Why Is Rubber Lining Used In Steel Fabrication?

August 25, 2021

Steel, as we know and use it today, is a core pillar of industry, with its high tensile strength making it the alloy of choice for almost any job. This may surprise you, but it can be made even more versatile simply by adding rubber lining into the fabrication process. Below are a few of the reasons why steel fabrication can benefit from the addition of rubber lining.

1. Protection Against Corrosion

Rubber lining is primarily employed on substances as a way of preventing corrosion, and its use on steel is no exception. Corrosion is the slow and gradual damage of a substance, often due to moisture in the air, and is a fate that can befall any refined metal. It not only transforms the material into an eyesore but also eviscerates its structural integrity.
If you want to use steel for any reason, then leaving it vulnerable to corrosion is perhaps the worst risk you can take. Stainless steel is thought by many to be the solution to this, but it too will eventually corrode and rust if not properly maintained. Conversely, rubber lining can completely nullify the chance of corrosion, making it instrumental in your steel-based projects.

2. More Cost-Effective Than Similar Alternatives

If part of your project involves a steel pipe pumping out erosive and abrasive material, it could slowly wear away the pipe. Generally speaking, these pipes can be supplemented by High Chrome Alloys that can also resist corrosion and erosion – but this can be quite a costly procedure. Rubber lining not only costs less but can be replaced more easily.
There are similar linings such as ceramic lining that can be used in conjunction with your steel, but rubber is still typically more cost-effective in this scenario and much simpler to mount. Ceramic can be the way to go for some operations, however, such as coal preparation.

3. The Rubber Is Highly Versatile And Sustainable

Even ignoring the protection against corrosion, the rubber-lined steel lasts longer than most other alternatives. These rubber compounds are engineered from the ground up to help the steel sustain, survive, and even thrive.
Steel is often used for operations of varying temperatures, so the rubber is specially treated for both hot and cold extremes – from the hottest boilers to frigid pipes, rubber lining can prevent the steel from deforming or becoming brittle in the course of its use. On the topic of the versatility enjoyed by rubber lining, this lining can be quickly, easily, cheaply and effectively completed with the Autoclave machine.

At HardRok Engineering, we specialise in rubber lining and have used it to augment our steel for over a decade. Our custom design solutions have helped us serve North West Queensland and Tennant Creek with ease and with style. To discuss our services more, or to see about getting your steel professionally lined with rubber, please fill out our contact form – you can also give us a call on 07 4749 1770.