Elongated Elastomeric Parts and Mandrels for Facilitating Removal of Elongated Elastomeric Parts Formed Thereon

摘要

A mandrel configured to facilitate release of an elastomeric part cured thereon may comprise an elongated body having an outer surface, an internal cavity formed in the elongated body, and a passage providing fluid communication between the internal cavity and the outer surface of the body. The passage may be dimensioned so as to permit a flow of a fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the body and to preclude a flow of an uncured elastomer into the passage. The flow of the fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface may cause the fluid to intervene between the outer surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric part to facilitate the release of the elastomeric part from the mandrel.

主权项

1. A method of forming an elastomeric part, comprising:
disposing an uncured elastomer on a mandrel, the mandrel including an elongated body with an internal cavity, the mandrel further including a passage providing fluid communication between the internal cavity and an outer surface of the elongated body, the passage being dimensioned to permit a flow of a fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the elongated body but preclude a flow of uncured elastomer through the passage; curing the uncured elastomer disposed on the mandrel to provide the elastomeric part; and flowing the fluid through the internal cavity to cause the fluid to flow out of the passage and intervene between the outer surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric part to facilitate release of the elastomeric part from the mandrel.