To many, it may seem like the production of rubber tires is a risky venture. However, these wheels are produced in large quantities every day. Yet, there is not much variance in how a tire is made.
Tires are made from compressed rubber, a binding material, and a tread or type of the tire’s core. Of course, this is under simplification, but if you want to know more about rubber bales, read on.
Collecting Latex From Rubber Trees
To make rubber bales, latex must first be collected from rubber trees. This is typically done by inciting the tree’s bark and containing the latex that seeps out. The latex is then collected in cups or bags and brought to a rubber processing facility.
The Vulcanization Process
The vulcanization process was discovered in 1839 by Charles Goodyear and is still used today to create rubber bales. First, the raw rubber is mixed with sulfur, which helps to make it more durable.
Next, the rubber is pressed into bales, which are then vulcanized or cured, by heating them in giant ovens. This process makes the rubber more robust and more elastic, which is ideal for use in tires and other products.
Rubber granulators are machines used for grinding bales of rubber into smaller pieces. The bales are first placed into the machine and then crushed into smaller pieces. The granulator produces small amounts of rubber that can be used in various applications.
Types of Rubber Bale
A rubber bale is a large, round, compacted bundle of raw, vulcanized rubber. It is the primary form of rubber that is traded internationally.
The typical dimensions of a bale of rubber are 1.5 meters in diameter and 1.2 to 1.4 meters in height. The weight of a rubber bale varies depending on the moisture content of the rubber but is typically between 500 and 600 kilograms.
There are two types of rubber bales, pressed and dense. Pressed bales are made by combining chopped rubber with a binder, usually latex, and pressing the mixture into bales. Dense bales are made from granulated, or crumb rubber held together by steel bands.
Both types of the bale are used in the manufacture of rubber products. Pressed bales are used to make flat products such as sheets and mats. Dense bales are used to make molded products such as tires and hoses.
Uses of Rubber Bales
Rubber bales have many industrial and commercial uses beyond their original purpose of being used as a raw material for vulcanized rubber production. They can be used as fuel in power plants, as an absorbent for oil spills, as a weight in construction projects, and as ballast in ships. They can also be shredded and used as mulch or as a component in asphalt.
Rubber bales are also used in the construction of buildings and as a form of insulation. These are also used in producing rubber products such as tires and soles for shoes.
The Future of Rubber Bales
As the world looks for ways to become more sustainable, rubber bales are an often overlooked option. Rubber bales can be a sustainable and eco-friendly option for many different uses, from car tires to roofing tiles.
While there are many uses for rubber bales, the future of rubber bales is even more promising. As the world looks for ways to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, rubber bales could play a significant role in the future.
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