7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Rubber Products Supplier

When you choose a rubber products supplier, you’re investing in quality, reliability, and a long-term partnership. A poor supplier choice may lead to delays and product failures. So, how do you know which supplier will do right by you? Here are seven questions to ask any potential partner before making your decision:

What Types of Rubber Materials Do You Work With?

Different applications may require different rubber compounds. In rubber injection molding, for example, there are two main types of rubber material: LSR and HCR.

High-consistency rubber (HCR) has been a staple in the rubber manufacturing process for decades. This material can withstand temperatures from -50℃ to +300℃, which is why it’s popular in a range of industries. It also has great aging resistance, making it ideal for a variety of products.

Though HCR is quite popular, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) has replaced it in many areas. LSRs have a lower viscosity, meaning they can flow more easily. This makes LSRs a better fit for rubber injection molding. HCRs are still useful, but their higher viscosity means they have to be processed through more labor-intensive processes like transfer and compression molding.

Understanding which materials your potential partner works with can help you make an informed decision for your business. Want to learn more about LSRs and HCRs? View our in-depth blog here.

Which Molding Capabilities Do You Have?

There are multiple ways you can shape rubber components. Compression, transfer, and injection molding are some of the most popular. Each process will suit different part types, sizes, and production volumes. Look for a supplier with the right equipment and process expertise for your specific part requirements.

Can You Support Both Prototypes and Full Production Runs?

Development often starts small before scaling up. Ideally, you’d partner with a company that can grow with you. Look for a company that can assist with prototyping, testing, and a smooth transition to high-volume production.

What Are Your Lead Times and Production Capacities?

Delays in the supply chain can lead to downtime and missed deadlines. When interviewing potential partners, ask about production schedules, realistic timelines, and the ability to ramp up production when needed.

How Do You Ensure Quality and Consistency?

Tight tolerances and consistent performance are critical for sealing and industrial applications. Ask your potential partners about their documented quality control systems. The right rubber products supplier will have processes in place to ensure quality, even through large-volume production.

What Industries Do You Serve?

If a supplier has experience in your industry, that means they’ll understand your performance standards and compliance needs. Not all rubber products suppliers serve every industry. Look for proven expertise in your market to ensure a quality relationship.

What Does Your Customer Support Look Like After Production Begins?

Long-term success depends on communication and responsiveness. Look for a supplier that provides ongoing technical support, consistent communication, and transparent issue resolution.

Moldtech is Your Trusted Rubber Products Supplier

If you’re looking for a high-quality rubber products supplier, turn to Moldtech. For decades, we’ve been creating customized rubber components for some of the biggest companies in the world. In fact, Boeing, Bosch, Johnson & Johnson, and the U.S. military all rely on us for their rubber component needs.

Located in Lancaster, NY, we are a vertically integrated manufacturer with close to 50,000 square feet of production space. We design, manufacture, and assemble your part in-house, giving you maximum control over the process. Trust us for everything from seals and gaskets to dampers and isolators, and more.

Ready to learn more about what we can do for you? Contact our team for an initial consultation.