From EPDM to Silicone: How to Choose the Right Type of Rubber Roller for Your Industry
Rubber rollers, also known as rubber cylinders, are indispensable components in modern industrial machinery. From automated conveyor systems in food packaging factories to high-precision laminating lines in electronics and automotive manufacturing, rubber rollers play a crucial role in supporting transport, processing, tension control, and product handling.
With over 50 years of experience in the design and production of industrial rubber rollers, Sun Rubber has supplied global manufacturers in industries such as printing, packaging, paper converting, cement, logistics, and plastics. This article explores the main types of rubber rollers, their material differences, and how to choose the right roller based on industry-specific performance requirements.
What is a Rubber Roller and Where is It Used
A rubber roller is a cylindrical component with an engineered metal core and a molded rubber exterior. Depending on the application, the roller may function as:
- Conveyor and pressure roller
- Roller for tension, traction, or force transfer
- Coating roller for adhesive, ink, paint, or chemicals
- Support roller in laminating and calendaring processes
- Contact surface in high-speed automated lines
Rubber rollers are preferred over metal rollers in applications requiring shock absorption, non-slip traction, noise reduction, abrasion resistance, and surface protection.
Types of Rubber Roller by Material
Different industries require distinct roller properties such as heat resistance, chemical tolerance, elasticity, and abrasion resistance. Below is a comparison of common types of rubber roller materials:
| Material | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) | Excellent resistance to ozone, UV, and weathering | Outdoor systems, cement and aggregate machinery |
| Silicone Rubber | Heat resistance up to 250°C, non-stick surface | Laminating machines, electronics, food-grade conveyors |
| NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | Oil and fuel resistance, high wear durability | Printing, packaging, industrial machinery |
| PU (Polyurethane) | High tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance | Heavy load conveyors, steel processing lines |
| Hypalon (CSM) | Chemical and flame resistance | Chemical plants, solvent-based coating lines |
| Natural Rubber (NR) | High elasticity, impact absorption, good grip | Textile machinery, agricultural systems, conveyors |
Why Material Selection Matters
Choosing the wrong type of rubber roller can lead to machine downtime, product defects, contamination, or roller failure. Key risks include:
- Cracking or swelling from chemical exposure
- Loss of hardness in high heat environments
- Surface residue and product contamination
- Rapid abrasion in heavy load or friction applications
The correct roller not only improves production stability but extends machinery lifespan and reduces long-term cost.
How to Select the Right Rubber Roller for Your Industry
- Operating Temperature
For continuous operation at or above 200°C, silicone rollers are recommended. - Chemical Compatibility
NBR is ideal for oil exposure, while Hypalon or EPDM is preferred for acidic or solvent conditions. - Wear and Abrasion Resistance
Polyurethane offers high abrasion resistance and lifespan for heavy-duty conveyors. - Surface Requirements
Silicone is non-stick and ideal for adhesive, label, and film applications, while natural rubber or PU is used for high-grip rollers. - Total Cost of Ownership
Sun Rubber helps optimize cost through precise hardness control, re-coating services, and engineered roller core design.
Case Study: Silicone Roller Improves Uptime by 22 Percent
A European film packaging company experienced roller softening and adhesive transfer when using standard nitrile rollers at 160°C. After switching to silicone rollers from Sun Rubber, the customer saw a reduction in defect rate and cleaning downtime, increasing uptime by 22 percent.
About Sun Rubber
Established in 1968, Sun Rubber specializes in the design and OEM production of industrial rubber rollers from 20 mm to 1500 mm diameter. We provide custom compounding, CNC machining, precision grinding, roller re-coating, and engineered surface finishing for global equipment brands.
Industries served include printing, film extrusion, food packaging, cement, plastic converting, and airport logistics.
Request a Custom Rubber Roller Quote
Whether you need heat resistant silicone rollers for laminating systems, abrasion resistant PU rollers for conveyors, or solvent resistant EPDM rollers for chemical processing, our engineering team can help you select the optimal roller formulation for your machinery.
- Website: https://www.rubbers.com.tw/
- Email: [email protected]
