Rubber parts are ubiquitous across many industries today, from automotive to consumer goods. If you are looking for a manufacturer for your own unit, you will find plenty of choices among Indian manufacturers. Today many small and medium scale manufacturers have created a significant markets as exporters of rubber parts.
The rubber and plastic industry is one of the key sectors in the Indian economy. In fact, India is the fourth largest consumer and the third largest producer in the world. The industry has a mix of large, medium and small-scale units with small units numbering in thousands. There are more than 6000 units working in the industry today. Today the industry produces more than 35,000 highly engineered rubber parts, many of which are used in infrastructural projects.
While the major consumption of the rubber industry is in the domestic sector, a sharp increase of demand in the US and EU is expected to boost in exports in this sector.
Type of Rubber
There are different types of rubber production units: natural rubber, synthetic rubber and reclaimed rubber. Most of the demand today is for synthetic rubber, which is a type of elastomer. These are used extensively in a range of products, especially in the automotive industry where we need rubbers with high resistance to temperature and weathering. Whether you need synthetic rubber or natural, be clear on the type of rubber being manufactured. Some units may offer more than one type of rubber. You should look for industries that specialise in a type.
Processing of Rubber
Rubber is processed in many ways. It can be cured, treated with catalysts or vulcanised. All these processes are selected as per the usage of the rubber. For instance, vulcanisation is a process we used when we want to improve the elasticity and strength. It also makes the rubber more durable. The vulcanisation of synthetic rubber, especially silicon rubber, increases the properties associated with rubber, while reducing the plastic properties. If your product requires specific type of processing, be clear on the type of manufacturing you are looking for. Many exporters of rubber parts offer all three processes. However, you should clarify this from the beginning.
Customization
Rubber parts are used in many ways. A lot of this requires customization. For instance, if you are building an entirely new product, you want it to be designed exactly as per your parameters. One of the most frequent use of rubber parts is in sealing, such as Ain sealing engine compartments. This is a critical function in many designs where customization becomes critical. The wrong dimensions can make a part redundant or dangerous when used in the final assembly. You need complete customization of parts where the rubber is built exactly as per specifications. Only then can it make an effective sealant.
Scale of Manufacturing
Keep in mind that a parts manufacturer is an important supplier for your own unit. Your scale will depend on the scale of your suppliers. You can expand only if your suppliers can also keep up. Decide you own requirements and then find out your suppliers capabilities. Many smaller firms may be cost effective, but limited by their scale of production. While you evaluate your requirement, you must also make a fair assessment of future needs. See if your supplier can keep up with an increase in production values.
R&D Team
Not every rubber part manufacturer has an in-house R&D team, neither does everyone need it. If you have your own design team and are sure of the part that you want or if your requirement is limited to a standard design, you don’t need a unit supported by R&D. But if you don’t have these in-house capabilities or want a manufacturer who works with cutting-edge technology, then you may want to go for a company with an in-house R&D team.
Export capability
If you are looking for competent exporters of rubber parts the first thing you have to check is their export capability. Do they have the required licenses and permits? Do they meet the required manufacturing standards you need? Can they meet deadlines and transport requirements? These issues must be clarified at the very beginning.
