This image was created with artificial intelligence – marked under Art. 50 of the AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. It is a placeholder until the company's photos arrive.Rubber sheets with inserts (fabric, steel) – when are they worthwhile?
When are rubber sheets with fabric or steel reinforcement worthwhile? Differences, advantages, areas of application and technical selection guide.
Rubber sheets are used in industry for a wide range of applications – from technical seals and machine mounts to vibration-damping or load-bearing protective surfaces. In many areas, high mechanical forces, changing loads, pressure or tensile stresses act on the material permanently. Standard rubber sheets quickly reach their limits.
For this reason, reinforced rubber sheets with fabric or steel inserts are used. The integrated reinforcements significantly improve stability, tear strength and dimensional stability. At the same time, the service life of the components increases even under continuous load.
Rubber sheets with inserts play an important role above all in mechanical engineering, plant engineering, vehicle construction and in technical industrial applications. They ensure robust constructions, reduce deformation and enable safe use even under demanding conditions.
What are rubber sheets with inserts?
Rubber sheets with inserts consist of an elastic base material that is supplemented by additional reinforcement layers. These inserts are integrated directly into the material during production and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the rubber sheet. The aim of the reinforcement is to increase load-bearing capacity and make the material more resistant to tensile forces, compressive loads or continuous stress.
Depending on the area of application, different types of reinforcement are used. Fabric inserts made from textile materials are particularly common, as are steel inserts for high loads and extreme stability requirements. This combination produces technical rubber sheets that are significantly more dimensionally stable and longer-lasting than simple elastomer sheets.
Reinforced rubber sheets play an important role above all in large-area seals, mechanically loaded mounts or industrial protection solutions. They help to reduce deformation, avoid material cracks and increase safety during operation.
When is a standard rubber sheet sufficient?
For many standard applications, classic rubber sheets without additional reinforcement are entirely sufficient. This applies above all to low mechanical load, small contact surfaces or applications without strong tensile and compressive forces.
Typical examples are simple protective pads, light seals or elastic mounts with low continuous load. In such areas, the focus is usually on flexibility, ease of processing and low costs.
However, as soon as higher forces, continuous load or strong deformation occur, reinforced rubber sheets offer clear advantages in terms of stability and service life.
Difference between fabric insert and steel insert
Rubber sheets with fabric insert
Fabric inserts usually consist of polyester, cotton, nylon or special technical fibres. The incorporated fabric layers increase the tensile strength and significantly improve the dimensional stability of the rubber sheet.
Typical properties are reduced material elongation, higher tear propagation resistance and better load-bearing capacity combined with good flexibility. Fabric-reinforced rubber sheets are frequently used in dynamic applications where movement, vibration or changing loads occur.
Rubber sheets with steel insert
Steel inserts are used when particularly high compressive forces or heavy loads occur. The integrated metal reinforcements create a very stable construction with high load-bearing capacity and low deformation.
Steel-reinforced rubber sheets are particularly suitable for machine foundations, press systems or industrial heavy-duty applications. They offer maximum stability under high continuous load.
Comparison: standard rubber sheet, fabric insert or steel insert?
A classic rubber sheet without reinforcement is mainly suitable for simple applications with low load. It is flexible, easy to process and economical for standard applications.
Fabric inserts primarily improve tensile strength and dimensional stability. As a result, these variants are particularly suitable for moving or mechanically stressed applications.
Steel inserts offer the highest stability and are used above all with heavy machines or high compressive loads. However, this also increases the weight and makes processing more complex.
The right solution therefore always depends on load, mobility, environment and service life requirements.
Practical example from mechanical engineering
A machine manufacturer originally used simple rubber sheets under vibration-loaded systems. However, the continuous mechanical load regularly led to material deformation and premature wear.
After switching to fabric-reinforced rubber sheets, dimensional stability increased significantly. At the same time, material elongation under load was reduced, which extended the service life of the components used.
In another application, steel-reinforced rubber sheets were used under heavy production systems. The integrated steel inserts ensured more even load distribution and considerably reduced deformation under continuous load.
When are fabric inserts worthwhile?
Fabric-reinforced rubber sheets are particularly suitable for applications with:
- tensile load
- movement
- vibrations
- changing forces
- mechanical stress
Typical areas of use:
| Application | Advantage of the fabric insert |
|---|---|
| Seals | Higher dimensional stability |
| Conveyor technology | Improved tear strength |
| Mechanical engineering | Less material elongation |
| Rubber mats | Higher load-bearing capacity |
| Vibration protection | More stable construction |
Particularly with large-area seals or technical cut pieces, the fabric insert ensures significantly more stable results.
A typical example from mechanical engineering is seals on large maintenance hatches or housings. Without reinforcement, the material can warp or expand under continuous contact pressure. A fabric insert keeps the shape considerably more stable. In conveyor systems or vibrating machine areas too, the textile reinforcement considerably increases the service life of the rubber sheets used.
When are steel inserts worthwhile?
Steel-reinforced rubber sheets are used when high loads or extreme forces occur.
This applies, for example, to:
- heavy machines
- press systems
- industrial plants
- storage technology
- vibration damping with high weights
Typical advantages:
| Load | Advantage of the steel insert |
|---|---|
| High compressive load | Less deformation |
| Point load | Higher stability |
| Continuous load | Longer service life |
| Heavy machines | Safe load absorption |
In many applications, the steel inserts additionally serve as a supporting structure.
A typical area of use is machine foundations or heavy production systems. Here, permanently high forces act on the rubber sheets. The integrated steel inserts ensure that the material deforms only minimally even under high weight and that the load is distributed evenly.
Technical properties of reinforced rubber sheets
Typical technical properties at a glance
| Property | Fabric insert | Steel insert |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | High | Very high |
| Compressive load capacity | Medium to high | Very high |
| Flexibility | High | Lower |
| Weight | Medium | High |
| Dimensional stability | High | Very high |
| Typical applications | Dynamic load | Heavy-duty areas |
Depending on the material and reinforcement, the technical properties of the rubber sheets differ considerably. Shore hardness, temperature resistance, tensile strength and compressive load capacity are particularly important.
Softer rubber sheets with low Shore hardness offer better damping properties and are suitable for vibration-loaded applications. Harder variants absorb higher compressive forces and remain dimensionally stable even under load.
Fabric inserts mainly improve tensile strength and reduce material elongation. Steel inserts, by contrast, increase compressive stability and load-bearing capacity under heavy loads.
Temperature resistance also depends heavily on the elastomer used. EPDM, for example, is well suited to outdoor areas and high weather exposure, while FKM is also used at high temperatures and with aggressive media.
Advantages of reinforced rubber sheets
- Higher load-bearing capacity: Reinforced rubber sheets withstand significantly higher mechanical forces than simple elastomer sheets.
- Less material elongation: Fabric or steel inserts reduce deformation under load and improve stability.
- Longer service life: The additional reinforcement protects the material better against wear and material fatigue.
- Higher operational safety: In technical applications, reinforced rubber sheets ensure more stable and safer constructions.
- Better dimensional stability: Even under continuous load, the original shape is retained considerably more consistently.
Limits and disadvantages
Depending on the application, reinforced rubber sheets also come with limitations.
| Point | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher weight | More complex processing |
| Lower flexibility | Less adaptable |
| Higher material costs | More expensive solution |
| More complex machining | Cut to size more difficult |
Steel inserts in particular increase the weight and make processing more difficult.
Which reinforcement suits which application?
The choice of the right reinforcement depends heavily on the subsequent load and the area of use. Fabric inserts are particularly suitable for applications with movement, tensile forces or recurring mechanical load. They are frequently used in technical seals, conveyor systems or flexible industrial applications where good stability combined with high flexibility is required.
Steel inserts, by contrast, are used when high compressive loads or strong point loads occur. Typical areas of use are heavy machines, press systems, industrial storage technology or vibration-loaded constructions with high weight. The steel reinforcement ensures maximum stability and reduces deformation even under continuous load.
Material thickness also plays an important role. Thinner rubber sheets with fabric insert are frequently suitable for technical seals or flexible machine applications. Thicker, steel-reinforced variants, by contrast, are used with heavy loads, machine mounts or industrial protection systems.
In addition, Shore hardness influences the properties of the rubber sheet. Softer materials offer better damping properties, while harder variants can absorb higher compressive loads. The right choice therefore always depends on load, environment, temperature and duration of use.
Typical materials for reinforced rubber sheets
Depending on the area of use, reinforced rubber sheets are combined with different elastomers. The choice of material influences, among other things, the temperature resistance, the chemical resistance and the mechanical properties of the finished rubber sheet.
EPDM is frequently used for outdoor applications, as the material is very resistant to weather, UV radiation and moisture. EPDM is therefore particularly suitable for industrial outdoor applications or technical protection solutions.
NBR is used above all in oil- and fuel-containing environments. The material is frequently used in mechanical engineering, in workshops or in technical sealing applications where contact with lubricants or oils occurs.
SBR impresses with good mechanical properties and high load-bearing capacity. This material is frequently used for rubber mats, machine mounts or industrial protective surfaces.
Neoprene offers good resistance to weather and various chemicals. This makes the material suitable for many technical applications in an industrial environment.
FKM is mainly used in demanding areas with high temperatures or aggressive chemicals. This material plays an important role particularly in plant engineering or in special applications.
Depending on the application, elastomer, reinforcement, Shore hardness and material thickness must be precisely matched to one another. Further information on technical elastomers can also be found on the relevant material pages and application areas in the Martan Gummi range.
Common mistakes when selecting
- Reinforcement too weak: Insufficient reinforcement frequently leads to rapid material fatigue under high load.
- Wrong elastomer: The reinforcement improves stability but does not replace chemical or thermal resistance.
- Construction too rigid: Steel inserts are mainly suitable for rigid applications with high load.
- Load incorrectly assessed: Tensile, compressive and shear forces must be considered separately during selection.
Assessing types of load correctly
When selecting reinforced rubber sheets, different types of load must be considered separately. Many material problems arise because compressive, tensile and shear forces are incorrectly assessed.
Compressive loads occur, for example, under machine feet or heavy systems. Here, dimensional stability in particular plays an important role. Tensile forces, by contrast, frequently occur in moving constructions or large-area seals.
In addition, vibrations, changing loads or point loads act on the material in many applications. The right combination of elastomer and reinforcement ensures that the rubber sheet remains stable in the long term.
Standards and technical requirements
In industrial applications, rubber sheets frequently have to meet certain technical requirements. These include, for example, temperature resistance, compressive load capacity, media resistance or defined hardness ranges.
Long-term operational safety plays an important role above all in mechanical engineering, plant engineering or conveyor technology. Material, reinforcement and construction should therefore always be chosen to suit the subsequent application.
With technical seals or industrial mounts, precise cut pieces and uniform material properties are also important in order to ensure permanently reliable function.
Processing and cutting reinforced rubber sheets to size
The processing of reinforced rubber sheets differs considerably from simple elastomer sheets. Above all with fabric or steel inserts, the demands on cutting to size, machining and assembly increase.
Fabric-reinforced rubber sheets can usually still be cut and processed relatively flexibly. Steel inserts, by contrast, increase stability considerably and frequently require special tools or industrial machining processes.
With technical cut pieces, exact dimensional accuracy also plays an important role. Particularly with seals or machine mounts, material thickness, load and insert must be precisely matched to the application.
Which rubber sheet is suitable for which load?
For light to medium mechanical loads, classic rubber sheets without additional reinforcement are frequently sufficient. However, as soon as tensile forces, high compressive loads or continuous mechanical stress occur, reinforced variants are considerably more durable and safer.
Fabric inserts are particularly suitable for dynamic applications with movement or vibration. Steel inserts bring their advantages to bear above all with heavy loads, machine foundations or continuous compressive stress.
For applications with high oil exposure, NBR in combination with a fabric insert is frequently suitable. In outdoor areas or under UV exposure, by contrast, EPDM is often used. Heavily loaded industrial plants frequently benefit from steel-reinforced constructions.
In addition to the type of reinforcement, the elastomer, material thickness and Shore hardness must also suit the application. Only the interaction of all factors ensures a permanently load-bearing solution.
Decision aid: which solution is suitable when?
For light applications with low mechanical load, classic rubber sheets without reinforcement are frequently sufficient.
Under tensile load, movement or vibration, fabric-reinforced rubber sheets offer clear advantages in terms of stability and service life.
As soon as high compressive forces, heavy machines or continuous point loads occur, steel-reinforced variants are considerably better suited.
For oil-containing environments, NBR is frequently used, while EPDM is particularly suitable for outdoor areas and weather influences. High temperatures or aggressive media, by contrast, often require special materials such as FKM.
The right combination of elastomer, reinforcement, Shore hardness and material thickness ensures a long-lasting and technically safe solution.
The right reinforcement for long-term load-bearing applications
Rubber sheets with inserts offer clear advantages wherever high mechanical loads, continuous stress or increased stability requirements occur. The additional reinforcement makes it possible to reduce deformation, increase service life and design technical applications considerably more safely.
Fabric inserts are particularly suitable for flexible applications with tensile stress, movement or vibrations. They improve dimensional stability and at the same time increase the tear propagation resistance of the material. Steel inserts are used above all with heavy machines, high compressive loads and demanding industrial applications where maximum stability is required.
For a permanently functioning solution, both the elastomer and the type of reinforcement must be precisely matched to the respective application. Factors such as temperature, media contact, type of load and duration of use play an important role here. A technically suitable combination ensures long-lasting, load-bearing and economical solutions in industrial use.
Companies that use rubber sheets for demanding applications benefit in particular from individual technical advice and cut-to-size pieces. This allows material, reinforcement and construction to be adapted precisely to the respective load.
FAQ on rubber sheets with inserts
When are rubber sheets with inserts worthwhile?
Rubber sheets with inserts are worthwhile when high mechanical loads, tensile forces, compressive forces or continuous deformation occur. The insert improves stability, service life and load-bearing capacity.
What is the difference between a fabric insert and a steel insert?
Fabric inserts primarily increase tensile strength and flexibility, while steel inserts are used for high compressive loads, heavy loads and maximum dimensional stability.
When should a rubber sheet with fabric insert be used?
A rubber sheet with fabric insert is suitable for applications with movement, vibration, tensile load or changing forces, for example with technical seals or conveyor systems.
When is a steel-reinforced rubber sheet worthwhile?
A steel-reinforced rubber sheet is worthwhile with heavy machines, high compressive forces, point load or continuous load absorption in industrial applications.
Which materials are suitable for reinforced rubber sheets?
Frequently used materials are EPDM, NBR, SBR, neoprene and FKM. The choice depends on temperature, media contact, weather and mechanical load.
Can reinforced rubber sheets be cut to size?
Yes, reinforced rubber sheets can be cut to size precisely depending on the insert and material. With steel inserts, special machining processes are required.
Our rubber sheets
For industry and trade, we offer a wide range of rubber sheets.
SBR rubber sheet
Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from first-class styrene-butadiene rubber and stands out thanks to its outstanding physical properties.
EPDM rubber sheet
Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, which is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.
NBR rubber sheet
The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product that has been specially developed for applications where excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals is required.
Viton rubber sheet
The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is used for a wide range of industrial applications. Made from fluoro rubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.
FKM rubber sheet
The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is ideal for use in demanding industrial applications. Manufactured from fluoro rubber (FKM), it stands out thanks to a wide range of outstanding properties that make it the optimum choice for extreme operating conditions.
Silicone rubber sheet
The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class technical product that has been specially developed for applications that place high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.
PUR rubber sheet
The PUR rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product that has been developed for applications that place the highest demands on abrasion resistance and mechanical load-bearing capacity.
Neoprene rubber sheet
The neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile technical product that is ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
