Cryogenic Deflashing

During the molding process, rubber parts often develop flash, which is excess material that requires removal. One of the best ways to eliminate flash is through cryogenic deflashing, a more precise and efficient method than other deflashing methods. Here we’ll discuss cryogenic deflashing in more detail, covering its benefits and applications across various industries.

What Is Cryogenic Deflashing?

Molded rubber parts often undergo a cryogenic deflashing process to remove flash. This process entails using liquid nitrogen, shot-blasted plastic media, and high-speed rotation in different combinations to quickly remove flash in a precise, cost-effective way. The cryogenic deflashing process is ideal for parts with thin, complex, and/or inner-dimensional flash, which would be difficult or impossible to remove using other deflashing techniques.

Benefits of Cryogenic Deflashing

Cryogenic deflashing is popular in many applications because of its numerous advantages over other types of deflashing methods:

• Better product quality: Cryogenic deflashing improves the rubber product’s quality and dimensional accuracy, ensuring it matches the original design specifications.
• Versatility: In addition to rubber, this method can be used to deflash plastics and even some metals.
• Uniformity and consistency: The cryogenic deflashing process results in more consistent, repeatable products.
• Improved regulatory compliance: Because of its precision, cryogenic deflashing is ideal for industries with strict regulatory requirements for parts.
• Saves time: Fast and efficient, this method can handle many parts at the same time and speed up the entire production cycle.
• Affordability: Due to its speed, efficiency, and automation, cryogenic deflashing equipment saves manufacturers on manual labor costs and material costs.
• Longer service lifespan: Removing flash helps eliminate potential weak points, thereby extending the part’s lifespan.
• Improved aesthetic appeal: Cryogenic deflashing improves the aesthetic finish of the part by cleaning up edges.
• Enhanced safety and performance: Cryogenically deflashed parts are safer and perform better in their intended application.
• Eco-friendly: Because it is dry, does not produce harmful byproducts, and does not use chemicals, cryogenic deflashing is environmentally friendly.

Cryogenic Deflashing Applications

Cryogenic deflashing is a key process for multiple applications, some of which are described below.

Automotive

Automotive suspension, gasket, and sealing components rely on cryogenic deflashing because of its ability to quickly and accurately remove flash. By creating more dependable seals that prevent leakage, cryogenic deflashing contributes to optimal engine durability. The process eliminates all burrs and imperfections, improving overall vehicle reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance.

Electronics

Rubber parts in various electronic components undergo cryogenic deflashing because the process meets the cleanliness and precision standards of the industry. Rubber molded connectors, keypads, and insulation materials all require deflashing to ensure a precise fit and prevent potential interference between electronic circuits. Ultimately, this process facilitates more effective functionality for electronics of all types.

Medical Devices

Equipment in the medical industry must meet some of the highest standards for quality and precision, which is where cryogenic deflashing can help. Rubber molding processes rely on this method of deflashing to help manufacture components such as surgical instrument gaskets and medical pump seals.

With cryogenic deflashing equipment, manufacturing processes can meet the medical industry’s strict performance and safety standards by getting rid of any surface flash and imperfections. In turn, patients benefit from high-quality medical devices that keep them safe and healthy.

Rubber Molding Services From Stern Rubber Co.

To reap the benefits of cryogenic deflashing for molded rubber parts, turn to the experts at Stern Rubber Company. We manufacture a wide range of rubber components and use cryogenic deflashing equipment to eliminate burrs and imperfections from nearly any type of part. Based on your needs, we offer a variety of rubber molding solutions, such as:

• Injection molding
• Transfer molding
• Compression molding
• Off-shore sourcing
• Rubber-to-substrate bonding

At Stern Rubber, we understand that every rubber molding project has unique requirements, so we work to give our customers customized solutions to meet their specifications. Contact us today to discuss your next project.