Wet Blasting for Rubber Bond to Steel or Metal

What is the best process for preparing a metal surface for bonding to rubber. Although there are many options, the two most preferred options based on cost and quality, are wet blasting or chemical etching.

Wet blasting is an advanced and effective method for bonding rubber to steel. Guyson Wet blast systems do not require any glues or adhesives, which helps to create a strong, long lasting bond between rubber and steel. This process works by applying a  spray of wet abrasive material onto the surface of the metal, which roughens it up and creates a better grip for the rubber.

The wet abrasive also acts as a lubricant, allowing the rubber to smoothly slide into place without any bumps or tears in the surface of either material. With proper preparation and application, wet blasting is used to provide a secure bond between rubber and steel that will last for years with minimal maintenance required.

Chemical etching is also a process that can be used to create a bond between rubber and steel. This method of bonding involves using a chemical solution to etch or corrode the surface of the steel, creating small microscopic pores on the surface. These pores help to increase the surface area available for contact with the rubber, allowing for better adhesion in comparison to conventional gluing methods. With careful preparation and application, this method can be used to ensure a secure bond between rubber and steel that will last for years.

The downside is that the chemical etching process takes longer than industrial wet blasting.