Flexible connectors play a vital role in a range of applications, most commonly for pipe coupling, batching cement into the trucks, and the feeding of product from a conveyor belt into a chute. Our range of flexible connector products can be manufactured from a range of suitable rubber, aramid and silicone materials to provide excellent resistance to abrasion and weather, as well as needle-felt socks and sleeves often used in particle filtration.
All our connectors can be made to bespoke specifications and our expert technicians are available to assist in choosing the right materials for every application.
These rubber sleeves, sometimes known as socks, are ideal connectors for PVC pipes, cement hoses, hopper discharge and any application designed to transfer product from pipes, hoses and conveyors to containers at low pressure. Our joined or vulcanised rubber sleeves can be manufactured from our range of rubber sheet materials at any diameter required, and have excellent resistance to weathering and abrasion while being easy to clean after use.
Available as square, rectangular, straight and tapered, these vulcanised connectors form flexible, leak-proof seals between components typically used to transfer aggregates, powders and food. They can be made from any rubber in our sheet materials stock, with white FDA food-grade silicone and blue metal-detectable FDA rubber being the usual choice for the transfer of consumable products in food processing applications. Flanges can also be incorporated where required.
Commonly known as silicone coated Kevlar, this is an extremely durable material with an operating temperature high of 220 °C, and a food-approved, non-stick coating. The combination of durability, temperature resistance and FDA approval makes it an ideal material for connecting to compensators and chutes in food and pharmaceutical applications, as well as transferring concrete and connecting ducts in aircraft.
This robust material provides excellent separation performance and the socks and sleeves we fabricate from it are typically used in high dust applications such as metalwork, mining, cement processing and chemical processing, keeping the exterior environment safely particle-free as it transfers dust to a collector. It is also available as a food-safe option, particularly in the processing of powders such as sugar or flour.
We manufacture flexible connectors in-house using precision CNC machines, including knife tables and punch presses. Whether producing small batches or large runs, our rigorous, quality-assured processes ensure the highest standards and application compatibility of all products.
We also offer a bespoke manufacturing service that may require reverse engineering connectors from an original component or the complete design and fabrication of a new connector to suit a specific component that meets all required regulations. Our fast, accurate and cost-effective flexible connector solutions are trusted by customers around the world and used across a wide range of industries.
Flexible connectors can be manufactured from a range of materials, though most commonly use rubber or rubber composites. Our technicians can provide expert advice on the best materials to suit the application and conditions of use. These may include a requirement for water, oil or chemical resistance or, in the case of food and pharmaceutical processing, the use of FDA-approved silicone connectors.
Please get in touch if you need help and advice about materials. Our experienced team will be happy to help.
Various types of materials offer specific advantages for flexible connectors, optimising their performance under different conditions of heat, moisture, and pressure. Below, we've outlined some common rubber and rubber polymers to guide you in understanding their operational characteristics in flexible connectors. For more information on selecting the ideal material for your flexible connector application, please don't hesitate to contact us.
| Materials | Temperature Range | Max PSI/BAR | PN Range | Download |
| Butyl | min - 40 max 120 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| EPDM | min - 40 max 120 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Natural (Pure Gum) | min -25 max 70 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Neoprene | min -30 max 120 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Neoprene - Cloth Inserted | min -30 max 120 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Nitrile (NBR, Buna-N) | min -30 max 120 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| SBR (Red Rubber) | min -20 max 70 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| SBR - Cloth Inserted | min -20 max 70 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Silicone | min -90 max 225 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Viton | min -20 max 275 °C | 10 bar | 2.5/320 | |
| Prekev Rubberised Cloth | min -250 max 300 °C | 35 bar | 2.5/320 | Prekev Rubberised Cloth datasheet |
| Materials | Max Temperature | Max PSI/BAR | PN Range |
| Silicone Coated Aramid Fibre | 220°C | 150 | 2.5/320 |
| Materials | Max Temperature | Max PSI/BAR | PN Range |
| Needle Felt Filter | 150°C | 150 | 2.5/320 |
Our highly experienced technicians can advise you on the best sheet materials and manufacturing processes for a wide range of gasket applications.
Flexible rubber and silicone connectors play a vital role in numerous industrial applications, offering versatility, durability, and resilience. These connectors are commonly used in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction. They are primarily used as a sealed conduit between different parts of machinery or equipment for transferring a wide range of materials, such as cement, powders or food products. Rubber and silicone connectors are preferred for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and exposure to chemicals or oils without compromising their performance. Their flexibility allows for easy installation and maintenance, making them essential components in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of industrial processes.
We supply a vast range of gasket materials, available to buy directly or order from us. For more information visit the Gasket Sheet Materials page