Rubber for pinch rollers?

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rockinrob86

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 9, 2015
Messages
240
Location
Tampa, FL
What type(s) of rubber are typically used for pinch rollers?

I have an idea for making some of these and am looking for a rubber hose material I could use
 
Hi Rockinrob,

I would advise against trying to make your own pinch rollers: they are precision parts and have to be made to tight tolerances to avoid wow and flutter on tape machines.  That's why they are so expensive.  The outer cover is a specialised material that is moulded onto a core - usually brass - and then finished off by machining on a lathe.

Kind regards

Mike
 
I understand this - however, we're on a DIY forum, and I am one of the many on here who responds to "it's too hard, I don't recommend doing it" with "It can't be that hard, I'm sure I can figure something out."

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.  I know nothing about rubber formula names though, so that's the info I need.

I've done some googling, but am unsure how the specific rubbers characteristics relate to this application.

This will not be for pro audio or home audio use, and I really want to figure out how to build my own.
 
At least some are made of PU

Cast to approximate shape, then vulkanized/hardened, and lapped/sanded into shape

Ask someone that knows paper-handling rollers for printers and plotters - and look for spares for those...

Jakob E.
 
PU = polyurethane?

Also, try contacting Shane at https://echofix.com/  He makes replacement rollers for Roland Space Echoes and is a super helpful and friendly person.
 
Yes, Athan uses Polyurethane on his rollers. 

I have used his stuff for years and he is very helpful.  I am not sure if he will supply the raw material, but its worth a try.

Cheers

Mike
 
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