The manufacturing process of EPDM waterstop with copper cladding is a composite process that combines EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber and copper materials, primarily used in waterproofing and sealing applications. Below are the detailed steps of the manufacturing process:For this reason, it can be speculated that custom rubber seals The market feedback will get better and better, which is one of the important reasons why it can develop. https://www.ascendseal.com
Raw Material Preparation
EPDM Rubber: High-quality EPDM rubber is selected for its excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance.
Copper Strip or Sheet: High-purity copper materials are chosen to ensure conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Adhesive: Specialized rubber-to-metal adhesive is used to bond EPDM and copper materials.
EPDM Mixing
EPDM rubber is uniformly mixed with vulcanizing agents, fillers, plasticizers, and other additives in a mixer to ensure consistent material properties.
The mixed EPDM rubber is then formed into sheets or strips through calendering or extrusion processes.
Copper Material Treatment
Surface Cleaning: The copper strip or sheet is cleaned to remove oil and oxides.
Surface Treatment: Chemical treatment or mechanical grinding is applied to increase the surface roughness of the copper, enhancing its bonding strength with EPDM.
Bonding Process
A specialized rubber-to-metal adhesive is applied to the surface of the copper material.
The EPDM rubber sheet and copper strip are combined through hot or cold pressing to ensure a tight bond.
During hot pressing, temperature, pressure, and time are carefully controlled to ensure effective bonding.
Vulcanization
The composite EPDM-coated copper material is placed in a vulcanization device and subjected to high temperature and pressure.
During vulcanization, the EPDM rubber undergoes cross-linking reactions, forming a stable three-dimensional network structure while firmly bonding with the copper material.
Post-Processing
Trimming: Excess rubber and copper materials are removed to ensure dimensional accuracy.
Surface Treatment: The copper portion is treated for anti-oxidation (e.g., tin plating or protective coating).
Inspection: Bonding strength and appearance quality are checked.
Quality Testing
Bonding Strength Test: Ensures a strong bond between EPDM and copper.
Waterproof Performance Test: Verifies the sealing performance of the waterstop.
Corrosion Resistance Test: Evaluates the chemical corrosion resistance of the copper and EPDM.
Packaging
After passing inspection, the products are cleaned and packaged for shipment.
Key Process Controls
Adhesive Selection: Ensures strong bonding between EPDM and copper.
Vulcanization Parameters: Temperature, pressure, and time are controlled to ensure complete vulcanization.
Surface Treatment: Surface cleaning and roughness treatment of the copper material are critical for successful bonding.
Application Fields
Construction Engineering: Used in waterproofing projects for basements, tunnels, and bridges.
Hydraulic Engineering: Applied in sealing waterstops for reservoirs and sluices.
Electrical Engineering: Used for waterproof sealing of cable joints.