The Lathe-Cut Manufacturing Process

   The following is a brief explaination of our production process. You will discover how we turn a blob of raw rubber into a precision-crafted elastomeric component meeting a distinct set of specifications. More specifically, you will find out what steps are necessary to complete this transformation, what takes place at each step, and why.

   We begin by matching the material specifications with the most cost-effective material that we have on record that meets those specs. If we don't have a material on record that matches that particular set of specs, we look to our team of experienced chemists to develop a cost-effective rubber compound that will meet the required specs.

   The bill of material (more commonly referred to as a recipe) is then compounded and mixed. After the compound has been mixed, it is extruded into a raw tubular shape. The raw rubber tube is then cured to vulcanize the rubber and to set its inside diameter. Then the cured tube has its outside diameter ground to the required size and the individual rings are cut. Before the parts can be packaged and shipped though, each order goes through Final Audit where the statistical samples of the parts are checked to verify all critical attributes are in spec.

    If you would like a more detailed look at each step in the process, click on the departments in our links menu.