Rubber Coated Fabric
Rubber-coated fabrics / Rubber-proofed textiles
Rubber-coated textiles, often referred to as technical coated textiles or rubber-proofed fabrics, combine the flexibility of fabric with the resilience and protective qualities of rubber. This fusion creates materials trusted across demanding sectors, including marine, aviation, and defence, while remaining versatile enough for countless other applications where safety, durability, and performance matter.
Our materials are produced using two proven manufacturing methods: spread coating and calender coating. Each technique delivers precise, reliable results tailored to the needs of specialist industries.
Spread Coating
Also known as knife coating, this method uses a precision blade to apply solvent based polymer coatings directly onto the fabric. The material is held under tension beneath the knife, allowing accurate control over coating thickness on one or both sides. After application, the solvent evaporates, leaving a clean polymer layer that is then cured at high temperatures in purpose-built ovens. This vulcanisation process locks in the final performance characteristics. For optimum results, the base fabric must have a tight, stable weave capable of being held tight throughout production.
Calender Coating
Calender coating achieves similar outcomes through a different approach. The fabric passes through heated rollers that singe away surface fibres, creating a smoother finish. As the material moves between the rollers, the rubber coating is applied simultaneously—an efficient process that allows both sides to be coated at once. Coating thickness is controlled by adjusting the nip between the rollers, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
Materials and Substrates
We work with a wide range of polymers and base fabrics to meet the needs of diverse applications:
Polymers:
- Natural Rubber (NR)
- SBR (SBR)
- Neoprene (CR)
- Hypalon (CSPE)
- Nitrile (NBR)
- Butyl (IIR)
- EPDM (EPDM)
- Silicone
- Viton (FKM)
- Polyurethane (P.U.)
- Vamac (ACM)
- Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)
- Epichlorohydrin (ECO)
Base Fabrics:
- Aluminium Foil
- Melinex Film
- Cotton
- Glass
- Nylon (Polyamide)
- Polyester (Terylene Dacron)
- Kevlar (Para‑Aramid)
- Polycotton
- Silica
- Carbon (Panox)
- Wool
- Metal