CUSTOM RUBBER
FABRICATION SERVICES
For more than 60 years Welco Rubber & Plastics have been fabricating and manufacturing custom made components from high quality rubber sheeting products right here in Melbourne.
Today we continue to be one of only a handful of businesses remaining who have the expertise and necessary specialised equipment to turn out custom rubber and plastic fabrications locally and in quick time. We also have the ability to supply rubber and plastics in specific cut lengths, as pads and strips and in custom cut profiles to suit an exact requirement. Again, with a wide range of stock on hand, fast turn arounds can be achieved and specific requirements accurately and easily met.
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Welco Rubber & Plastics
PART FABRICATIONS
We're experts in rubber lagging techniques. We can fabricate finished parts using cold or hot bonding rubber engineering processes from our wide and varied range of on-hand stocked rubber and plastic products. Historically this type of work has always been our speciality, and today remains a thriving part of our business. Our workshop sees this style of fabrication work completed on a daily basis.
HOT VULCANISED RUBBER ENGINEERING
Our onsite autoclave allows our expert team to cure rubber using a hot bonding (vulcanisation) method. This service is a mainstay of our operation, by where the boding of uncured rubber to base parts offers a premium and long lasting outcome. A highly customised process, such lagging works can be achieved with many different rubber types and often is an ideal way to extend the life of existing parts that are difficult to replace or now procure.
COLD BONDING RUBBER ENGINEERING
Cold bonding is a cost-effective process by where the required rubber is glued together to produce the desired solution. Convenient and less time consuming than hot bonding we can preform this in our onsite workshop. When performed correctly cold bonding is a highly satisfactory answer, and best used for quick repairs.
Which rubber lagging method should I use.
In the case you are unsure on which of the two rubber lagging processes would provide the best result, it's best to talk it through. Both methods have pros and cons. Cold bonding is often noted as a faster and more cost-effective process, however longevity in service issues can arise. While hot vulcanising is perfect for maximising service life, yet cost and time to achieve the result will be higher and longer respectively.
Welco Rubber & Plastics
CUSTOM MANUFACTURING
As much as we all like the convenience of off-the-shelf products to meet a need, there's always a requirement for some custom made or manufactured parts. Welco are set up to provide rubber extrusions, mouldings or custom sheeting to meet this need.
CUSTOM RUBBER ENGINEERING
As industry experts across more than six decades, our experience and technical product knowledge makes as extremely capable. In many cases the requirements we get can usually be produced in-house, however when the need moves past this, Welco has as an extensive local and global network of manufacturing partners, who can come to the fold. Importantly, all design and engineering components are completed in-house, with direct one-on-one contact with stakeholders. We control the process.
Custom Mouldings
Be it low volume compression or high volume injection moulding we can assist with design, manufacturing and supply in all grades of rubber, including Neoprene, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone, EPDM and more. Our custom mouldings can be manufactured locally or through a preferred overseas partners (if required). All manufacturing is completed under Welco's expert supervision, along with the drawing and design services.
Custom Rubber Sheet
Need a specialty type of rubber sheet not found in our standard range? We can assist. Welco has an extensive local and global network of manufacturing partners, who we can engage to custom manufacture rubber compounds to support a need, as well as supply MSDS for compliance purposes. This specialist service is why many have turned to us through the years to support them with high end custom rubber and plastics.
Custom Rubber Extrusions
To compliment our range of standard rubber extrusion lines, we can, to requirement, design and supply custom manufactured rubber extrusions. These profiles can be made from most standard rubber compounds. Be it a Bumper or Fender, Door or Window Seal or Edge Trim, these extrusions can be designed here and then manufactured locally or overseas, subject to specific requirements and machinery capabilities.
Welco Rubber & Plastics
CUSTOM CUT RUBBER
Welco's team of experts can precisely and cost-effective cut all forms of sheet rubber into the shape required. We have access to a number of methods, each offering specific benefits and differing delivery times. We can also assist in the design process should there be a need, or get straight to work if own drawings are supplied.
WATERJET RUBBER CUTTING
Waterjet rubber cutting can be smart choice when requiring fast, precise cuts without long lead times, and avoids the requirement of a die (which takes time to manufacture). Complicated rubber profiles can be achieved swiftly and accurately, as long as engineering drawings are supplied fit for purpose.
A big advantage of waterjet rubber cutting over laser and plasma techniques are that it is a cold operation, which ensures the chemical structure of the rubber remains unaffected. It can also handle much more complex operations than a simple punch process.
MACHINE RUBBER CUTTING
Welco offers an in-house rubber cutting service. We have a range of cutting machines and tools that allows us to cut lengths and finished parts such as pads, rubber strips and basic shapes precisely and effectively. Based on sheet stock available, turnaround times can be very quick using this service.
DIE CUT TOOLING FOR RUBBER CUTTING
To assist with repeat rubber cutting to a specific form or shape Welco can assist in the design and manfacture of a cutting die to be used in the cutting process. Many of our clients over the years have used our expertise to have cutting dies produced then have us retain them for future runs. Steel rule dies provide highly accurate means to cut rubber and ensure consistency in production. Dies can be made to suit small and large cutting requirements. We also have at hand a large range of standard dies.