The milling process of rubber is a series of steps that transform raw rubber into a usable compound ready for further processing or molding.
This process is primarily carried out using mixing mills, also known as rolling mills.
These mills consist of two counter-rotating rolls.
The primary goal of rubber milling is to mix the rubber base with various additives such as fillers, softeners, processing aids, and colorants.
This ensures a uniform distribution and achieves the desired properties for subsequent manufacturing steps.
5 Key Steps Explained: The Milling Process of Rubber
1. Components and Function of Mixing Mills
The mixing mill includes rollers, bearings, a frame, gland, driving device, distance adjusting device, lubrication system, temperature adjusting device, and emergency braking device.
The mill operates by using two relatively rotating rollers to crush and shear the rubber.
The difference in surface speed and temperature between the two rollers creates shearing forces that help in breaking down the rubber's internal macromolecular chains and mixing the additives uniformly.
2. Process Steps in Rubber Milling
Mastication of Rubber: This initial step involves softening the raw rubber by breaking down its internal macromolecular chains. This is crucial for improving the rubber's processability.
Mixing Rubber: Additives such as fillers, softeners, and processing aids are added to the rubber. The operator manually cuts, folds, and rolls the material on the front roll to enhance uniformity.
Shaping Rubber: After mixing, the rubber compound is shaped into a roll or sheet, which is then vulcanized to achieve the final properties.
Curing Rubber: This involves vulcanizing the rubber to cross-link its molecules, enhancing its strength, elasticity, and durability.
3. Detailed Operations in the Milling Process
Adjusting Roll Distance: The distance between the rolls is adjusted to control the thickness of the rubber sheet. Initially set to 0.5mm, it is later adjusted to about 2.4mm for further processing.
Manual Intervention: The operator manually manipulates the rubber using tools made of bamboo or wood to ensure the additives are evenly distributed.
Quality Control: The total mass of the rubber compound is weighed, and the compound is cooled, labeled, and stored for later use. Detailed records of the mixing process, including temperature, time, rotor speed, and other parameters, are maintained.
4. Technical Specifications and Safety
Technical Specifications: Important parameters include roller speed, speed ratio, power, mixing capacity, roller distance adjustment range, external installation size, and transmission mode.
Safety Measures: The mill includes an emergency braking device to ensure safety during operation.
5. Quality and Consistency
Uniform Distribution: The repeated cutting, folding, and rolling of the rubber ensures that all additives are uniformly distributed, which is crucial for the final product's quality.
Temperature Control: Proper temperature control during the milling process is essential to prevent overheating and ensure the rubber's properties are maintained.
In summary, the milling process of rubber is a complex yet crucial step in the production of rubber products.
It involves careful control of various parameters and manual interventions to ensure the rubber compound meets the required standards for further processing.
The use of mixing mills, with their ability to apply shear forces and control temperature and distance, plays a pivotal role in achieving a high-quality, uniform rubber compound.
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