Rubber Grommets: Their Uses and Types

Rubber grommets are a fairly common type of component that are often essential in many industries, including automotive, electrical, and plumbing. These small, simple devices are relied on to protect wires, cables, and pipes from abrasion and wear that may occur from contact with sharp metal edges. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of rubber grommets, allowing you to have a basic understanding of their general types and uses.

To accommodate the needs of various applications, rubber grommets may be designed and procured in various shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common variation is the standard, open grommet, and these are circular, flexible components that protect wires and cables within electrical assemblies. With their ease of installation and removal, open grommets are relied on by DIY enthusiasts and major businesses alike. In terms of installation, a rubber grommet will need to match the size of the drilled hole it is placed in, and one’s hands or a simple hand tool is all that is generally needed to press the component in so that it is secure.

Diaphragm grommets are another common variation, and they are designed to completely seal a hole so that no water or air is permitted to flow in or out of an assembly. Diaphragm grommets are most commonly found within automotive and industrial applications where assemblies are situated in harsh and hazardous environments. In these settings, the diaphragm grommet safeguards wires and cables from extreme temperatures, cables, and foreign substances, upholding optimal performance and longer service lives for assemblies.

Blind rubber grommets are a popular choice for sealing holes that are not currently in use, and these components are made from high-quality rubber materials. Similar to diaphragm rubber grommets, blind rubber grommets are used to establish a seal to prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture into an assembly. In terms of applications, one may find a blind rubber grommet in automotive, plumbing, or electrical settings.

For heavy-duty applications that cannot take full advantage of a more standardized rubber grommet, a grommet strip may be utilized. These products come in the form of durable, high-quality strips of rubber materials that are able to withstand exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Due to the shape of these strips, they are not typically used in holes, instead being placed within a recess or over the edge of a workpiece. Grommet strip products are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications alike where protection is needed against physical wear and abrasion.

While one may wonder if rubber grommets are truly more advantageous than a matching metallic one, there are certain reasons as to why rubber can be preferable. For one, rubber as a material is much more resistant to phosphoric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid. Additionally, these grommets can handle wider temperature ranges while also being easy to install and remove. In other instances, the flexibility of rubber may also be required for a particular assembly. Nevertheless, metal grommets can be highly beneficial for many operations, so the choice will come down to individual requirements and specifications.

Whether you are interested in producing a standard rubber grommet, diaphragm grommet, blind rubber grommet, or grommet strip, we at Electronics 3Sixty have everything you require ready for purchase at any time. Explore our website as you see fit, and take advantage of our online RFQ service which will allow you to receive a tailored solution that caters to your unique needs and restrictions alike. We are dedicated to providing customers the quickest turnarounds and most competitive prices, making our services unrivaled. Give us a call or email today and see why so many customers steadily depend on Electronics 3Sixty for their operational needs.

1. richard miller
2. Posted on May 8, 2023
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