Rubber channels keep window glass from rattling and seal out wind, weather, and water. Learn how to select rubber channels for your application, and how custom channels are fabricated from standard rubber profiles.
Rubber channels help to secure window frames and hold window glass in place. They eliminate rattling and provide protection against weather, water, dust, rust, and drafts. Most rubber channels are formed through extrusion, a manufacturing process that creates profiles with complex cross-sections and a smooth surface finish. Beaded rubber channels contain stainless steel beads to support installation without stretching or pulling. Unbeaded glass run channels with coated linings are also available.
Elasto Proxy stocks hundreds of standard rubber channels, and can create specialty sealing and insulation solutions that meet your specific needs. To source the rubber channels you require, begin by analyzing your application requirements. Then evaluate product specifications and available product types. Along the way, talk to one of our sealing solutions providers about custom-fabricated channels. From water jet cutting to just-in-time deliveries, Elasto Proxy can strengthen your supply chain. How can we help you?
Rubber Channel Requirements and Specifications
Choosing the right rubber channel starts with an analysis of your application requirements. For example, do you need a rubber that’s rigid or flexible, hard or soft, and resistant to water and chemicals? What are the minimum and maximum service temperatures? Will production personnel install rubber channels on an assembly line, or will maintenance technicians replace them in the field? Does the window channel need to meet specific military, automotive, or mass transit industry requirements?
When analyzing your application requirements, verify the minimum bend radius that’s needed in the corners. Otherwise, problems may occur if the window rubber is too soft in a tight radius. Channel weight, physical dimensions, compound selection, and hardness are also important to consider. Weight and dimensions vary, of course, but EPDM rubber is the channel elastomer that’s most commonly used. Durometer, a measure of hardness, typically ranges from 50 to 80 duro for rubber window channels.
Rubber Channel Types
Technical buyers and product designers who download Elasto Proxy’s Extruded Rubber Products Catalog will find five types of standard rubber channels:
- Locking Channels
- Self-Locking Channels
- Glazing Channels
- C-Channel
- U-Channels
Let’s take a quick look at each type. As their name suggests, locking channels are designed to lock into position during installation. These two-piece gaskets use a lock strip or insert key. Self-locking channels do not have a strip or key, and are one-piece gaskets. Glazing channels also hold window glass in place, and are easy-to-install using hand tools and lubrication. C-channel and U-channels are shaped like the letters C and U, respectively, and can be installed on an assembly line or in the field.
Custom Rubber Channels
Elasto Proxy can ship 50-ft. lengths of standard rubber channels on demand, or in response to your sales forecasts. Our custom fabrication specialists can also use water jet technology to cut standard channels lengths to size so that your custom gaskets arrive ready-to-install right out-of-the-box. Water jet cutting doesn’t apply pressure to the profile and makes fast, accurate cuts without tooling charges. As an experienced custom fabricator, Elasto Proxy also splices corners to create finished gaskets.
I hope you’ve found this article to be helpful, and will download some of the resources that we’ve made available throughout. For over 25 years, Elasto Proxy has specialized in custom sealing solutions for companies like yours. How can we help you?
Clyde Sharpe
General Manager at Elasto Proxy
