Rubber Extrusion: Drag, Pressure and Leakage

Drag, pressure, and leakage are important factors that affect the quality of the extruded rubber product in the rubber extrusion process.

Drag: Drag refers to the frictional force that occurs between the rubber material and the surface of the extrusion die or head. The drag force opposes the movement of the rubber material and is responsible for pulling the extruded product away from the die. The amount of drag is affected by various factors, including the die geometry, die land length, die swell, and the rheological properties of the rubber material.
If the drag force is too low, the rubber material may not be pulled away from the die properly, resulting in poor surface finish, incomplete filling, or even die swell. Conversely, if the drag force is too high, it can cause deformation, distortion, or breakage of the extruded product.

Pressure: Pressure refers to the force exerted by the rubber material against the walls of the extrusion die or head. The pressure is created by the movement of the rubber material through the die, and it is affected by various factors, including the temperature, viscosity, and flow rate of the rubber material.
If the pressure is too low, the rubber material may not fill the die properly, resulting in incomplete filling and surface defects. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, it can cause die swell, extrusion instability, and even die breakage.

Leakage: Leakage refers to the escape of the rubber material through gaps or openings in the extrusion die or head. Leakage can occur due to various reasons, including poor die design, inadequate sealing, and excessive pressure.
If there is excessive leakage, it can cause product defects such as surface irregularities, inconsistent dimensions, and reduced mechanical properties. Leakage can also lead to waste of material and increased production costs.

In conclusion, drag, pressure, and leakage are important factors that affect the quality of the extruded rubber product. By optimizing these factors, it is possible to produce extruded rubber products with consistent dimensions, surface finish, and mechanical properties.

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