BENEFITS RUBBER PAD FORMING

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED SERIES – DEEP DRAWING VS RUBBER PAD FORMING

The initial investment in tools is extremely low for rubber press technology. That alone gives you a great advantage. But, to be honest, the variable costs for rubber pad forming are higher because processing takes more time. In case of conventional deep drawing, this is just the opposite; high tooling costs, but lower variable costs. When these are compared, a break-even point is reached. Below that point, rubber pad forming is more advantageous, above this point you should opt for conventional deep drawing.

In addition to the advantage in tooling costs – which facilitates the launch of a new product – you can easily add or combine functional properties with rubber pad forming in the product. For example reinforcement with ridges, so you can ‘cut back’ in sheet thickness and have less material costs, and you won’t have to provide your product with separate reinforcement. Or how about pressing round corners? This eliminates edging, welding and post-processing.

In addition, it is often possible to bring down the Total Cost of Ownership. The round shapes make products easier to clean, which in turn leads to lower changeover costs (i.e. the food market).