Rubber grommets may be small, but they serve a wide range of uses both in industrial settings and daily life. Most people will recognize them from the holes in their shower curtain or shoes, but they can serve many purposes, especially in the world of machinery. What makes these little rubber rings so popular? Here are some advantages that rubber grommets present.
Make a Rough Metal Edge Smooth
Rubber grommets are most often used to create a smooth edge of a metal hole, usually through which another piece of metal or wire must pass. Placing a rubber grommet around the hole eliminates any metal-on-metal friction to allow other machinery pieces to pass through smoothly. This prevents the metal pieces from becoming damaged over time, as the rubber grommet protects them. It also can protect workers from cutting themselves on the sharp metal edge of the hole. In the automotive industry, rubber grommets protect wires, lines, and other cables from rubbing against metal surfaces. These small rings cut back on vibration when the motor is in motion and create an effective seal for motor parts under the hood.
More Weather-Resistant Over Time
Another important advantage of using rubber grommets over plastic or metal ones is their ability to stand up to different environmental phenomena over time. Unlike metal grommets, rubber ones will not rust in perpetually wet or humid weather. They are also able to withstand high temperatures, a key feature in both the automotive and industrial machinery worlds where parts are regularly subjected to high heat. In fact, rubber grommets can handle a much wider temperature range than those made of other materials, making them suitable in both warm and cold climates. In addition, they are more durable against the negative effects of UV rays and ozone depletion and will not dry out or crack over time.
Faster and Simpler Installation
Unlike most grommets, which consist of two pieces that lock together on either side of the material, rubber grommets do not require a lock nut to hold them in place. As a result, they take half the time to install because they are only positioned on one side of the material. This feature also makes them ideal for machine parts that don't have much space for a more cumbersome, two-piece grommet set. Rubber grommets are a good choice for places such as motors and small engine parts where space is at a premium. These grommets do not need to be screwed or hammered into place, negating the need to spend extra time installing them with additional tools. Once in place, the rubber grommet creates an effective seal against the surrounding material, so no additional plug or other hardware is needed.
Custom Fit for Any Job
Often in industrial machinery, rubber grommets need to be custom made to fit the exact parameters of the machine into which they will be inserted. Unlike metal grommets, rubber grommets are less expensive to have custom made to exact specifications. From tiny rubber grommets used to protect electrical wiring to larger automotive sizes, rubber grommets are easily able to span the variety of uses for which they are well suited. When working with a custom fit rubber grommet, you're able to specify the strength, diameter, thickness, and even color of the grommet that will work best for your needs. These rubber grommets will create an effective seal to protect otherwise rough edges or delicate parts that need to pass through them. There are many many different types of rubber grommets available for a variety of uses. They can be manufactured at a lower cost than grommets created out of other materials for an economic and practical advantage over others.
