Cutting Natural Rubber or Silicone Rubber Wiper Blade

• Jun 20, 2006

• #2

NickE

Materials

Jan 14, 2003

1,570

US

I'd bet its a really shasrp knife.

 

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• Jun 20, 2006

• #3

IRstuff

Aerospace

Jun 3, 2002

44,899

US

I think they're extruded

TTFN

 

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• Jun 20, 2006

• Thread starter
• #4

TimtheToolMan

Mechanical

Jan 20, 2004

28

US

Some of the higher quality blades are cut and I assume this is after being molded or extruded. This will produce a cleaner edge.

 

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• Jun 20, 2006

• #5

Compositepro

Chemical

Oct 22, 2003

7,841

US

I will now have to inspect my wiper blades. Tim, at first your statement seemed to make sense. However it is highly unlikely that the blades are produced by cutting. The fact is that it is actually very unusual to want an "infitely" sharp edge. Such an edge will wear away almost immediately. Most sharp edges are actually very small radius curves and obviously such an edge would be most desireable on a squeegee. Such an edge would be molded as it is the most cost effective way to make suach a part.

 

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• Jun 20, 2006

• #6

IRstuff

Aerospace

Jun 3, 2002

44,899

US

The ends of mine are not from a mold.

TTFN

 

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• Jun 21, 2006

• Thread starter
• #7

TimtheToolMan

Mechanical

Jan 20, 2004

28

US

You are correct that a sharp edge is not what is desired. I should have said a very smooth, flash free edge, i.e.: minimal imperfections.

Here is a link showing that Bosch makes blades with a cut edge. It is interesting that ad mentions cut is for smoother movement.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IK8AU/002-0240994-8538437?v=glance&n=15684181

The actual product that I am really interested in is squeegee related and molded or extruded material lacks a high engough quality edge.

 

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• Jun 21, 2006

• #8

MacGyverS2000

Electrical

Dec 22, 2003

8,504

US

Before more confusion ensues, maybe it should be specified if we're talking about cuts at both ends of the wiper (setting its length) or cuts to the actual blade (edge cuts). In reading the responses so far, I could make both assumptions.


Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

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• Jun 21, 2006

• Thread starter
• #9

TimtheToolMan

Mechanical

Jan 20, 2004

28

US

We are talking about cutting the surface that is in contact with glass, not method of cutting to length.

 

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• Jun 21, 2006

• #10

M

MintJulep

Mechanical

Jun 12, 2003

10,250

JP

If I were asked to produce wiper blades with a cut edge I would certainly think about extruding two profiles in one, joined at the blade. Cut down the middle and voila, two blades with cut edges and no waste.

 

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• Jun 25, 2006

• #11

jons999

Automotive

Aug 16, 2002

61

US

Last time i replaced wiper inserts i remember seeing a parting line like they were cast in a mold. They werent high quality blades though.

-Jon

 

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• Jul 13, 2006

• #12

Acquest

Materials

Jan 14, 2005

1

US

Wiper blades are extruded, then cut to length. There is no reason to cut the contact edge and it would be difficult to get a perfectly straight and flat cut.

Also, I do not think that silicone rubber is used, unless it is used in a blend. If you want a quick and easy test for silicone rubber, burn it. Silicone rubber leaves a white char.

 

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• Jul 20, 2006

• #13

hacki72

Automotive

Jun 22, 2006

13

DE

Wiper blades are extruded and in most cases they use EPDM-rubber because of its stability against ozone and other environmental influences.
It is a co-extrusion method where they extrude a hard compound and as oft compound together.

-hacki

 

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• Jul 20, 2006

• Thread starter
• #14

TimtheToolMan

Mechanical

Jan 20, 2004

28

US

When blades are extruded what die and process steps are taken to ensure the edge is free of defects? A small defect would leave streaks on glass.

As Compositepro mentioned, ideally to improve product life, the edge would be a very small radius. Does anyone know how small the radius is?

 

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