Bespoke Vac-Sil® Pro Membrane Manufactured for a Specialist Machinery Manufacturer
At J-Flex Rubber Products, we know that the best manufacturing solutions are rarely off the shelf. Many of our customers design and build highly specialised products, meaning every component must be manufactured to precise dimensions and performance requirements.
Recently, we were approached by a leading North American manufacturer of bespoke automated machinery for processing sheet materials. The company designs and builds custom production systems used to coat, laminate, convey and handle materials including plastics, composites, foam, wood, glass and metal. Their equipment is engineered to improve production efficiency across a wide range of manufacturing sectors, with every machine tailored to the customer’s application.
As part of one of their projects, they required a large-format silicone vacuum membrane manufactured to an exact specification.
A Fully Customised Solution
Working closely with the customer, J-Flex supplied a tailored Vac-Sil® Pro membrane with the following specification:
Material: Vac-Sil® Pro
Thickness: 1.5mm
Dimensions: 3.52m × 15m
11 lifting eyes (approximately 19mm diameter) to assist with safe handling and installation
Metal eyelets fitted around the entire perimeter for secure fixing within the vacuum press
The combination of the membrane’s large dimensions and bespoke lifting and fixing features meant that every stage of manufacture required careful planning and precision to ensure the finished product met the customer’s exact requirements.
Bespoke Requirements
Manufacturers of specialist machinery often require components that integrate seamlessly with equipment designed for a specific production process. Standard membrane sizes or fixing arrangements are not always suitable, particularly when working with large-format vacuum presses or custom-built systems.
By manufacturing membranes to order, J-Flex Rubber Products can supply:
Non-standard dimensions to suit bespoke equipment
Custom lifting points for easier handling of large membranes
Perimeter eyelets or locating holes positioned to match existing clamping systems
Consistent material quality and thickness
A solution designed specifically for the customer’s application
This flexibility allows equipment manufacturers and end users alike to optimise performance while reducing installation time and simplifying maintenance.
Pictured are the metal eyelets that were fitted around the entire perimeter for secure fixing within the vacuum press.
Engineered for Demanding Applications
Vac-Sil® Pro silicone membranes are trusted throughout the manufacturing industry for their outstanding flexibility, durability and resistance to elevated temperatures. They are widely used in vacuum forming, laminating, composite manufacturing and other industrial processes where consistent vacuum performance is essential.
VAC-SIL® is a registered trade mark of J-Flex
About J-Flex
Over the last 42 years, J-Flex has positioned itself as the preferred supply partner for rubber-based products within technology-driven markets.
With expertise built since 1984, J-Flex provides high-quality engineered rubber components and specialist rubber sheeting you can rely on. From sheeting, mouldings, gaskets, sleeves, extrusions, bellows and fabrications, to sealants, we offer solutions across a wide range of polymers including Silicone, FKM/Viton™, EPDM, Neoprene, Nitrile and more.
Speak to the experts at J-Flex to find the right solution for your needs!