Rubber Coated Metal (RCM) - What is it, and should you use it?

Rubber-coated metal refers to metal surfaces with a layer of rubber or rubber-like material applied for various purposes, such as sealing, protection noise damping, or vibration absorption.

Polystrat materials from our friends at KLINGER are steel based composite materials made by bonding rubber on both sides. KLINGER RCM USA’s materials are manufactured with a combination of metal and rubber coatings to offer enhanced sealing properties for use in high-performance automotive and industrial sealing applications and noise-damping shims for disc brakes.

Material constructions are comprised of:

  • Cold-rolled low carbon or stainless steel carriers in a variety of hardnesses to provide mechanical stability
  • NBR, AEM or FKM rubber with a smooth or texturized surface (optional: color matching)
  • Anti-stick coatings (optional)
  • Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (optional)
  • Release liners (if applicable)
  • Available in master coils, slit rolls, and sheets

Applications of Rubber Coated Metal Sealing

  • Automotive Industry: Engine, transmission, gearbox gaskets, and exhaust system components.
  • Industrial Applications: Flange gaskets, valve seals, and compressor/pump seals.
  • Aerospace: Sealing solutions for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Polystrat Rubber Coated Metal Sealing

For years, our partner at KLINGER has been a key player in the automotive and industrial markets. First developed by KLINGER Switzerland, Polystrat is a rubber coated steel is used to manufacture brake shims and gaskets for automotive, heavy duty/off-highway vehicles, compressors and industrial applications.

In 2018, KLINGER began a partnership with Sinyuan Industry Group to produce Polystrat in Ningbo, China. Through years of development and by duplicating the successful process already used in Switzerland, the team was ready to bring the product to the rest of the world. 

As expansion plans were underway for KLINGER's manufacturing facility in Ohio, it was determined that rubber coated metal could be a path forward for this new facility.  Scott Peters, KLINGER Thermoseal’s Managing Director explained: “KLINGER has a presence in two other countries and knows how to build the manufacturing equipment and successfully produce rubber coated metal material. There was no KLINGER RCM presence in the U.S., so the foundation for the collaborative effort between three continents was laid.”

Soon after, David Schweiger, then serving as KLINGER Thermoseal’s Director of Engineering, became a key player in the expansion effort. They broke ground on the new 25,000 square foot addition in January 2023, and the building was completed in autumn. The new factory addition was specifically designed to solely house KLINGER RCM USA’s advanced production equipment. In November 2023, David was promoted to General Manager of KLINGER’s newest subsidiary: KLINGER RCM USA.

Rubbercoated Metal Facility Grand Opening in 2024

Jackie Riley, Marketing Manager for KLINGER Thermoseal explains, “There are many challenges to overcome with a global project like this. Strong relationships were built and it was both rewarding and exciting to celebrate the success together.”

A grand opening was held on May 15, 2024, and the facility provides exceptional rubbercoated metal capabilities.

Interested in learning more about rubber coated metal? Contact Gallagher Seals today.