Continuous Rubber Mixing

Mixing Technology for Natural Rubber Processing

A high level of dispersion is essential in rubber mixing to achieve the desired physical properties of the final material. Our proprietary continuous processing technology ensures highly precise and consistent dispersion of raw materials. Our custom mixer design features a precision material meter to apply the correct shear intensity to the amalgamation as new materials are added.

One of the most common practices in this area is rubber compounding — adding chemical substances to raw rubber for improved performance. Commonly, vulcanization, or the addition of sulfur, is used to improve rubber’s elasticity. Our continuous processes can align with any type of rubber compounding to achieve the ideal rubber properties. Additionally, our systems can feature viscosity control for added precision in compounding processes.

Readco Kurimoto has developed custom continuous processors with long lifespans and low-maintenance service lives. With 24/7 operation and automated capabilities, our continuous processors deliver impressive rubber quality with highly efficient throughput. Our technology also aligns with ASTM and ISO standards for compliance within the industry.

Rubber Industry Applications

Rubber mixing plays a key role in industries such as automotive, wire and cable, consumer goods, and oil and gas. Rubber products, including tires, gaskets, seals, and wire insulation, all require different properties to perform effectively in their respective applications. Our continuous processors support a range of rubbers and rubber compounds, including:

• EPDM: This compound incorporates ethylene, propylene, and a diene comonomer to allow crosslinking with vulcanization. It is most commonly used for seals, weatherstripping, hoses, and roofing membranes because it has excellent resistance to UV rays and high heat.
• NBR: Nitrile butadiene rubber offers high resistance to oils, acids, gasoline, and other chemicals. It also has a wide operating temperature and strong water resistance. NBR is used in the automotive and aerospace industries for components such as fuel tanks, seals, and fuel hoses.
• NR: Natural rubber is highly diverse and is often used in consumer products like athletic wear, sporting goods, erasers, and flooring. It is also used in the automotive industry for tires and seals.
• BR: Butadiene rubber or polybutadiene offers high elasticity and strength. This compound is commonly used in adhesives, footwear, industrial components, and consumer goods, such as toys.
• HNBR: Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber is resilient in harsh environments where heat, oil, and ozone are involved. It is less prone to degradation than other compounds, making it suitable for industrial applications, such as gaskets, seals, grommets, and hoses.

Benefits of Our Equipment for Rubber Mixing

Our processing equipment supports continuous rubber mixing, which offers numerous advantages to your business. Core benefits include:

• Product consistency: With metered material additions, our CP technology makes rubber mixing an exact science. Correct shear intensity is applied with every material addition to provide the exact level of mixing required for dispersion. Additionally, continuous processing removes inconsistencies between batches for consistent rubber quality with desired physical properties.
• High-volume capabilities: Continuous processing equipment supports high-volume production, making it easier to scale rubber processing to the size of your operation and meet spikes in demand as required.
• Fewer process steps: Rubber processing can be a complex process, depending on the number of compounds needed for a given rubber type. Our continuous processors automate material additions and eliminate batching, simplifying production.
• Precision process control: Our continuous processors add materials according to your specifications for the utmost process control. Adjust additives according to your end product to achieve your preferred physical properties.

Why Choose Readco Kurimoto?

Readco Kurimoto is a long-term partner in process improvement. When we work with your business, we take your mission and goals seriously to create a continuous processing solution that aligns with your specific requirements. We spend time learning about your unique challenges and future growth while keeping your proprietary processes entirely confidential.

Beyond our partnerships, we recognize the unique nature of process improvement systems and the importance of testing in this context. In addition to developing a solution for you, we will also lead on-site process development testing to ensure your system does what we claim it does. Your team will have clear proof that your system performs to your standards, so you can feel confident in your investment.

Contact Us for Rubber Mixing Solutions

In partnership with Readco Kurimoto, your rubber processing becomes simpler and more precise. We are eager to work with your team to develop a solution that integrates into your current processes and reflects your future growth. We are a leading expert in continuous processing and continue to engineer unique solutions for our clients. We are committed to working with you every step of the way.

Contact our team for more information about our continuous processors and begin development today.