The Best Applications and Values of a Rubber Diaphragm

What Is a Rubber Diaphragm?

A rubber diaphragm is a molded rubber component that is a flexible seal between two areas or chambers. Rubber diaphragms prevent the unwanted transfer of substances such as liquids, gasses, or solutions. The high-tolerance to these substances results in a low permeability to fluids and gas. Most rubber diaphragms are circular in shape and are anchored at their periphery or edges.

Rubber diaphragms can come in various shapes and sizes. A flat diaphragm rubber sheet is typically manufactured using natural rubber or synthetic rubber compounds that are reinforced with fabric. Fabric reinforced diaphragms usually have one or more plies of reinforcement fabric for additional strength. The strength of fabric is measured by its burst strength over an orifice.

Rubber diaphragms rely on pressure to work properly. Pressure differences within the two chambers cause the rubber diaphragm to move up or down into either chamber, allowing a degree of motion between a stationary and moving part. Molded rubber diaphragm seals maintain media separation on either side of the diaphragm due to their low permeability to fluids and gases. A diaphragm can also ensure a constant pressure differential between the media and maintain gasket functionality in the flange of an instrument which results in a fluid-tight seal.

Purpose of Molded Rubber Diaphragms

PTFE-bonded rubber diaphragms can be used with aggressive chemicals, fabric reinforced rubber diaphragms, or high-tolerance thin-walled rubber diaphragms. A rubber diaphragm can also be used as a device that vibrates when specific frequencies are applied to it. The rubber diaphragm can be used instead of a stem washer, which is a round cap found on compression faucets.

Part of a rubber diaphragm design is the engineered fabric used as reinforcement. The small layer of fabric adds more strength and flexibility in design. Typically, a fabric reinforced rubber diaphragm is made of polyester, nylon, or silk. A thin-walled rubber diaphragm can withstand high pressure while still remaining flexible and responsive to minute pressure variations.

Due to the flexibility of rubber diaphragms, the pressure applied in the two chambers holds back obstructions without blocking the material inside that is confined. Rubber diaphragms are commonly used because they control strokes, offer a smooth seal, don’t require a hardened finish or lubricant, and have a higher tolerance range than any other sealing option.

Applications and Rubber Diaphragm Uses

There are many different types of rubber diaphragms with individual applications. Simple rubber diaphragm valves are used as pressure switches or solenoid valves. Regulators are a type of modulating devices that depend on the rubber diaphragm to come back to its exact corresponding position. For diaphragms used with a regulator, the even spring rate, flexibility, and minimal modification in the specific area are the most important factors.

Rubber diaphragms can also be used as dampening tools in pulsating systems or shock absorbers. Diaphragms used in pulsating systems reduce elevated pressure spikes and control the flow of gas or liquids out of the system to create a uniform flow. Diaphragms act as barriers between glasses and fluids.

Automobile fuel pumps, air compressors, and hand pumps all benefit from rubber diaphragms. External mechanical forces actuate the rubber pump diaphragm which dislodges a volume of media and generates a depleted pressure area. The type of diaphragm used in any example depends on the diaphragm’s function, composition of the material, fabric design, and polymer type. Rubber diaphragm types can be very versatile and used in many applications.

Types of Rubber Used in Rubber Diaphragms

• Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPM, EPDM)
• Neoprene Diaphragm Rubber Sheet
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber
• Silicone Rubber (SiR)

Benefits of Using a Rubber Lined Diaphragm Valve

With multiple variations of rubber diaphragms, you are sure to find a design that fits your project or improves functionality. Below are the benefits of using rubber diaphragms:

• Airtight seal with no leakage
• No lubricant required
• Low hysteresis
• No breakaway friction
• Chemical resistant
• High-strength
• Tear-resis
• Reliable sealing solution
• Low assembly and hardware costs
• Effective in harsh environments

Rubber diaphragms and fabric reinforced rubber diaphragms are necessary for the operations of systems and equipment in the industrial, automotive, aerospace, gas, oil, medical tools, pump, and valve industries.

About Wuxi

At Wuxi Aomeite Seal Technology Co.Ltd, we manufacture and fabricate custom rubber products that are both extruded and molded. Our extruded rubber products include:

• silicone tubing
• silicone hose
• silicone cord
• conductive silicone rubber tubing
• extruded silicone gaskets
• rubber extrusion
• extruded rubber profiles
• extruded gaskets
• P-strips
• D-strips
• E-strips
• conductive rubber tubing
• silicone vacuum hose
• silicone extrusion
• rubber U-channel
• bulb seals
• lip seals
• hollow O-rings
• tubular O-ring
• extruded and spliced gaskets
• weather-stripping

Our molded products include; boots, bellows, sleeves, rubber diaphragm seals, gaskets, rubber diaphragm washer, roller, rubber-to-metal bonded parts, etc. Our in-house mixing and tooling allows us to offer the quickest and most efficient turn-around and delivery versatility.

Our experience extends over 20 years and can guarantee that we will go above and beyond your expectations and requirements. Our customer base includes industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, medical equipment, and many others. You can feel confident selecting us as your custom rubber diaphragm supplier over other rubber lined diaphragm valve manufacturers and know that we will deliver the products to get the job done.

If you require high-quality silicone rubber products, such as a silicone rubber diaphragm, for your project, you’ve come to the right place. Our rubber products are the best quality and provide you with reliable, cost-effective solutions. You don’t need to waste your time with other rubber diaphragm manufacturers, we know rubber. Contact us today to learn more about the rubber diaphragm price and how we can provide you with the best custom rubber products.