What Are the Different Types of Rubber Sheeting?
Rubber sheeting is one of the most versatile materials used in industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. It is essential in everything from automotive manufacturing to food processing, from sealing and insulation to vibration dampening and abrasion resistance.
Delta Rubber specialises in supplyinghigh-performance rubber sheeting products tailored to your specific operational needs. We work with various rubber compounds, including natural rubber, neoprene, silicone, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and butyl, to ensure durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors.
This article explores the different types of rubber sheeting, their key properties, and how to choose the right material for your application.
What is Rubber Sheeting?
Rubber sheeting refers to sheets of rubber material produced in various thicknesses, widths, and lengths for use in numerous applications. These sheets can be made from natural or synthetic rubber compounds and are often selected based on their performance under specific environmental and mechanical conditions.
Common applications:
- Sealing gaskets and washers
- Protective linings for tanks and pipes
- Vibration isolation in machinery
- Anti-slip flooring and mats
- Electrical insulation
- Food-grade sealing in hygiene-sensitive industries
Types of Rubber Sheeting and Their Properties
Natural Rubber Sheeting
Natural rubber is derived from latex sap and is known for its excellent elasticity and tensile strength.
Key benefits:
- High resilience and abrasion resistance
- Excellent flexibility
- Ideal for dynamic applications like gaskets and shock absorbers
Best for:
- Automotive parts, vibration pads, chute linings, and general-purpose sealing.
Neoprene Rubber Sheeting
Neoprene (polychloroprene) offers superior resistance to weathering, ozone, and mild chemicals.
Key benefits:
- Moderate oil and chemical resistance
- Flame retardant properties
- Excellent UV and ozone resistance
- Waterproof and weatherproof
Best for:
- Outdoor sealing, marine applications, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and gaskets exposed to sunlight.
Silicone Rubber Sheeting
Silicone rubber is prized for its wide temperature range and inert properties.
Key benefits:
- High thermal stability (-60°C to 230°C)
- Food-grade and medical-grade options are available
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Resistant to UV, ozone, and weather
Best for:
- Food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and high-temperature sealing.
Nitrile Rubber Sheeting (NBR)
Nitrile rubber is known for its resistance to oils, fuels, and greases.
Key benefits:
- Excellent resistance to petroleum-based fluids
- High tear and abrasion resistance
- Good mechanical properties
Best for:
- Fuel tanks, oil seals, hoses, and automotive gaskets.
EPDM Rubber Sheeting
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is widely used for weathering and water resistance.
Key benefits:
- Excellent resistance to UV, ozone, steam, and weather
- Resistant to acids and alkalis
- Good flexibility at low temperatures
- Non-conductive
Best for:
- Roofing, outdoor gaskets, weatherstripping, and water system seals.
Butyl Rubber Sheeting
Butyl rubber is recognised for its exceptional gas and moisture resistance.
Key benefits:
- Low permeability to gases and moisture
- High chemical resistance
- Excellent vibration damping
- Good heat ageing properties
Best for:
- Liners for chemical tanks, pharmaceutical seals, and vacuum systems.
Choosing the Right Rubber Sheeting
When selecting the appropriate rubber sheeting material, consider the following factors:
| Consideration | Questions to Ask |
| Chemical exposure | Will it come into contact with oils, solvents, or acids? |
| Temperature range | What are the minimum and maximum operating temperatures? |
| Mechanical stress | Will it undergo pressure, stretching, or abrasion? |
| Environmental exposure | Is it for outdoor, UV, ozone, or water-exposed environments? |
| Regulatory compliance | Is it used in food, medical, or clean-room settings? |
We work closely with clients to match each application to the right compound, ensuring performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
Why Choose Delta Rubber?
Delta Rubber is a rubber products manufacturer committed to supplying reliable and durable rubber sheeting across various industries, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, and more.
What sets us apart:
- Custom rubber compounding
- Large stock range and bespoke sizes
- Manufactured to international quality standards
- Expert technical support
- Fast turnaround times for large or small orders
Whether you need heat-resistant silicone sheeting, oil-resistant nitrile, or abrasion-proof natural rubber, Delta Rubber delivers quality you can depend on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What thicknesses are available for rubber sheeting?
We offer rubber sheets in various thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to over 25 mm, depending on the application and compound.
Can rubber sheeting be cut to size?
Yes, Delta Rubber provides custom cutting services to deliver sheets or components in the exact dimensions you require.
How do I know which rubber sheeting to choose?
Our technical team will guide you based on your application’s environmental conditions, mechanical stress, and regulatory requirements to recommend the correct rubber sheeting.
Do you supply rubber sheeting in rolls?
Yes. Most of our rubber sheeting is available in rolls, which can be supplied in full or cut to length.
Contact Delta Rubber Today To Learn More
Rubber sheeting is a cornerstone of countless mechanical and structural systems, from high-stress industrial environments to precision-grade sealing in food and medical applications. Understanding the properties of each rubber compound helps ensure the right material is chosen for the job, saving time, reducing maintenance, and enhancing safety.
Delta Rubber offers an extensive range of rubber sheeting options.
Contact us today for expert advice, high-performance materials, and reliable delivery across South Africa.