What is Shotblast Rubber?

Shotblast Rubber is a specialised elastomer engineered to withstand extreme abrasion and impact. It’s manufactured from a blend of natural latex or synthetic rubbers and a blend of various agents such as carbon black, silica, fabric, nylon or even steel, with the intent of enhancing its inherent properties. The manufacturing process involves moulding and curing the rubber into various shapes, sizes and grades, depending on the intended application.

What sets shotblast rubber apart from other elastomeric materials is its unique composition and properties. It’s designed to be extremely tough and durable, as well as offering excellent resistance to wear, tear and chemicals. As such, its used for applications in industrial settings such as mining, construction and agriculture where equipment may be subject to harsh conditions caused by the movement of materials.

One of the most common applications of Shotblast rubber is a protective component during shotblasting, the process of using high-pressure air or centrifugal force to propel abrasive materials such as steel shot, grit, or sand at a surface to remove rust, paint, or other surface contaminants. The high-performance material lines the interior surfaces of shot blast cabinets and chutes to protect against the abrasive impact of the particles. It can also be used to make heavy-duty scraper blades, conveyor skirts and wear strips.

Why use Shotblast Rubber?

Shotblast rubber is a high-performance rubber, designed to withstand extreme abrasion and impact. It possesses several key properties that make it ideal for use in industrial settings where equipment is subjected to high levels of wear and tear. Some of the key properties include:

  • Abrasion Resistance: The high abrasion level resistance of shotblast rubber makes it ideal for use in applications where surfaces are exposed to high levels of wear and tear. It can withstand the impact of abrasive particles and prevent damage to surfaces, thereby prolonging the lifespan of equipment.
  • Tear Strength: Shotblast rubber has high tear strength, which means it’s likely to tear or rip under stress. This property is particularly important for applications where the rubber is subjected to stretching or pulling forces.
  • Resilience: Shotblast rubber is highly resilient, therefore it can recover shape after being subjected to deformation or impact. This property helps the rubber to maintain its structural integrity over time and ensures that it continues to provide effective protection against abrasion and impact.
  • Chemical Resistance: Shotblast rubber is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals including oils, solvents and acids. This resistance makes it suitable for use in chemical processing plants, wastewater treatment facilities and refineries.
  • Hardness Levels: Shotblast rubber is available in a range of hardness levels, typically ranging from 40 to 90 Shore A. The hardness rating of the rubber can affect its abrasion resistance, tear strength, and overall durability. The choice of hardness level depends on the specific application and the level of wear and tear that the rubber is expected to endure.

What is Shotblast Rubber used for?

Shotblast rubber is a versatile material that is used in a wide range of industries where equipment or surfaces are exposed to high levels of abrasion and impact. Some of the most common industries that use the material are; manufacturing, mining, construction, transportation, and agriculture. Within these industries, the material can be applied to various equipment and surfaces to protect against potential damages caused by the movement of materials.

  • Shotblast Cabinet Lining: The interior surfaces of shotblast cabinets are lined with shotblast rubber to protect them from the abrasive impact of the particles. This lining not only increases the lifespan of the cabinet but also helps to maintain the quality of the finished product.
  • Chute Lining: The elastomer is commonly used in the mining industry to line the chutes that transport materials from one point to another. It reduces friction and prevents abrasion, extending the overall life of the chute.
  • Heavy Duty Scraper Blades: Shotblast rubber is commonly used in the manufacturing of heavy-duty scraper blades, particularly in metalworking, to remove rust, paint, and other stubborn substances from surfaces. The material provides the necessary durability and strength to withstand the abrasive impact of the materials being scraped.
  • Conveyor Skirts: Conveyor Skirts made from shotblast rubber protect the conveyor belt and surrounding equipment from the abrasive impact of materials being transported. The elastomeric is an excellent material for making conveyor skirts as it is durable, flexible, and able to withstand the impact of the materials being transported.
  • Wear Strips: Shotblast rubber is also used to make wear strips that protect equipment from the abrasive impact of materials being transported. The strips are attached to the bottom of equipment to provide a layer of protection against wear & tear, extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing overall maintenance costs.

Benefits of Shotblast Rubber

Shotblast rubber offers numerous benefits to industries that require high levels of protection against abrasion and impact. Some of the key benefits include:

Durability

Shotblast rubber is an incredibly durable material that is designed to withstand heavy deterioration. It provides long-lasting protection against the movement of materials and is resistant to cuts, tears, and punctures. Due to its exceptional durability, shotblast rubber requires minimal maintenance, reducing the need for costly replacements and repairs.

Resilience

Shotblast rubber is highly resilient and can withstand impact without sustaining damage. It is capable of absorbing shocks, vibrations, and noise, reducing the risk of damage to equipment or surfaces. As a result, shotblast rubber can help extend the lifespan of equipment and increase overall productivity.

Chemical Resistance

Shotblast rubber is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for use in industries where exposure to corrosive materials is common. It can withstand exposure to acids, alkalis, oils, and solvents, providing reliable protection against the corrosive effects of these materials.

Noise Reduction

Shotblast rubber has excellent noise-reducing properties, making it an ideal material for use in noisy environments. It can absorb vibrations and reduce noise levels, providing a safer and more comfortable working environment for employees.

Cost-Effective

Shotblast rubber is a cost-effective solution for protecting equipment and surfaces against damages. Its exceptional durability and resilience help reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, resulting in cost savings over time. Additionally, its chemical resistance properties also help prevent damage to equipment, reducing repair and replacement costs.

Types of Shotblast Rubber

There are two main types of shotblast rubber: tan and black. Tan shotblast rubber is also known as Para Natural (Pure gum) and is made from natural rubber. Black shotblast rubber is made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber, with carbon black added for colour. Both types of shotblast rubber offer excellent abrasion and impact resistance, as well as a range of other benefits. However, they differ in their physical properties and are best suited for different applications.

Tan shotblast rubber is softer and more flexible than black shotblast rubber, with a Shore A hardness rating of 40-60. It offers excellent resilience and tear strength, as well as good resistance to acids, alkalis, and abrasion. Tan shotblast rubber is commonly used in applications such as chute lining, conveyor skirts, and wear strips.

Black shotblast rubber is harder and more durable than tan shotblast rubber, with a Shore A hardness rating of 60-80. It offers excellent resistance to abrasion, impact, and tearing, as well as good resistance to oil and chemicals. Black shotblast rubber is commonly used in applications such as shotblast cabinet lining, heavy-duty scraper blades, and wear-resistant parts.

In addition to tan and black shotblast rubber, there are also coloured variations available, such as red shotblast rubber. These coloured variations offer the same physical properties as their tan or black counterparts, but with the added benefit of colour-coding for easy identification and organisation.

Choosing the Right Shotblast Rubber

Types of abrasive material used

The type of abrasive material used in shot blasting can affect the wear and tear on shotblast rubber. Common abrasive materials include steel grit, aluminium oxide, and crushed glass. Steel grit is highly effective but can cause significant wear and tear, while aluminium oxide is less abrasive but still requires a durable elastomeric material. Crushed glass is a newer, cost-effective option but can also cause significant wear and tear.

Level of abrasion resistance required

The level of abrasion resistance required for shotblast rubber will depend on the specific application and operating conditions of the equipment. Factors to consider include the type and intensity of the abrasive material used, as well as the frequency and duration of the shot blasting process. Careful evaluation of the level of abrasion resistance required can help ensure optimal performance and durability while reducing maintenance costs.

Operating conditions of equipment

The operating conditions of the equipment including temperature, humidity and exposure to chemicals or corrosive substances are important factors to consider when choosing the right shotblast rubber. Extreme temperatures, for example, can cause rubber to become brittle and crack, reducing its effectiveness as a protective lining. Similarly, exposure to chemicals or corrosive substances can cause degradation of the rubber, compromising its ability to provide effective protection. Understanding the specific operating conditions of the equipment can help in selecting the right shotblast rubber that is best suited to withstand these conditions and provide long-lasting performance.

Different Shore A Hardness rating of Shotblast rubber

The Shore A hardness rating is measurement that determines the hardness of elastomeric materials and is highly important when choosing the correct shotblast rubber for your project. A lower rating means the rubber is softer and more flexible, making it good for applications where impact resistance is important. A higher rating means the rubber is harder and more durable, suitable for applications where abrasion resistance is important. The appropriate rating will depend on the specific application and operating conditions of the equipment.

Where can you buy Shotblast Rubber?

As a leading UK Supplier of rubber sheet and worldwide suppliers to industry, Delta Rubber Limited stock and supply a range of Shotblast Rubber products and components. Whether you require a full roll, sheet, cut strip or bespoke component, we offer Shotblast Rubber in a range of thicknesses, grades and customisable options to suit almost any application. 

Tan Shotblast Rubber Sheet 

We stock and supply Tan Shotblast Rubber a ‘Para-Natural’ (Pure Gum) elastomer in a range of thicknesses from 3mm to 10mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request), standard sheet sizes measuring 1400mm wide and in any length from a metre to a full 5 metre roll. Visit our online shop to purchase the specialist material, with next working day delivery and highly competitive prices.

Tan Shotblast Rubber Strip

If you would prefer us to cut your Tan Shotblast Rubber in-house, we offer the elastomer in cut strip form. Precision cut using our dynamic cut rubber stripping machine to ensure accuracy and precision in production and available in any width from 10mm – 500mm wide. To place a cut-rubber strip order, please contact us with your requirements today.

Bespoke Tan Shotblast Rubber Components 

We have the in-house manufacturing facilities to produce bespoke tan shotblast rubber components in almost any shape or size including gaskets, washers and O-Rings. Our continued investment into the latest cutting-edge machinery has allowed us to position ourselves as a leading UK rubber product manufacturer, with the know-how to overcome any technical challenge that may arise. For bespoke tan shotblast rubber components, contact us today and we will endeavour to provide a cost-effective quotation in return.

Black or Red Shotblast Rubber

If you require an alternative shotblast rubber unavailable online including different Shore A hardness grades, black shotblast rubber or red shotblast rubber, contact us and allow us to source the material for you. Our buying power means we have the capacity to source almost any elastomeric solution you may require, and we can pass vast savings directly onto you.