Have you ever seen thick black or gray rubber sheets installed on the floors of workshops or factories? That’s a rubber sheet, or “rubber mat.” A rubber sheet is a flat material made from either natural or synthetic rubber, designed for various industrial purposes. It is typically sold in rolls or cut to size and thickness as needed.
Though it may look simple, rubber sheets play an essential role in various industries. Their primary functions include:
- Vibration and sound dampening, especially under heavy machinery.
- Anti-slip coating, such as on factory floors or vehicle wash areas and heavy equipment.
- Protection against water, oil, or chemicals on specific surfaces.
- Gaskets and seals in piping systems to prevent leaks.
- Shock absorbers and padding in the automotive and construction industries.
Rubber sheets can be made from several types of rubber, including Natural Rubber (NR), Nitrile Rubber (NBR), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), Neoprene, and even silicone.
Among the various types, natural rubber sheets are one of the most popular because of their flexibility, strength, and environmental friendliness. These rubber sheets are made from latex extracted from rubber tree sap and processed into solid sheets. Their typical colors are black, reddish-brown, or cream, depending on the process and additives used.
Compared to rubber sheets made from other materials, natural rubber sheets have several advantages:
- High elasticity. Natural rubber is highly flexible, even when stretched or compressed, making it suitable for applications involving repeated movement or pressure.
- Good abrasion resistance. Natural rubber sheets are not easily worn or damaged by friction, making them ideal for areas subjected to vehicle traffic or heavy loads.
- Resistance to vibration and shock. Natural rubber sheets are very effective as vibration dampers in machinery or vehicles.
- Environmentally friendly. As they come from natural sources, natural rubber is more biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
With these advantages, natural rubber sheets are most suitable for the following applications:
- Automotive and machinery industries as vibration dampers and shock absorbers.
- Factory or workshop floors as work surfaces or protective coverings.
- Transportation and conveyor belts because of their high abrasion resistance.
However, when choosing natural rubber sheets, attention must be paid to several important factors:
- Thickness and size. Choose the thickness according to the load or pressure it will bear. For machine padding, for instance, a rubber sheet with a thickness of 5mm or more is recommended.
- Material quality. Check whether the rubber sheet is made from 100% natural rubber or mixed with other materials. Mixed products may be cheaper, but their quality and elasticity may be reduced.
- Surface of the rubber sheet. Some are smooth, while others have patterns or anti-slip textures. For floors or wet areas, choose textured ones to prevent slipping.
- Industry certifications or standards. Ensure the rubber sheet meets industry standards such as ISO 9001.
- Environmental conditions. Since natural rubber is less resistant to UV light and ozone, ensure its use is predominantly indoors or in sheltered locations away from direct weather exposure.
Natural rubber sheets are the ideal choice for those seeking elastic, abrasion-resistant, and environmentally friendly materials. Samudera Luas Paramacitra manufactures high-quality natural rubber sheets, adopting ISO 9001: 2015 standards. For orders and product consultation, please contact our hotline (+62) 823 2018 9998 or email: admin@niri-rubber.com.
