Tacky Silicone Rubber

You may need to explain what you mean by "tacky" formulation a bit. There are lots of manufacturers that can mold parts. For that matter, you may want to do it yourself. That all depends on the quantity you want and so on.

I've often wondered what kind of rubber is used on printer rollers that pick up a single sheet of paper. I wouldn't call it "tacky" but it does seem to be a little bit of a trade secret. So, be prepared to hit a brick wall or two trying to find the "magic tack".

It may also lead to a better answer if you described what you were trying to do with this "tacky" rubber ring. Do you need chemical resistance or dirt resistance? Would a textured surface make a difference? Your advice will rarely exceed the quality of your question.

Contact these guys and ask their technical department. They are extremely good at what they do and will help you select the correct product for your needs.

Reynolds Advanced Materials

10856 Vanowen St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605

Phone: Toll-Free: (800) 348-4349
Local :(818) 358-6000

If this is the same quest as before, price will be a big problem:Tacky Polymer.

Maybe try the O-ring store...

http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=561_605_606

or these guys...

http://www.sealanddesign.com/

Call Vince ...but hurry cause he doesn't have all day.

I am looking for an reply from somebody who can give me a contact or who works at a Silicone Rubber molding company. The "tacky" silicone rubber that I am looking for is like that used for the washable lint rollers (sticky buddy) or even the silicone rubber that is used for covering wounds i.e. scar pads.

Arnold,

Since we don't know where you are it's hard to say.

My advice to you is to go here Search GlobalSpec and search for "custom molders", "contract manufacturers" or some such.

They make this stuff in China for a reason. $

Lyn,

I am in New Mexico (southwestern U.S.?). You are right, they make the TPR (thermoplastic rubber) tacky toys (wall walkers, etc.) in China. I allready have a Chinese supplier for the TPR rings. My parts are small - the material cost is not a big issue.

I want to try using a tacky silicone because even with UV stabilizers, the TPR breaks down under extended UV exposure. The tacky silicone formulations that I have found - "Silpuran" 2110, 2120, etc. - are made by WACKER - a German company. I am looking for a molder of slicone rubber to contact me. If you are not a silicone molder, you probably can't help me.

You are right. I can't help you.

Arnold, I found all sorts of companies through Google that provide custom silicone molding. Why not contact one of them? There are many that work in the medical field where Silpuran is used. Eg. www.cascobaymolding.com

Thanks TerraMan. I have found many silicone molders on the web. Unfortunately, most of them are just too "big-time" to work on my project. I will definitely take a look at the company you suggested.

It's a little like dating - I am foolishly looking for a posting from a small time rubber molder in pusuit of a new nich in the business.

SmoothOn has a wide range of silicone products. They are very helpful on the phone and the prices are right.

I have made my own silicone molds and parts from those molds using which perform better than the original parts did.

How big is this ring?

Not an advertisement...

They are an outstanding company and their technical support is top notch. Highly recommended.

They are listed under Reynolds Advanced Materials and their contact information is listed in a previous post.