Articles posted by Jehbco Silicones

In an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, global tensions and shifting alliances have highlighted the need for countries to reinforce their defence capabilities. For Australia, these uncertainties have underscored the strategic importance of sovereign defence manufacturing and the urgent necessity to strengthen local supply chains. The ability to source critical components from trusted domestic partners is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of national security. 

To that end, Jehbco Silicones stands ready to support Australia’s Defence sector. As a long-established manufacturer and supplier of high-performance silicone components, Jehbco is proud to be part of the growing network of Australian companies stepping up to meet the nation’s defence needs. 

Jehbco maintains active membership in the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), the Australian Government’s framework for managing security within the defence supply chain. DISP membership enables Jehbco to participate in Defence contracts and projects that involve sensitive or classified information, and it serves as a clear marker of Jehbco’s commitment to meeting the high standards required by Defence. 

Our DISP accreditation is not just a badge; it reflects real, practical capabilities. As a DISP member, Jehbco is eligible to access, handle, and store information classified up to OFFICIAL: Sensitive. This ensures that Defence clients can trust Jehbco with components and documentation that require protection, and it demonstrates our alignment with Commonwealth security requirements. 

Personnel security is a cornerstone of our DISP compliance. Jehbco screens all new employees in accordance with the Australian Standard for Workforce Screening (AS 4811:2022). This proactive approach ensures that every team member who contributes to Defence projects has been vetted to confirm their suitability to work on sensitive tasks. It is part of our broader commitment to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability in everything we do. 

Defence is just one of many sectors that Jehbco supplies to, but it is one where our capabilities are particularly valuable. Our experience manufacturing silicone extrusions, gaskets, seals, and components for highly regulated industries makes us an ideal fit for Defence applications that require durability, precision, and reliability under extreme conditions. 

Furthermore, silicone rubber, by its nature, offers a unique set of material properties that make it especially well-suited for Defence applications. It is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, ozone, UV radiation, and a wide range of chemicals. These properties are critical in environments where components must withstand heat, cold, vibration, and prolonged exposure to the elements. Silicone also exhibits excellent flexibility, compression set resistance, and long-term stability, which ensures that gaskets and seals perform reliably over extended operational lifespans. Whether used in aircraft, naval vessels, land vehicles, or field equipment, silicone rubber contributes to the safety, performance, and longevity of Defence systems. 

Our DISP membership also sends a strong signal to Defence primes and government clients: Jehbco is a secure, dependable, and contract-ready partner. Many primes have already chosen to work with Jehbco to help fulfil their contractual obligations, and we have built a strong track record of collaboration and successful project delivery. 

Whether it is supplying materials for land-based platforms, naval vessels, or aerospace systems, Jehbco brings the same rigorous standards, robust security framework, and commitment to excellence. Our proven capabilities in silicone engineering are matched by our proven trustworthiness as a supplier within the Defence ecosystem. 

In a time when Australia must increasingly rely on its own resources to ensure security and readiness, Jehbco offers the kind of resilient, local supply partnership that the Defence industry can count on. We are proud to support the men and women who serve our country by supplying the components that help power and protect Australia’s Defence capability. 

References 

• Defence Strategic Review 2023: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review 

• Defence Industry Security Program (DISP): https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/industry-governance/industry-regulators/defence-industry-security-program 

• Australian Standard for Workforce Screening AS 4811:2022: https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=as-4811-2022 

• Characteristic Properties of Silicone Rubber Compounds: https://www.shinetsusilicone-global.com/catalog/pdf/rubber_e.pdf 

• ISO 9001 Certification – Quality Management Systems: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-AU/ISO-9001-Quality-Management-Systems/ 

Silicone rubber is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in modern manufacturing and engineering. Its exceptional physical, chemical, and thermal properties make it indispensable across industries such as construction, defence, medicine, electronics, food processing, and more. Silicone rubber has numerous advantages over natural rubber, including superior temperature resistance, chemical inertness, and durability, making it the material of choice for demanding applications. 

This article explores the unique material properties of silicone rubber, its advantages over natural rubber, and the diverse applications of silicone extrusions across industries. 

Material Properties of Silicone Rubber 

Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer made from a polymer backbone of silicon, oxygen, and organic groups. Its structure gives it a unique combination of properties that set it apart from other materials. Below are the key properties of silicone rubber: 

1. Temperature Resistance

Silicone rubber can withstand a wide temperature range, from as low as -60°C to as high as 230°C (and even higher for specialized grades). Unlike natural rubber, which becomes brittle at low temperatures and degrades at high temperatures, silicone rubber retains its flexibility and performance across extreme conditions. This makes it ideal for applications in environments with temperature fluctuations, such as automotive engine bays, industrial ovens, and aerospace components. [1] 

Figure 1. An autoclave with a silicone extrusion door seal, used to sterilise surgical instruments. Silicone rubber’s excellent material properties make it ideal for applications such as these.

2. Chemical Inertness

Silicone rubber is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, solvents, and many acids and bases. This chemical inertness ensures that it does not degrade or react in harsh environments, making it suitable for applications in marine environments, medical and food-grade systems, and chemical processing. [2] 

3. UV, Ozone, and Weather Resistance

Unlike natural rubber, silicone rubber is inherently resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering. These properties make it ideal for outdoor applications and exposure to harsh environments. For example, Jehbco has developed silicone door hatch seals for ships in the marine industry. These seals protect door hatches from the damaging effects of saltwater, UV rays, and weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance even in the harsh marine environment. Such applications highlight silicone’s superiority in resisting environmental degradation. [3] 

4. Flexibility and Elasticity

Silicone rubber maintains its flexibility and elasticity across its temperature range. It can stretch, compress, and bend without losing its structural integrity, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, and tubing that need to accommodate movement or pressure changes. Furthermore, silicone’s flexibility makes it ideal for forming tight seals as it readily deforms to fill the empty spaces of its mating parts. [4] 

5. Non-Toxic and Biocompatible

Silicone rubber is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible, making it a trusted material in medical and food-grade applications. For example, it is used in medical implants, catheters, and food processing seals. Medical-grade silicone is used in products that come into direct contact with the human body, such as catheters, implants, and prosthetics. 

For example, Jehbco has developed high-quality tubing for filtered water systems. Our silicone tubing ensures hygienic fluid transfer in water filtration systems, providing chemical resistance and preventing contamination. Additionally, Jehbco has contributed to the healthcare industry by manufacturing silicone tubing used in vaccine development processes, where sterility and biocompatibility are paramount. These applications demonstrate the versatility and safety of silicone in industries that demand the highest levels of performance and hygiene. [5] 

6. Electrical Insulation

Silicone rubber is an excellent electrical insulator, providing reliable protection for wires and electronic components in high-voltage, high-temperature, and wet environments. Jehbco has produced silicone cable sleeves for high-voltage electrical cabling that are flexible yet durable, protecting the inner cables from harsh environments.  

7. Customizability

Silicone rubber can be formulated into different grades, colours, and hardness levels, and can be extruded into virtually any shape and size, allowing for custom solutions tailored to specific applications. 

Advantages of Silicone Rubber Over Natural Rubber 

While natural rubber has been a staple in manufacturing for decades, it has limitations that silicone rubber overcomes. Silicone rubber has vastly superior properties, making it the preferred material for demanding applications. The key advantages of silicone rubber over natural rubber include: 

• Temperature Range: Silicone rubber can withstand extreme temperatures, typically ranging from -60°C to 230°C, and up to 300°C for specialized grades. This makes them ideal for applications exposed to high heat or freezing cold, such as industrial ovens, engine components, and outdoor seals. This is vastly superior to natural rubber which is limited to just -20°C to 70°C and cannot withstand extreme temperatures as silicone rubber can. Natural rubber becomes brittle at low temperatures and degrades in high-heat environments while silicone remains perfectly stable in such environments. 

• Weather Resistance: Natural rubber is prone to degradation when exposed to UV rays, ozone, and weathering, whereas silicone rubber is highly resistant to these factors. 

• Chemical Resistance: Silicone rubber remains stable when exposed to oils, solvents, and corrosive chemicals, making it more durable in harsh environments. However, natural rubber swells and deteriorates in similar conditions. This makes silicone rubber indispensable in chemical plants and automotive fuel systems. 

• Shelf-life: Silicone rubber has an extremely long lifespan of 20 years or even longer with proper storage, thanks to its resistance to environmental and chemical degradation. Natural rubber, on the other hand, is prone to oxidation and degradation over time. [1] 

• Biocompatibility: Natural rubber contains latex proteins, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Silicone rubber, being non-toxic and hypoallergenic, is widely used in medical and food-grade applications. [5] 

Table 1. Advantages of Silicone Rubber Over Natural Rubber 

Applications of Silicone Extrusions in Various Industries 

Thanks to its excellent material properties, silicone extrusions have found applications in countless industries, offering custom solutions for seals, gaskets, tubing, and more. Indeed, Jehbco Silicones have been producing silicone extrusions for over 50 years to both Australian and international customers, and our products can be found everywhere from flame retardant door seals on trains, ships and planes, to filtered water systems in your home to architectural gap seals such as Quickjoint, just to name a few. 

Below are some more applications of our silicone extrusions: 

1. Healthcare and Medical

The biocompatibility and sterility of silicone rubber make it essential in the medical field. 

• Medical Tubing: Silicone extrusions are used for fluid transfer in catheters, peristaltic pumps, and respiratory devices due to their flexibility and non-toxicity.  

• Seals and Gaskets: Silicone seals ensure a sterile and reliable environment in medical devices and laboratory equipment. 

• Prosthetics and Implants: Medical-grade silicone extrusions are used for implants and prosthetics because of their hypoallergenic nature and durability. 

2. Automotive, Aerospace and Transportation

Silicone extrusions play a critical role in enhancing vehicle performance and durability. 

• Weatherstripping and Door Seals: Silicone seals prevent water and air leaks while reducing road noise. 

• Engine Components: High-temperature silicone tubing and gaskets are used in engine compartments to handle heat and chemical exposure. 

• Vibration Dampening: Silicone extrusions absorb vibrations, improving vehicle comfort and reducing noise. 

Figure 2. Sydney Metro Trains, one of the many applications of Jehbco’s silicone extrusions.

3. Construction and Architecture

Silicone extrusions are widely used in construction due to their durability and weather resistance. 

• Window and Curtain Wall Seals: Silicone gaskets provide airtight and watertight seals, ensuring energy efficiency and protection against the elements. 

• Expansion Joints: Flexible silicone extrusions accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in buildings, bridges, and roads. 

• Roofing and Façade Systems: Silicone seals and gaskets enhance the longevity of building exteriors by resisting UV radiation and weathering. 

Figure 3. Applications of Quickjoint by Jehbsil, a custom engineered solid silicone solution for architectural gap seals.

4. Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Silicone extrusions protect sensitive components in challenging environments. 

• Cable Insulation: Silicone tubing provides electrical insulation and protects wires from moisture, heat, and chemical exposure. 

• Seals for Electronic Enclosures: Silicone gaskets ensure a watertight and dustproof seal for devices used in harsh conditions. 

• LED Lighting: Silicone extrusions shield LEDs from environmental factors, improving performance and durability. 

5. Food and Beverage

The non-toxic and food-grade properties of silicone rubber make it ideal for food processing and packaging. 

• Food-Grade Tubing: Silicone tubing is used for transferring liquids and food products in hygienic conditions. It is easy to clean, resistant to contamination, and compliant with food safety standards. 

• Oven and Freezer Seals: Silicone extrusions are used in ovens, refrigerators, and freezers due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. 

6. Industrial Applications

Silicone extrusions enhance performance and efficiency in industrial settings. 

• Heat-Resistant Seals: Silicone gaskets are used in industrial ovens, kilns, and autoclaves where they maintain performance under extreme heat. 

• Chemical Transfer Systems: Silicone tubing is ideal for transporting chemicals in manufacturing processes due to its resistance to corrosion and degradation. 

• Conveyor Belts and Rollers: Silicone extrusions are used in machinery components that require high friction and temperature resistance. 

7. Renewable Energy

Silicone extrusions contribute to the durability and efficiency of renewable energy systems. 

• Solar Panel Seals: Silicone gaskets and extrusions provide weatherproof seals for solar panels, protecting them from moisture and dirt. 

• Wind Turbine Components: Silicone extrusions are used for sealing and vibration dampening in wind turbines. 

Conclusion 

Silicone rubber is a game-changing material with properties that outshine natural rubber in many aspects, including temperature resistance, chemical inertness, and durability. Its ability to be extruded into custom profiles makes it a versatile solution for a wide range of industries, from healthcare to construction and electronics. 

Jehbco Silicones has exemplified the versatility of silicone with its innovative solutions, such as tubing for filtered water systems and components for vaccine production in the medical field. These applications highlight the importance of silicone in solving real-world challenges and improving efficiency and safety across industries. 

For companies seeking high-quality silicone extrusions, working with Jehbco Silicones can unlock new possibilities and ensure precision-engineered solutions tailored to specific needs. Silicone rubber is truly the material of the future, offering versatility, durability, and performance that stands the test of time. 

References 

1. SpecialChem. Silicone Rubber Properties and Applications.https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/silicone-rubber-elastomer
2. AZoM Materials Science. Properties of Silicone Rubber. https://www.azom.com/properties.aspx?ArticleID=920 
3. Dow Corning. Silicone Rubber Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.dow.com/en-us.html 
4. Vanguard Products. Silicone Properties and Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardproducts.com/silicone-properties 
5. Medical Design BriefsSilicone in Medical Applications. Retrieved from https://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/ 

Custom extrusion dies play a critical role in the silicone extrusion manufacturing process, transforming raw silicone material into precise shapes required for countless industrial applications. Jehbco Silicones, a leader in high-quality silicone extrusion, supplies critical components to a range of industries, including food, medical, defence, aerospace, construction, and more. With a vast library of over 2700 unique extrusion dies, Jehbco enables unparalleled flexibility and precision in delivering custom extrusion profiles. From initial design to the final product, Jehbco’s extrusion process reflects a commitment to precision engineering and an understanding of the unique behaviours of silicone during extrusion. 

The Challenges of Silicone Extrusion 

Silicone rubber is a popular material choice because of its flexibility, elasticity, and malleability. However, these same qualities make silicone extrusions significantly more challenging to execute with dimensional accuracy than other commonly extruded materials such as metals. While metals are generally stable during extrusion and retain consistent dimensions after exiting the die, silicone’s elastic and deformable nature means that controlling its exact dimensions is far more complex. 

1. Elasticity and Deformation 
Unlike metals, silicone rubber is highly elastic and prone to expanding, compressing, and deforming both during and after extrusion. As a viscoelastic material, silicone rubber changes shape as it exits the die, making it difficult to achieve precise dimensions in the final extrusion. This elasticity causes immediate post-extrusion swelling, known as die swell or the Barus effect, where the silicone recovers its shape and expands slightly once the shear stress of extrusion is removed. Jehbco’s engineers work meticulously to account for these factors by adjusting die geometry and closely monitoring extrusion parameters. 

Figure 1. Die swell, a manifestation of viscoelasticity in polymer extrusions, as depicted here on exiting an extrusion die. The extruded material “remembers” its former shape and attempts to return to it after leaving the die orifice.

2. Thermal Expansion and Contraction 
During the curing process, the silicone is subject to high temperatures. As silicone rubber has a high thermal expansion coefficient, it changes size more significantly with temperature variations compared to other commonly extruded materials (see Table 1). These thermal expansions and contractions create additional challenges in achieving consistent dimensions. Jehbco’s engineers carefully account for these properties when designing extrusion dies, calculating dimensions that accommodate potential thermal shifts during both extrusion and curing processes. By considering these factors, Jehbco can create extrusion dies that maintain dimensional consistency, even under changing temperature conditions. 

Table 1. Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of Commonly Extruded Materials 

3. Post-Extrusion Curing 
Another challenge lies in the curing process. Silicone extrusions undergo vulcanisation curing to solidify and stabilize their final shape. During the curing process, the cross-linking of rubber molecules can cause the silicone to unpredictably shrink or expand, complicating the task of dimensional accuracy. Jehbco’s team manages this through iterative die adjustments, fine-tuning the process to accommodate these changes and produce profiles that meet our customer’s precise specifications. 

Understanding Die Swell in Silicone Extrusions 

Die swell is a phenomenon in extrusion where the material expands upon exiting the die, a behaviour influenced by silicone’s viscoelastic properties. As a viscoelastic material, silicone exhibits both elastic and viscous characteristics, which result in an elastic recovery effect after it leaves the die. The extent of die swell depends on several factors, each of which Jehbco’s engineers carefully consider when designing and refining custom extrusion dies. 

1. Die Design 
   The geometry of the die plays a crucial role in determining the amount of swell. Dies with a longer land, the straight portion at the die exit, allow the silicone to relax more before leaving the die, reducing the degree of swell. In contrast, shorter lands may result in more significant expansion. Jehbco’s engineers consider each die’s length, taper, and overall shape to achieve optimal results for each extrusion. 
2. Silicone Rubber Hardness and Viscoelasticity 
   Silicone’s elasticity contributes to its tendency to swell, especially under high deformation. During extrusion, the high shear rates within the die force the silicone into a compressed state. As the silicone exits, its elastic properties prompt it to expand, creating the swell. Silicone rubber with a higher Shore A hardness rating will extrude with much less die swell than that of low hardness, producing extrusion profiles much closer to original die profile.  
3. Extrusion Speed 
   Higher extrusion speeds tend to increase the degree of swell due to greater molecular alignment and shear rates. Jehbco carefully calibrates extrusion speed according to the specific die and material properties, balancing efficiency with dimensional precision to ensure the final product meets specified tolerances. 
4. Temperature 
   The temperature of the silicone and the die affects both viscosity and elasticity. Higher temperatures reduce viscosity, allowing the silicone to flow more easily, but can also enhance its elastic recovery and thus influence the degree of swell. Jehbco’s engineers monitor and control temperature conditions to optimize extrusion consistency, balancing temperature settings to achieve desired properties in the final product. 
5. Processing Conditions 
   Beyond the die itself, other factors like extrusion pressure and cooling rates post-extrusion can impact the final product’s dimensions. Managing these variables carefully, Jehbco ensures that products remain within required tolerances by adjusting extrusion pressure and cooling rates to control the extent of swell and prevent dimensional deviations. 

The Iterative Process of Fabricating Custom Dies 

Creating a custom extrusion die is a complex process involving iterative adjustments, each bringing the extrusion profile closer to the desired specifications. Initial tests with a new die may reveal major discrepancies in dimensions, requiring significant modifications to compensate for the extreme die swell in the extrudate. Jehbco’s iterative process, informed by decades of experience, ensures that each custom die meets the precise requirements of the application.  

With each iteration, Jehbco’s skilled engineers adjust factors like the die’s profile, land length, internal bridge configuration, and other design aspects to achieve the final profile. This iterative refinement process ensures the resulting extrusion meets exacting standards, delivering profiles that perform as expected in real-world applications. Furthermore, recent revolutionary advancements of the custom die fabrication process at Jehbco have allowed us to push the limit of what is possible and achieve even tighter tolerances than ever before.  

Figure 2. Iterations of a custom square profile extrusion (25.4mm x 25.4mm). Excessive die swell present in the initial extrusion (pictured left) was reduced with each iteration.

Precision Cutting with the Excetek V400G Wire EDM Machine 

Jehbco employs the advanced Excetek V400G wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) machine to cut extrusion dies with exceptional precision, achieving tolerances as tight as ±5µm. This capability is essential in silicone extrusion, where even the smallest variations in die dimensions can result in deviations from specified tolerances in the final product. By leveraging wire EDM technology, Jehbco ensures that each die meets stringent design specifications, guaranteeing repeatability and accuracy across production runs. 

The V400G wire EDM machine allows Jehbco to quickly adapt to custom profiles, providing high-quality, consistent dies for even the most intricate shapes. Its precision helps mitigate potential issues related to die swell, a phenomenon common in silicone extrusion, by creating dies that account for silicone’s unique material properties and extrusion behaviour.  

Expanding Possibilities with Jehbco’s Custom Extrusion Solutions 

Jehbco’s extensive library of extrusion dies—comprising over 2700 unique designs—serves as a testament to the company’s expertise and flexibility in custom silicone extrusions. These dies enable Jehbco to accommodate an array of application requirements across industries, from healthcare to automotive and beyond. Whether designing seals for high-temperature environments or gaskets with complex internal channels, Jehbco leverages its knowledge of die swell, extrusion dynamics, and precision machining to deliver quality silicone profiles. 

Using the Excetek V400G wire EDM machine, Jehbco provides clients with unparalleled accuracy and flexibility in custom extrusion dies, opening doors to applications where precision and consistency are paramount. By balancing material properties, temperature, extrusion speed, and other factors, Jehbco controls die swell and ensures high-quality, reliable products with each extrusion.

Figure 3. Jehbco’s vast library of over 2700 custom extrusion dies.

Partnering with Jehbco for Precision Custom Extrusions 

With the right extrusion die, silicone’s unique properties can be harnessed to deliver highly durable, flexible, and custom-tailored components. Jehbco’s dedication to precision engineering and its understanding of silicone behaviour make it a trusted partner for businesses in the food, medical, defence, aerospace, construction, and other industries seeking custom extrusions. Through rigorous quality control, iterative refinement, and the use of cutting-edge technology, Jehbco Silicones stands at the forefront of silicone extrusion, committed to meeting each customer’s specific needs with precision and expertise. 

Whether for a small-scale custom order or large production runs, Jehbco’s custom extrusion dies enable the creation of silicone profiles that fulfill stringent requirements and perform reliably in demanding applications. For more information or enquiries, please email sales@jehbco.com.au for a quick response from our sales team. 

References 

1. M.P. Groover, Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing: Materials, Processes, and Systems, 4th Edition, Wiley, 2010, pg. 271
2. https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/linear-expansion-coefficients-d_95.html

3. https://www.professionalplastics.com/professionalplastics/ThermalPropertiesofPlasticMaterials.pdf
4. https://www.dryseals.com/app/uploads/2016/09/Basic-Info-Wacker.pdf
5. https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/linear-expansion-coefficients-d_95.html
6. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-011-4421-6_22

Jehbco’s promise to quality is a dynamic, ongoing journey. By implementing a comprehensive QMS, incorporating advanced testing, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Jehbco provides customers with silicone products they can trust. This commitment to quality assures that Jehbco remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability in the silicone manufacturing industry. 

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jehbco has implemented a robust Quality Management System (QMS) certified to ISO 9001 standard. This globally recognized certification underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining a stringent and effective quality system, ensuring that every product meets the highest industry benchmark. Jehbco also has AS4020 and FDA approved products to be used in FMG sector as well as in pharmaceutical sectors. Few of our silicone materials are flame retardant materials which are commonly used in transport applications. 

The manufacturing process at Jehbco is predefined at every step, with detailed written procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place to ensure that all employees adhere to established guidelines. Various checklists and inspections conducted during each production run further emphasize the quality of the products manufactured. All employees are adequately trained to ensure they are proficient in the tasks they perform. If any potential risks to product quality are identified, additional training sessions are conducted. Furthermore, procedures and checklists are reviewed and updated by the Quality department in collaboration with the Production team 

Continuous Improvement is a core principle at Jehbco. By conducting regular audits, gathering customer feedback, and holding company meetings, Jehbco identifies opportunities for improvement, which are documented in our Process Improvement book. Team members from relevant departments will be assigned to investigate these opportunities and address potential root causes to drive improvement.  

At Jehbco, customer product issues are treated with the utmost priority, reflecting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction—a core value of the organization. Every customer product issue is acknowledged and responded to within two days of receiving the email. For any reported product issue, a thorough investigation is conducted, and the customer is provided with a detailed Customer Product Issue Form and a Non-Conformance Report. These documents outline the findings, remedial actions taken, and proposed solutions. The effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions is rigorously verified through documented proof, ensuring long-term resolution and continuous improvement. 

Jehbco’s maintenance and cleaning routines reflect the company’s strong commitment to providing quality products to its customers. The high number of repeat customers purchasing from Jehbco is a testament to our dedication and the satisfaction we deliver. Additionally, many new customers come to us through recommendations from existing clients, reinforcing our reputation as trusted manufacturers of high-quality silicone products. 

Jehbco’s maintenance and cleaning routines reflect the company’s strong commitment to providing quality products to its customers. The high number of repeat customers purchasing from Jehbco is a testament to our dedication and the satisfaction we deliver. Additionally, many new customers come to us through recommendations from existing clients, reinforcing our reputation as trusted manufacturers of high-quality silicone products. 

We take great care in our packaging processes to prevent contamination during transportation. Jehbco consistently adheres to promised delivery timelines and ensures customers are promptly informed of any unforeseen changes. Furthermore, we partner with recognized cargo providers to guarantee secure delivery and prevent any product damage during transit. 

Local Beaches company Jehbco Manufacturing Pty Ltd – whose products are used worldwide in almost every industry imaginable – is celebrating its 50th year.

Originating in an unassuming factory in Brookvale, you’ll find little pieces of this third-generation family-run company in planes, trains and automobiles, boats, buildings, restaurants, hospitals and research facilities all around the world.

Founded on the northern beaches in 1974 by partners Jim, Eric, Hank and Burt (their initials forming the company name), Jehbco is a world-leading manufacturer of quality silicone extrusions that are fire, UV, oil, heat and weather resistant, for industries such as mining, pharmaceutical, construction, defence and transport.

Since 1974 the business has grown from a small rented space with one extruder and mill at 52 Winbourne Road to a fully equipped factory at 24 William Street.

The company’s first 10 years were demanding – three of the founding partners were bought out by Hank Tuynman, and he and his wife Janice became business partners.

“It was emotionally and financially challenging in those first few years as we had three small children under five when the idea was first mooted,” explained Janice.

“But through sheer hard work, expertise and entrepreneurial skills, Hank strengthened the original concept to build the business up to what it is today, reinforced by our son Karl,” she said.

Three generations of the Tuynman family are currently involved in the business – Janice who become sole owner when Hank passed away in 2015, their son Karl (who started in accounts in 2000 before moving into production and now Operations Manager); and grandchildren Jacob, who has progressed from the factory to Sales Manager, and Kailey who is the HR, Marketing and Admin Assistant.

Hank and Janice’s other sons, Keith, David and Samuel have also worked at Jehbco over the years and half of its 20 current employees have been with the company for two decades or more.

CORE VALUES

While there have been major shifts in the manufacturing sector, being a small business has allowed Jehbco to be dynamic and agile, reacting to changes within industries quickly.

“Our core product range has not changed a lot over the past 50 years,” said Karl Tuynman.

“We have always specialised in the production of HTV silicone extrusions and gaskets, staying true to my father’s philosophy that we never produce other rubber products in-house to avoid any chance of cross contamination, something our high-end food and medical grade customers appreciate to meet the high specifications they require,” he said.

Specialist milling silicone rubber

As demands for certain products changed over time, the company narrowed its focus and strengthened its reputation in its niche market, including silicone sheet and mouldings.

“At the same time, we have developed specialised material formulas for the rail, construction, lighting and drinking water industries that have enabled us to create stable and long-term mutually beneficial partnerships with our customer base,” Karl said.

Jehbco’s vision is “To empower global industries with next-gen silicone extrusions”.

“We export about 15 per cent of our product to countries like the US, China, Singapore, and New Zealand. Our brand is very well known throughout the Asia Pacific Region, selling to companies like Boeing, Fonterra, Zip (Culligan) and ANSTO” Karl said.

“Our products provide innovative solutions including in construction, where we provide Quickjoint – a precured façade extrusion which can be installed at any time and temperature with no skill, unlike its wet silicone alternative.”

“Also, we have developed high-end flame-retardant silicones for the transport industry and in particular for rail.”

“Our high-grade silicone tubing allows companies within

Australia to access this product in any size and grade.”

“We keep abundant supplies of the raw material for our customers as it is unavailable in Australia and has long lead times.”

THE FUTURE

Kailey and Anju

The Australian manufacturing sector has faced its share of challenges over the years with small businesses constantly facing various headwinds.

“We are the last of a dying breed, so it is essential we do whatever it takes to play our part in keeping manufacturing alive in this country,” Karl said

“We are proud to be all-Australian and find this helps with support for many local businesses who are keen to invest in this great nation.

“Many of our very good customers are helping Jehbco continually improve through their ever-increasing demands on upgrading our processes and product quality.

“We are growing with them and will continue to do so, with no foreseeable alternative product on the horizon.

“Every aspect of the business is working together with a common goal to make this the best company it can be, with each key position now filled with motivated and driven employees who have many years of expertise between them.

“I am very optimistic for the future and can see Jehbco being a market force for many years to come, continuing my father’s legacy that he set in motion for us half a century ago,” Karl said.