Kummitööstus

Kummitööstus refers to the industry involved in the manufacturing of rubber products. This sector utilizes both natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees, and synthetic rubber, which is chemically produced. The process typically begins with the collection and processing of raw rubber, followed by compounding with various additives like carbon black, sulfur, and accelerators to achieve desired properties such as strength, elasticity, and durability.

Vulcanization is a crucial step in rubber manufacturing, where the rubber compound is heated under pressure, causing cross-linking of the polymer chains. This process transforms the soft, sticky raw rubber into a more stable, elastic, and resilient material. Various molding techniques, including compression molding, injection molding, and extrusion, are employed to shape the rubber into specific products.

The kummitööstus produces a vast array of items essential to modern life. These include tires for vehicles, which represent a significant portion of the industry's output. Other common rubber products include hoses, belts, seals, gaskets, footwear, gloves, and medical devices like catheters and surgical gloves. The industry also plays a role in producing components for construction, electronics, and sports equipment. Sustainability is an increasing focus, with efforts directed towards recycling rubber waste and developing more environmentally friendly production methods.