Rubber Edge Trim

Rubber Edge Trim

The selection of the right material for the application is dependent on several factors, the first of which is appearance. Edge trim is the finishing touch on a construction project. When it is used in manufacturing, it has to be tough and rugged, whereas homes, offices, and schools require a more refined and polished look. The material that stands out from the rest is rubber, a flexible, pliable, and sturdy fabric that can take significant abuse.

What is Rubber Edge Trim?

Rubber edge trim is an exceptionally flexible trim made of different forms of rubber that can easily be attached or installed in any location. Its resistance to harsh or severe wear as well as its resistance to ozone makes it an ideal covering for indoor or outdoor installations.

Extrusion is the most common way of producing rubber edge trim since it allows for the production of a wide range of profiles in different sizes. There is an endless number of rubber materials used to make trim, from Neoprene® to natural rubber. Regardless of the type of rubber, all forms of trim are designed to grip any type of metal, wood, or plastic surface.

Types of Rubber

Rubber is normally the first choice when selecting a material for edge trim due to its indestructibility. The choice of rubber type depends on a variety of factors, the most important of which is the environment. Factories and production facilities that have toxic and corrosive conditions will require a rugged and resilient form of rubber, while schools, offices, and homes will use rubber that is more decorative and has a pleasant appearance.

• Neoprene® – water, flame, and weather resistant
• Ethylene Propylene – weather and ozone resistant
• Hydrogenated Nitrile – oil, chemical, and high-temp resistant
• Silicone – a non-reactive elastomer
• Styrene – abrasion resistant
• Fluorocarbon – heat, chemical, and weather resistant
• Hypalon® – ozone, UV, weather, and chemical resistant.
• Natural Rubber – tear and abrasion resistant with fatigue characteristics
• Polyurethane – tensile strength, resistant to tearing, abrasions, oxidation, ozone, solvents, and oil based products
• Fluorosilicone – resistant to chemicals, dilute acids, alkali, and oil products
• Epichlorohydrin – heat, ozone, weather, oil, and alkali resistant with low temperature flexibility
• Santoprene® - ages well, chemical resistant, and lightweight with low-density flexibility

The two rubbers that are most commonly used for rubber edge trim are Neoprene® and ethylene propylene (EPDM). During the installation process, butyl sealant may be applied to provide a more substantial grip and positive seal.

Rubber Edge Trim Colors

Rubber edge trim comes in a variety of standard colors with custom colors available if required. For manufacturing locations, color is not an issue with black being the standard color. The most important concern in high use and abusive areas is the smoothness of the rubber and its endurance.

In decorative or ornamental environments, color is normally a condition of rubber edge trim use. In most situations, the many standard colors are used since they cover the full gamut of designs and decors.

The application of color comes in several different forms and includes dry powders, lakes, and pastes. The selection of color depends on the application requirements and light and heat stability as well as resistance to bleeding, migration, and shade.