Production of rubber parts with polymers, nano materials under way

Key companies manufacturing rubber parts used in electronic components have started using new inputs to boost performance of conductive types.

Rubber parts manufacturers in China targeting electronic components applications advance R&D and production efforts toward higher reliability and longer life span. Large suppliers take the lead, adopting polymer and nano materials in conductive types to turn out parts that offer electronics greater protection from stresses.

Companies are replacing metal with polymers because this substitution ensures products with lower levels of resistance and hardness, and a wider operating temperature range. Such types can support as low as -70 C compared with -60 C in conventional models. These enhanced conductive and thermal stability attributes suit switches, PCBs, ICs and displays.

The other option is the addition of nano materials to achieve higher conductivity, thermal stability and mechanical performance. Shenzhen Yuangmeng has done so in rubber parts for mobile phones, laptops, hubs, batteries, chargers and stylus pens.

The steady growth of the electronic components industry has been pushing up sales of rubber parts in China by about 5 percent annually. Most suppliers are optimistic this trend will persist amid positive demand projections in 2019 and 2020, encouraging a number of them to boost production. Joxco Rubber & Plastic Co. Ltd is planning a 10 percent annual increase in the next two years. In recent months, the maker expanded its factory area, introduced new equipment and raised output by 30 percent. Electronic components rubber parts represent nearly a third of its deliveries.

China is one of the world's manufacturing hubs for rubber parts, with more than 500 companies making up the pool and over 80 percent catering to the requirements of the electronic components sector. For the majority of locally owned enterprises, the application represents between 20 and 50 percent of shipments. Of this, 30 to 80 percent is allotted to export markets. The main destinations are the US, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Most makers are in the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, specifically in Dongguan and Shenzhen in the first and Xiamen in the latter. Others are in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.

Only a few entrants are expected in coming years due to stiff competition, which is also the reason some may exit the line.

Conductive & nonconductive types

The range of rubber parts manufactured in China consists of conventional conductive and nonconductive kinds, which are mainly used as covers, cases and gaskets in electronic components. The former dominates output. Cases make up the bulk of products in the nonconductive segment.

The key types of rubber adopted include natural, neoprene, nitrile-butadiene rubber or NBR, polymerized styrene butadiene rubber or SPR, ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM and silicone. These have a typical hardness of 20 to 90.

Mainstream products are airtight, and shock- and chemical-resistant. These support an operating temperature range of -60 to 200 C.

More than 90 percent of shipments are based on custom requirements.

Most companies ensure output complies with RoHS requirements.

Besides rubber, the main materials include silicon and metal. The majority of makers get them locally, although foreign providers such as DuPont and Dow Corning are also sources.

There was a significant increase in the cost of rubber in the past several months, prompting most companies to adjust prices by 10 to 30 percent. This upward trend in material expenditure is expected to continue in the year ahead, but possibly at a lower rate and may stabilize product quotes or keep the increase below 10 percent.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in rubber parts from China makers.

Rubber keypad has 50 to 60 Shore A hardness

For use in phones and POS machines, this silicone rubber keypad from Chaojie Silicone Rubber Products Co. Ltd, model CJ18052801, has 50 to 60 Shore A hardness and comes in custom colors.

The 1,000-piece minimum order is delivered within 15 days.

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Flat washer in various material, size options

Dongguan Baorui Hardware Plastic Co. Ltd's model GB1505169 flat washer is made of neoprene, NR, BR, SBR, NBR, EPDM or silicone and processed by injection molding, overmolding or prototype molding.

The model can be made in different sizes. The minimum order is 1,000 pieces. Delivery is within 10 days.

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Impact-resistant smart scanner sleeve

The WSR-2 model from Dongguan World Strong Rubber Co. Ltd is an impact-resistant silicone sleeve for smart scanners. It is made using compression molding.

The minimum order is 10 pieces. Delivery is within 5 days.

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Rubber seal gasket with 20 to 90 hardness

From Joxco Rubber & Plastic Co. Ltd, model RG-023 rubber seal gasket has a 20 to 90 hardness and suits electronic products. The RoHS-compliant part can be made of NBR, EPDM, CR, Viton/FKM or silicone and in black, white, red or brown.

An order of at least 1,000 pieces is required for delivery within 7 days.

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