Make the Best out of Devcon® Flexane® Rubber Repair Adhesives

The Best Repair for Rubber Blog Post image

Within industries such as mining, petrochemical and industrial manufacturing, rubber components are often exposed to extreme conditions from both rigorous use or environmental degradation causing integrity damage. These include constant abrasion, heat, moisture, and chemical and UV exposure, all of which can weaken the rubber parts. Over time, any of these will lead to cracks, tears, and other forms of damaging degradation.

Routine rubber maintenance using rubber epoxy or polyurethanes is essential to either extend the lifetime of equipment or to maintain efficient operations. Well maintained rubber systems help reduce the risk of unexpected costly failures and reduce safety risks to workers. 

Industrial Rubber Repair

Devcon Flexane rubber solutions provide flexibility, solid adhesion, and resistance to environmental influences such as heat, moisture, and chemicals. By choosing the correct rubber repair adhesives (and rubber repair kits), you can achieve long-lasting repairs and prevent expensive replacements of rubber elements. Devcon Flexane is a versatile material that can be used for a range of rubber repairs, including: 

  • Conveyor belt repair: Conveyor belts often suffer from gouges, tears, abrasion and normal wear. Devcon R-Flex flexible repair solutions (urethane) give a rapid and efficient way to repair these belts, reducing lost time and avoiding further damage.
  • Rubber repair: Polyurethane-based products like Devcon Flexane are excellent for repairing high-stress rubber components due to their superior tear resistance, flexibility, and durability. By using these polyurethane rubber repair coatings and products, one can not only extend the lifespan of the components, but also, reduces costly replacements and minimize equipment downtime.
  • Tear Resistance: Another requirement for applications in mining and industrial sectors is the use of tear-resistant coatings. Rubber parts in these industries often suffer wear from heavy abrasive materials, sharp objects, and other power equipment. Devcon Flexane also acts as tear-resistant coating to rubber components. As a protectant coating, it can have a significant impact on their service life, improving their resistance to damage and reducing the need for regular repairs.  

When choosing the right rubber repair adhesives (or coatings) for industrial applications, it’s essential to consider factors like the type of rubber material, its hardness, and the proper surface preparation procedure. To best fit your application Devcon Flexane products come in various hardness levels and are offered in liquid, putty, and cartridge forms. 

Surface Preparation and Flexane Primer System

For optimized results when using Devcon Flexane Repair Systems its recommended to follow the correct surface preparation methods and any priming system that may be advised. The table below is an example of typical preparation methods seen on the products’ technical literature: 

Substrate

Primer

Recommended Surface Preparation

Natural Rubber (NR) + Polyurethane (PUR)

FL-20

40 Grit abrasion + Solvent Clean

SBR and “Hard to Bond” Rubber

R-Flex Surface Conditioner

40 Grit abrasion + Solvent Clean

Refer to the product Technical Data Sheets for detailed procedures and proper drying times.

Conclusion

Devcon Flexane rubber repair adhesives (or coatings) offer an effective solution for repair and preventive protection with their versatility, providing resistance to a wide range of stresses and environmental factors. Whether repairing conveyor belts, high-stress rubber components, or applying a tear-resistant coating protection, these systems help extend the life of rubber parts and reduce downtime in challenging industrial environments. This makes Devcon Flexane a valuable asset for industries that rely on rubber components.

For Quality Always Specify Devcon.

View all our Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets. Need some help? Ask a technical question and find a solution!   

Further reading: Durability With Devcon® Protective Coatings: Proven In Multiple Industries and The Top Four Types Of Wear Impacting Industrial Equipment.

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