Bespoke Engineering

Technical Applications

At Harboro, we combine our engineering capabilities and material expertise to solve problems in a plethora of industries. Rubber has always been a desirable material group primarily because it is the only group of materials able to provide elastic properties across a wide range of temperatures (well above and below the temperature ranges of plastics and other elastic materials).

We have solved customers challenges with engineered solutions and by providing high quality bespoke rubber mouldings and rubber bonded components to industries such as: Transport, Electrical, Marine, Aerospace, Food & Drink, Fire fighting, Safety, footwear etc.

Value of Rubber

Rubber has found many applications in industrial and consumer goods because they are the only group of materials able to provide elastic properties across a wide range of temperatures (well above and below the temperature ranges of plastics and other elastic materials).

The rubber family includes a diverse range of materials- as varied as metals. Currently we use 250 grades of rubber across 14 different polymer types (each as different as lead, copper, silver or gold).

Designers choose rubber mouldings because of its wide range of properties:

• It can be used over a temperature range from -80°C to +300°C and above
• It is available in a wide range of colours
• It can be electrically insulating, conductive or anti static
• It can withstand extremes of weather and outdoor environments
• It can withstand exposure to fuels, oils and chemicals while retaining its properties
• It can be made flame retardant and self extinguishing, with halogen free and smoke suppressant types available
• It can maintain tension and compression forces – for example in seals
• It is conformable, adaptable and can accommodate movement, shock, thermal changes, tolerances and roughness
• It can absorb vibration and noise and act as an insulator
• It can be gas tight and used as a fluid seal or separator
• It has low thermal conductivity and can be used to reduce heat transfer
• It has friction properties similar to human skin and is comfortable to grip
• It can have a clean, smooth surface which is non-stick and suitable for hygienic applications
• It can be coated and modified
• It is compatible with other engineering materials (e.g. metals, plastics and ceramics) and can be combined with them in many different ways, including bonding.