Rubber-to-metal bonding is a term that is generally used to describe the process of establishing an adhesive bond between a metal substrate and an elastomer simultaneously with the cure of the elastomer itself. In other words, the elastomer molding operation and the metal bonding operation are combined in the same process. This, of course, differs from post-vulcanization bonding of rubber, which employs previously cured elastomer and conventional adhesives (epoxies, urethanes, etc.) to make the bond.
Usually, the best bond between an elastomeric compound and a substrate is obtained from the rubber-to-metal bonding process. The bond strength is generally greater than the strength of the elastomer, and the failure mode is usually within the elastomer. Durability and resistance to environmental factors such as weather, oil, and chemicals are quite good and sufficient for a wide variety of industrial applications. The rubber-to-metal bonding process is also well suited for most molding operations and eliminates processes and materials that are necessary in post-vulcanization bonding.