There are many things that can be found around us and that we use in our day to day lives but that we are unaware of. These items are usually small, hard to notice, or do not directly affect us, so people have no interest in knowing what they are.
However, the chances are pretty high that these unnoticeable items actually have a very important purpose and that they are, more often than not, essential for keeping people safe from harm. Sometimes, they are not used for safety reasons but are meant for making our daily tasks easier and simpler or for making an item more practical. Other times, it can serve both purposes.
One such useful item is known as a rubber grommet and it has several different usages, as well as a few great advantages. So, if you are unfamiliar with what it is or are unsure of its purpose, here are some things to know.
What Is It?
You might know what a grommet is, but under its more familiar and commonly used term – eyelet. The name originated in the clothing industry and was used for naming a fastener type.
Today, they are inserted into materials such as metal, textile fabric, wood, and the likes and are typically produced from 3 materials – metal, rubber, and sometimes plastic. Although they generally serve the same purpose, each type has its own set of pros and cons and are as such, used in different industries.
Their Usage in Industries
The most common industries these eyelets can be found in include textile, clothing, manufacturing, and construction and can serve a few different purposes. They can be used for insulation and protection, to ensure safety and flexibility, as a mechanical buffer, for reducing damaging vibrations, and much more.
Metal eyelets are generally used to reinforce holes and can be found on clothing, footwear, household items, and other materials. They can generally be found on boots, sneakers, drawstring waistbands, shower curtains, flags, belts, and corsets. Sometimes, they are used purely for decorative purposes and can be made from a variety of metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, nickel, and others.
Plastic eyelets can be used similarly as the metal ones but offer a few other advantages. For example, they are perfect for outdoor use since they are more durable and resistant to corrosion, electricity, and extreme temperatures.
Rubber grommets differ the most in size and appearance and are the ones that are mainly used in construction, production, automotive, manufacturing, and other similar industries. They are mainly used to cover metal holes through which some kind of more sensitive material is put through and can also be used for sealing applications and as vibration buffers.
They are collared and flexible items so that they firmly fit around holes and they prevent not only wires from rubbing against the metal and getting damaged but also hoses, piping, airlines, and rope. These grommets also offer safety since they prevent electrical wiring from damage, subsequently preventing possible dangers such as electrocution or fires. They can also be utilized for furniture, especially for giving it a more finished and polished appearance.
Different Types, Shapes, and Material Options
Shapes & Types
Rubber grommets come in a variety of shapes which typically include a round, oval, blind hole, square, and special shape ones. They also generally come in 4 different types depending on their purpose and can be manufactured in numerous sizes. You can visit https://rubber-grommet.com/ if you are interested in learning more about this.
Rubber Material Options
There are different material types grommets can be made from with each material offering a different set of advantages.
1. Natural Rubber
It is highly durable, strong, and resistant to tension and tear, at the same time offering great insulation properties.
2. Neoprene
This material is optimal for outdoor use since it has great resistance properties to heat, weather, corrosion, and UV light. Subsequently, it can serve as a fire-retardant, meaning it is perfect to be used in products that are highly flammable.
3. Silicone
It best serves its purpose in the food and medical industries because it is safe to come in contact with food and skin. Silicone is also great since it can be produced in several colors and it is also an environmentally-friendly option.
4. Nitrile
Also referred to as Buna-N or NBR, it has great tensile strength and is highly resistant to fuel, water, and oil. Although it has less flexibility than other materials, it has superior strength and great resistance to abrasion and tear.
5. Fluoro Rubber
Fluoroelastomers or FKM rubber offers high chemical and thermal stability, meaning it is optimal for alkali and acid environments. It also offers low gas permeability and is highly durable, especially when it comes to aging and different weather conditions.
The Advantages
Although different materials offer varying resistance, durability, flexibility, and stability properties, all rubber grommets share some common strengths.
Generally, they are all weather-resistant, so there is no need to worry about extreme bad weather conditions or warehouse leaks. They are also greatly resistant to heat which is especially great for preventing machinery from overheating and for environments in which high electricity is used.
As such, they also offer protection to employees since rubber does not conduct electricity. Subsequently, they are not only durable in themselves, but also increase the durability of products. No matter what material is passed through a metal whole, you can rest assured it will not be frayed or damaged in any way by implementing rubber grommets.
Lastly, they are much more flexible and easier to implement. There is no need for manually screwing them into place and since they do not use a nut lock, they can be implemented from one side only, making the entire installation process fast and simple.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that these grommet types offer numerous benefits to many industries and that they are effective, practical, and extremely efficient long-term solutions. There is a wide range of sizes and types to choose from, so you will surely be able to find ones that suit all your needs.
