Rubber repairs

RIPE will quickly and efficiently repair rubber rollers and wheels ensuring minimal machine downtime. The roller is first stripped of worn rubber, sandblasted, chemically primed, lagged with fresh uncured rubber, autoclave vulcanised and finally grinding/linishing completes the process.

In addition to the option of recovering the rubber on the roller, RIPE can also manufacture roller steel mandrels/cores, rebuild damaged shafts and housings, provide bearings and even manufacture a complete new roller. 

On some occasions all that is required to repair worn rubber on a roller is a machine grind. The first few of millimetres are taken off, squaring up the rubber and returning the roller to its concentrically rounded, blemish free finish.

We accommodate small to large diameter rubber rollers, pulleys and wheels up to 4.5meters in length and 1meter in diameter. We cater for all rubber grinding aspects and rubber hardness from 30 durometer to 85 durometer and most rubber compounds such as natural rubbers (NR), nitrile rubbers (NBR), silicones’ ( Si ) and urethanes to name a few.

Printing and application rubber rollers require precision machining, to achieve a very smooth finish. In order to achieve this RIPE with over 30 years’ experience, provide a highly specialised linishing service. Linishing can sometimes be a slow process, as it takes several passes and a number of belt changes to achieve a beautifully smooth finish especially on softer rubbers such as silicone. The softer the rubber, the longer the rubber linishing process.

RIPE offers quality Australian made rubber parts at competitive pricing. If you have a rubber moulded part or an idea for a component contact us. Provide us with a drawing or sketch, details on what you intend on using it for and any special requirements you may have. We can then determine the best moulding method to use based on size, shape, hardness and material for your end product.

We will work with you to ensure you receive exceptional Australian manufactured rubber moulded parts to suit your requirements taking into account the following factors:

• Withstand weathering & temperature extremes (high or low)
• Chemical contact resistance
• Load bearing capacity
• Abrasive aspects 
• Non-conductive and non-marking rubber
• Food contact applications

There are two main types of rubber moulding we use:

Compression Moulding

In compression moulding, a preform slug of uncured rubber is placed on one half of a preheated mould, then the other half is placed on top. The mould is then placed in a hot press and closed under pressure forcing rubber into all parts of the mould cavity. Excess rubber flows into flash grooves around the mould cavity. This method is often used for more simple shapes, made out of medium to hard compounds and is good for high volume production. Rubber is often compression moulded to form gaskets, seals, vibration mounts flat sheets and many other types of industrial rubber goods.

Transfer Moulding 

In transfer moulding, the preform slug of uncured rubber is placed into a chamber called a pot, usually at the top of the mould, the assembly is then placed into a press. The press applies pressure to a piston like plunger in the open end of the pot that forces the rubber through extrusion holes called sprues into a heated mould cavity. Transfer moulding is good for more complex intricate shapes, in particular for producing parts where the shape does not allow rubber to flow easily and tends to trap air, allowing for sharper defined edges. It is also the best option for moulding parts that contain metal inserts that require precise positioning, for example composite seals and vibration plates.

Once an appropriated mould design is determined, we can give you a quote, based on the quantity of parts you require. Upon quote approval, we manufacture the mould and press out the parts. We can also produce a sample for your approval before commencing full production.