. (more…)

Continue ReadingMilitary Vehicle Insulation

ZMT Insulation Resists Heat, Sound, Fire, and Chemicals

thermal acoustic insulationZMT insulation from Elasto Proxy is a thermal acoustic composite that also resists fire and chemicals. Applications include firewalls and engine bays.

Elasto Proxy custom-fabricates silicone composites that combine thermal and acoustical insulation with resistance to flame and fire, chemicals and oil, and electrostatic energy. These multi-layer materials consist of a silicone foam, neoprene skin, aluminum facing, and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). Applications for Elasto Proxy’s ZMT insulation include the firewalls and engine bays in mobile equipment and military vehicles. ZMT also meets flame-resistance requirements for the mass transit and aviation industries. (more…)

Continue ReadingZMT Insulation Resists Heat, Sound, Fire, and Chemicals

Thermal Acoustic Insulation for Reducing Heat and Sound (Part 2)

thermal acoustic insulation

This is the second in a two-part series about thermal acoustic insulation from Elasto Proxy, a global supplier of specialty “insulation sandwiches” that reduce both heat and sound.

Elasto Proxy custom-fabricates thermal acoustic insulation for applications such as mobile equipment and military vehicles. These multi-layer composites meet your application requirements for a complete sealing and insulation solution. They also meet your business requirements for value-added products that are cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-install on the assembly line or in the field.

In Part 1 of this series, we examined why diesel-powered vehicles and equipment need insulation with both thermal and acoustical properties. We also examined how heat and sound travel, and some of the insulating techniques that are used.  In Part 2 of this series, we’ll examine two thermal acoustic products (ZTBRA and Z3T) that illustrate Elasto Proxy’s capabilities. Specialized services such as edge sealing for washdown-capable engine bay insulation complement our lamination and water jet cutting skills. (more…)

Continue ReadingThermal Acoustic Insulation for Reducing Heat and Sound (Part 2)

Thermal Acoustic Insulation for Reducing Heat and Sound (Part 1)

thermal acoustic insulation

This is the first in a two-part series about thermal acoustic insulation from Elasto Proxy, a global supplier of specialty “insulation sandwiches” that reduce both heat and sound.

Thermal acoustic insulation is used to reduce heat and sound in commercial, industrial, and military applications. In manufacturing and processing facilities, this multi-functional insulation is used with machine enclosures, pipes, and valves. On-road and off-road, composite structures that include both thermal and acoustic materials are also found in the floors, doors, side panels, and engine bays of mobile equipment and military vehicles.

Many different types of insulating materials are available, but you don’t need to have a PhD in material science to make the right choice. In this two-part series from Elasto Proxy, you’ll learn why you need thermal acoustic insulation, how thermal insulation and acoustic insulation work, and about two solutions from Elasto Proxy that may be right for your application. You’ll also learn how we manufacture these two products, and how we can custom-fabricate a specialty “insulation sandwich” to satisfy your application’s particular appetite. (more…)

Continue ReadingThermal Acoustic Insulation for Reducing Heat and Sound (Part 1)