Rubber-plastic connections
As a manufacturer of rubber-plastic compounds with in-house toolmaking and a high level of vertical integration, we will find the right material combination and production solution for your application.
- Customised production
- Batch sizes 1 to 1 million units.
- Express production from 2 weeks
- 100% Reliability & proactivity
Technical Rubber-plastic connections for the industry
Rubber-plastic connections are a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to Rubber metal connections, but still more stable than Molded Rubber. Our customers use rubber-plastic compounds in a wide range of technical applications in mechanical engineering, the electronics industry, medical technology and aviation.
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Available materials for your rubber-plastic connection
As a manufacturer of rubber-plastic compounds, we have numerous material combinations at our disposal. This allows us to customise the mechanical properties, weight and resistance.
We process all common plastics and rubbers and are happy to support you with the Selecting the right combination of materials for your customised rubber-plastic connection.
Properties Rubber-plastic connections
Plastic-rubber moulded parts combine the stability of plastic with the flexibility of elastomers, allowing lightweight components with a high functional density to be produced economically. As a specialised manufacturer of rubber-plastic compounds, we develop customised hybrid solutions that are precisely tailored to your individual requirements and combine several functions in one elastomer-plastic composite part:
At a glance:
- Integration of elasticity and dimensional stability
- Mass optimization through reduced material density
- Chemical resistance and media compatibility based on material selection
- Simplified assembly through component integration
- Space‑optimized and function‑oriented design
- Corrosion resistance
Rubber-plastic connections Directly from the manufacturer
At GUME, we also manufacture the plastic parts ourselves and then vulcanise them into rubber-plastic compounds. This results in components that are not only lightweight but also stable, have many functions and require no additional assembly.
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Technical design
As soon as the component design and quantities of the rubber-plastic connections have been determined, we select the most technically and economically suitable production concept. We coordinate the choice of materials for plastic and rubber parts closely with you - from standard materials to special compounds such as PEEK, PA or PC. On this basis, we prepare a transparent quotation and clarify the technical details of your rubber-plastic connections in an ongoing exchange. In this way, we ensure that the result meets your requirements.
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Production of rubber-plastic connections
Inserts are first coated with primer and adhesion promoter. During vulcanisation, an inseparable bond of rubber and plastic is created under heat. Our rubber-plastic compounds are therefore stronger than bonded rubber-plastic compounds, require no additional assembly or separate seals and offer a high degree of design freedom. Express production, small injection moulded series and international delivery are also possible if required.
02
Construction of the tools
First, we manufacture an injection moulding tool for the plastic parts and another tool for vulcanising the rubber-plastic compounds. Both moulds are designed specifically for the application in order to reliably implement complex geometries and material combinations. The close integration of toolmaking and production results in a production-optimised design with low burr formation and minimised distortion and air inclusions right from the start. This means we are usually faster, more efficient and cheaper than many of our competitors.
04
Post Processing
Depending on the component and process, we deburr rubber-plastic connections, remove sprue residues and carry out the final quality inspection. We ensure the surface and bond quality during the process through mould design, pre-treatment and precise production parameters.
Rubber-plastic connection Directly from the manufacturer
At GUME, we also manufacture the plastic parts ourselves and then vulcanise them into rubber-plastic compounds. This results in components that are not only lightweight but also stable, have many functions and require no additional assembly.
Customised rubber-plastic connections - Manufactured quickly, efficiently and reliably in Bavaria
- Toolmaking is our core competency
- 100% in-house expertise
- Fast response times for tooling modifications
Do you have questions about rubber-plastic connections?
We have answers!
What performance advantages do rubber‑plastic composite parts offer?
While plastic ensures low weight and flexible shapes, the rubber seal brings damping and elasticity to the component. The hybrid structure enables a high functional density without the need for additional assembly steps or separate seals. The production of moulded plastic parts is very cost-effective - especially for large quantities - thanks to the high level of automation and low raw material prices. In addition, rubber-plastic connections can also be made resistant to oils, fuels and greases if the material is matched correctly and can therefore also be used in environments exposed to chemicals.
Which plastics can be processed?
We process almost all common thermoplastics, including PA, ABS, PP, PPS, PEEK, PC and thermosets. We therefore offer a wide range of materials for rubber-plastic connections that can be optimised for different technical requirements. Our experience includes both standard materials and high-quality speciality plastics, which, for example, offer increased temperature resistance, improved media resistance or special mechanical properties. Customised solutions with material combinations that are optimally matched to the application are therefore possible. We will be happy to advise you on the selection of the right plastic for your component application, tailored to function, cost and manufacturability.
How quickly can rubber-plastic compounds be supplied by GUME?
Once the geometry has been determined, the tool for the plastic moulded part and the rubber-plastic connection can be designed in parallel. This means that express prototypes can be produced within 2 weeks and series production can start in week 4. Our in-house design and production enable short decision-making processes and quick adjustments - even for complex geometries or special material combinations. This means that project-critical deadlines can be met and existing processes flexibly supported. Even last-minute corrections or optimisations to your plastic-rubber connection are implemented directly in-house, without delays caused by external partners.
For which applications are metal composite parts suitable and for which rubber-plastic connections?
Rubber-plastic connections are used when flexible, lightweight solutions are required. Plastic is versatile in design, easy to process and enables complex shapes. A plastic-rubber compound is suitable when electrical insulation, corrosion resistance and low weight are required - for example in housings, seals or components with medium mechanical requirements. Plastic forms the dimensionally stable basis, rubber seals, dampens or protects.
Rubber-metal elements are used when high mechanical strength and lasting stability are required. Metal ensures rigidity and long-lasting load-bearing capacity, for example in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and the construction industry. Typical examples are bearing bushes, vibration dampers and mounts that absorb forces and reduce vibrations. The interaction of metal and rubber combines elasticity with strength, so that the connection remains stable even under load.
Why is no adhesive used in rubber-plastic joints?
Rubber-plastic connections can also be bonded. However, this process also requires two tools to be produced - one for the plastic injection moulded part and one for the rubber part. Due to the additional work involved in applying the adhesive and assembling it into a finished plastic-rubber connection, this process is significantly more complex and therefore usually more cost-intensive than vulcanising the rubber onto the plastic carrier.
