Compression moulding is a particularly versatile process, which is used for the production of components and objects of all designs and dimensions. There are a number of techniques and numerous materials that can be used in this type of processing, but one of the most common is rubber, a raw material that can withstand extreme elastic deformation and be used for the manufacture of a wide range of products, with excellent characteristics of mechanical, thermal, physical and chemical resistance. 

GBL, specialised in the production of hydraulic and fluid-power seals, is equipped with an innovative machine inventory for the compression moulding of rubber. Our flexibility in production is the result of efficient diversification of equipment and processes, which allows us to guarantee the utmost flexibility both during production and finishing.

As well as the efficient industrialisation of processes, we also boast a highly qualified workforce, capable of analysing your needs and satisfying the requirements of each request with precision.

Explore our techniques, materials and the possibilities for production that we can offer you. 

GBL compression-moulding techniques 

GBL can provide you with support in the planning and manufacture of items to design, drawing on a range of methods, such as: 

• The injection technique, in which thermoplastics or elastomers are injected into the mould through high-pressure systems.
• The compression technique which sees rubber placed inside a heated mould and then pressed (with presses of up to 650 tons) to obtain the desired shape.
• Injection-compression methods, which draw on the best characteristics of each of the aforementioned techniques.

The advantages of compression moulding include the possibility of obtaining large components that are impossible to make with other techniques. It is an excellent choice for the manufacture of products with simple designs and with a low or medium production volume, while for moulding complex, extremely small or particularly numerous components, it is better to choose other systems.

Compression moulding rubber: for which products?

The GBL brand, part of the larger GB Group, is focused on the prototyping and production of hydraulic and fluid-power seals. With GBL’s know-how, you can create various categories of product with the rubber compression-moulding technique, such as: 

• Membranes in rubber and rubberised fabric, with advanced vulcanisation systems.
• Special O-rings of a diameter of between 0.8 mm and 1200 mm, made with avant-garde compounds and compliant with international directives.
• Seals in rubberised fabric for hydraulic cylinders and pistons.
• Seals for pumps and both low- and high-pressure valves (up to 600 bar).
• Clamps and scrapers made with our own polyurethane called

Compression moulding: materials

Over the years, GBL has gained extensive experience in the transformation of many categories of material, in order to satisfy and anticipate market demands. What raw materials can we process?

Compression moulding elastomers 

Elastomers are substances that are either natural or synthetic in origin, which have the typical physical and chemical properties of rubber, above all the ability to withstand considerable elastic deformation and always return to its original resting shape. 

The most important elastomers that we at GBL can handle include: 

• ACM
• EPDM
• FKM
• ECO
• VMQ
• FVMQ
• CR
• HNBR
• IIR
• NBR
• NBR-PVC
• SBR
• NR
• AU

Compression moulding plastic 

As well as rubber moulding, we can also process a range of thermoplastic polymers, which are highly malleable; this characteristic allows these materials to be moulded into finished products of all shapes and sizes, and then reacquire rigidity and resistance once the cooling and resting process has been completed. 

The thermoplastic materials that we process include:

• ABS
• PA6
• 6
• 6 FG
• PBT
• PC
• POM
• TPE
• TPU

Other types of material for moulding 

We can also process rubberised fabrics, i.e., elastomers reinforced with fabric such as cotton or aramid fibres, which optimise mechanical resistance at high pressure. 

In the event that the materials that we normally handle do not include the substance suited to your project, the Research & Development laboratories with which we collaborate can develop new materials with the chemical and physical properties suited to your needs, as always in compliance with the most stringent international regulations. 

Compression moulding thermosetting materials and rubber GBL 

Turning to GBL means having a reliable partner for the co-designing and the production of quality hydraulic and fluid-power seals, which can help you to achieve your goals in the widest range of industrial sectors, from automotive to food, and to the chemical sector.

The skilled figures in our technical department can analyse the requirements of your project and help you to choose solutions, processes and materials that are fully in line with your objectives. As always, in respect of the most stringent demands for safety, reliability and quality, and managed with a view to constant improvement. 

Are you looking for tailor-made compression-moulding processes for rubber? Contact us for specialised consultation!