Drilling Rubber 1

[k1cart]

I am making a prototype out of rubber. I need to drill 3/4" holes in the rubber and I have no experience with machining or manufacturing of rubber. I am looking for any information to assist me (such as speeds and feeds).

Any Help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[btrueblood]

You might have better luck using a thin hollow tube with a sharp edge (e.g. a hollow punch, sometimes called a washer cutter or gasket cutter).

Sanding/grinding works okay for material removal (shaping), if cutting pressure is kept low.

Beyond that, if you must machine, try freezing the part first (freeze it in the vise/collet/holder to help it stay cold longer). Freezing it may help make the rubber stiffer and not flex as much when cutting/machining. Maybe try doing the machining inside a walk-in freezer...

 

[awol]

btrueblood is correct. We cut hundreds of holes in rubber each day with a hollow tube with sharpened end. Depending on the tolerance, sharpen the ID or the OD but not both. Allow a nesting area inside the tube for about three times the thickness of the part you are drilling. Hope this helps. Even with the correct tools, there is a technique to the rotational speed and plunge speed. Suggest practicing on scrap rubber before using on prototype.-Awol

 

[GrahamBennett]

Lubricate the punch with either water with a couple of drops of liquid soap disolved in it or with silicone oil (don't use mineral oils for this).

We use a laboratory cork/stopper borer to punch holes in sheets of rubber up to about 3/4" thickness.