When searching for a custom rubber diaphragm manufacturer, it’s important to choose a provider that offers the versatility required to get the functionality you need out of a rubber diaphragm built to your unique specifications. Custom rubber diaphragms are used across multiple industries including oil & gas, automotive, medical, and even aerospace, but the way they are used can vary quite a bit.

At Lake Erie Rubber, we specialize in customized orders of parts including rubber diaphragms that have unique specifications designed for a singular end-use application. Our processes include injection, transfer, and compression molding, and we offer fast turnaround times alongside engineering and design support. When you work with Lake Erie Rubber, you can always expect quality results from our custom rubber molding solutions as a premier custom rubber diaphragm manufacturer.

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Material Selection

Rubber diaphragms can be crafted using several different specific materials, and Lake Erie Rubber has the versatility in material selection necessary to offer quality results for several different industries. The following are some of the most commonly used materials in our rubber diaphragms.

FKM/Viton

Fluorine rubber or Viton is a synthetic rubber material that was initially developed for the aerospace industry, as it can withstand extreme temperatures and offers exceptional fluid resistance. For harsh environments, this material is ideal for any rubber component, so it is commonly seen in the oil & gas industry and the automotive sector. Because of its unique properties, rubber diaphragms made from Viton make a particularly reliable seal when the end use is holding back fuel or other kinds of chemicals that need to remain separated.

Silicone

Silicone diaphragms offer a unique combination of properties including high-temperature resistance, durability, and transparency. Plus, this particular kind of rubber offers electrical insulation too. Our injection molding process can produce silicone rubber diaphragms that are useful in specific applications like pressure sensors that require a high level of sensitivity to any fluid changes, though they can be used in just about any application related to industrial fluids including refrigerants and high-temperature substances. They are biocompatible as well, so they are commonly seen in medical devices and applications.

Neoprene

Neoprene rubber, also known as polychloroprene, is a type of synthetic rubber frequently used for sealing and insulation applications, which makes it popular in the defense, aerospace, and medical industries. This material additionally offers vibration resistance, so we commonly implement it when servicing the building vibration isolation industry. Just about any application in which a diaphragm will undergo vibration may warrant neoprene as the ideal material, which is why it’s so popular in mining and construction.

EPDM

EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is a synthetic rubber used across multiple industries in applications that require longevity and durability even in extreme conditions. These properties make EPDM rubber a common part of O-rings, water gaskets, connectors, and diaphragms among other automotive parts. Consider that EPDM rubber is the only kind of rubber material that is used for full roofing systems, so diaphragm applications that are exposed to similar environments like heating & cooling, and food & beverage may be best served with EPDM rubber. Keep in mind, however, that this particular kind of rubber tends to perform suboptimally compared to other options when exposed to mineral oils or petroleum oils.

Functions

When searching for a custom rubber diaphragm manufacturer, companies must consider the exact kind of function they are expecting from their diaphragm. Acting as a seal is the basic function, but every particular piece must be specifically suited for the desired end-use. Diaphragms act as a seal to separate either two liquids, two gasses, or a liquid and a gas. To get the most out of a diaphragm, however, the particular kind of liquid and/or gas it’s exposed to along with accompanying factors like temperature are essential when searching for the right kind of diaphragm.

At Lake Erie Rubber, our custom solutions consider all the relevant factors to offer a diaphragm that functions as intended. Our engineers, experts, and chemists will work alongside you to find the most cost-effective and reliable solution possible regarding size, material, thickness, and flexibility. With that kind of versatility, our solutions are applicable across multiple industries and functions when you need more than just a simple seal.

Types of Diaphragms

Diaphragms are specially designed for a wide range of different applications, and Lake Erie Rubber offers several different types for your customization needs. Note that we can supply diaphragms in standard sizes or custom sizes for unique applications. We are a custom molder and do not carry inventory and do not have existing tooling for stock sizes, but can have tooling built if needed.

• Valve (DN 8 to DN 350): Valve diaphragms are primarily used in valve assemblies and actuators to maintain fluid regulation and transfer functions. They can be static or dynamic and reliably act as barriers for fluid or other contaminants in between chambers.
• Pump (AODD 15, 150, 30, 300, 40, 50, 80): Air-operated double-diaphragm pumps or AODD pumps utilize a special set of flexible diaphragms. As an essential component in its design, a proper pump diaphragm is necessary to prevent outright pump failure to prevent leakage.
• Rolling Pneumatic (250 Pa to 9.81Mpa compatible): Rolling pneumatic diaphragms are used to create sealing between cylinders and pistons for fluid control. By using a combination of elastomer and fabric, these diaphragms are durable and reliable through their layers.

Industry Applications

Working with a versatile custom rubber diaphragm manufacturer like Lake Erie Rubber offers solutions across multiple industries. The following are just a select few of the industries that have made use of our manufactured diaphragm components.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry utilizes rubber diaphragms in just about all pumps and valves. Our custom rubber components can function as seals to help direct the flow of liquids and gasses.

Medical

The medical industry implements rubber diaphragms in fluid flow management. This can apply to API delivery during injectables and the manufacturing of oral suspensions.

Material Handling

Many bulk material handling applications require pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, and rubber diaphragms can help convert that pressure into mechanical movement while maintaining a consistent pressure differential.

Automotive

The automotive industry uses rubber diaphragms in vacuum pumps and fuel injectors, though the specific kind of rubber for these applications is typically one that can stand up against high-temperature environments and harsh chemicals.

Aerospace

Sealing and actuation are essential in numerous aerospace applications, and our rubber diaphragms can offer reliable performance in certain aircraft and spacecraft components.

Lake Erie Rubber is Your Custom Rubber Diaphragm Manufacturer

At Lake Erie Rubber, we have the versatility and experience to be your custom rubber diaphragm manufacturer. With our range of available materials, knowledge of multiple industries, and available engineers and chemists, you can count on our team to manufacture diaphragms that are compliant with your exacting specifications. We will even work with you to find the best solution for your desired end use considering factors like cost, longevity, reliability, and more. Get in touch with our team today to request a quote for your custom rubber diaphragm.

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