Answers to your frequently asked questions

We use both natural and synthetic rubber to the same extent.
Vulcanized natural rubber has high tensile strength and resistance to tearing, abrasion and fatigue. It is widely used for engine mounts and medical equipment. Vulcanized natural rubber has many dynamic properties:

• Stays flexible at very low temperatures
• Good adhesion to metals and textiles
• Good resistance to oxygenated solvents, acids and dilute bases

Synthetic rubbers are produced by polymerization: various chemical mixtures, oil and black carbon are used to turn into synthetic rubber. It is used to manufacture products that have elastic properties such as tires, shoes, and seals.

Yes. Our production lines for mixtures make black or colored rubber compounds of all types of elastomers. We can add pigments and additives to cover the full spectrum of colors.

Rubber compounds are formulated to meet specific physical properties that are required for general or custom applications. Cost of ingredients, ease of processing and environmental impact are taken into account during the development process.

Yes. Our team of engineers and polymer chemists can provide the following services:

• Part design
• Product development
• Proof of concept
• Provide supporting technical data
• Design validation
• Engineering calculations, analyses, simulations, and component integration checks

All of these services can be done for complex projects and a range of applications.

Steel, aluminum and certain plastics can all be bonded to rubber.

We use the following molding and overmolding processes:

• Compression: a non-vulcanized preformed piece of rubber is placed in a cavity of a two plate mold. When the mold is closed, the preformed conforms to the shape of the cavity and the rubber vulcanizes.
• Transfer: in this process, a sheet of non-vulcanized rubber is placed in a pot on the top of a mold. The press then forces the rubber through a runner system and into the cavities of the mold where the rubber vulcanizes to the shape of the cavity.
• Injection: this method, the rubber compound is preheated by the press then injected into the runner system of the mold. The runner system carries the rubber to the cavity where the rubber vulcanizes into the shape of the cavity.

Overmolding is the process of covering a metal or plastic insert with elastomer. Overmolding reduces costs by eliminating additional assembly or finishing steps. The insert is first blast cleaned and coated with primer and adhesive. The bond between the two parts creates assemblies with much higher strength and better performance than a simply assembly would have.

Blast cleaning (AKA sandblasting) is the most widely used process for surface preparation of metals, and is very effective for metal that has rusted, become covered with oxide scale or affected by other types of corrosion. Using abrasive powder such as sand, steel shot or metal oxides, blast cleaning both roughen and cleans the surface area of the insert thus promoting a better chemical bond between it and the rubber.

We have state-of-the-art equipment and our teams have many years of experience in sandblasting, surface preparation and bonding.

Bonding consists of combining the mechanical strength of a rigid structure, such as a plastic or metal insert, with the flexible characteristics of rubber. Soucy Baron mainly uses solvent-based adhesives.

The adhesive may consist of a primer (such as Chemlok 205) and an adhesive (such as Chemlok 250). The use of a primer depends on the environmental service conditions the part will see, such as salt water, high temperature and so on. Application of adhesives consists of:

• Appropriate preparation of inserts
• Correct handling of inserts—not touching them with ungloved hands.
• Mixing of adhesives
• Controlled application of the dry film thickness (DFT)
• Correct drying and storage of bonded parts
• Good process control—constant molding cycles in terms of time, temperature and pressure to ensure low scrap rate.

Cryogenic deflashing is a technique that removes the rubber flash left on parts after molding by freezing and tumbling them in liquid nitrogen. During this process, the flash on the part becomes extremely brittle and is easily removed from the part while tumbling without damaging the part itself.

NVH stands for Noise, Vibration and Harshness. The three main ways of improving control of noise and vibration are:

• Reducing the amplitude of the loading, for instance by improving the rotating mechanism.
• Interrupting the noise and vibration train by adding a barrier or isolator.
• Absorbing the noise and vibration using sound absorbers or mass dampers.

Our NVH research and technology has benefited many applications including the engine mount, by isolating the chassis from engine vibration.

Soucy Baron designs parts to reduce NVH problems by controlling specific stiffness parameters on defined axes. Our engineers can meet the challenge of finding the best way to control noise and vibration, and can optimize the geometry and rubber mix of parts to meet desired stiffness specifications and load cases.

Materials characterization is measuring a material’s structure and properties. We carry out this process through rigorous testing and analysis.
All products are tested and analyzed during the design process. A test specimen of the rubber mix is vulcanized beforehand for characterization tests to be carried out. The test results are then analyzed to see whether the behaviour of the rubber is suitable for the intended use of the product.

Soucy Baron uses many techniques for characterizing elastomer materials:

• Pure shear testing: uniaxial tensile test performed parallel to or tangent to the axis of a test specimen
• Volumetric compression: analysis of the compressibility of materials along a single axis
• Simple compression: evaluation of the response of a material to compression stress
• Biaxial tensile stress: establishment of a pure state of compression inside a test piece
• Uniaxial tensile stress: tensile stress test on a test piece without induction of lateral stress
• Creep and stress relaxation: uniaxial extension test in tension followed by maintaining the strain so that the test item can undergo stress relaxation.

Products are characterized to confirm that the modelled mechanical behaviour meets the service requirements of the part. Our laboratory facilities are equipped to carry out application-specific analysis, including the following:

• A metrology laboratory for geometric inspection of inserts: three-dimensional measurement units (CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine)
• Equipment for characterization of static and dynamic rigidity and damping: MTS 810 Elastomer Test System

Equipment for physical performance tests:

• Bonding, hardness, rebound, compression and fatigue
• Ultimate strength in tension, bending, torsion and tearing
• Resistance to heat, cold and chemicals (oils and solvents)
• Resistance to abrasion, ozone and ageing (oil and heat).

FEA is a digital computational method for efficiently and accurately representing the mechanical behaviour of a part, such as contact and deformation forces.

Soucy Baron has in-depth expertise in using the measured characteristics of materials that have non-linear behaviour to carry out finite element analysis with the ANSYS software package.

Soucy Baron operates in various industries such as agriculture, construction, material handling, aerospace, sports, mining and defense.
We help design and manufacture a wide range of parts for many applications including the following:

• Gas masks
• Respirators
• Aircraft window and door seals

We also supply a range of molded components for the following application:

• Boats, motorbikes, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs
• Pumps
• Power tools
• Water and air purification equipment

You can see the complete list of markets and industries here.

We work with a wide range of industries and manufacture complex, tailor-made rubber components. Here are some examples of parts manufactured by Soucy Baron:

• Motor sports: carburetor fittings, engine mounts and handlebar grips
• Defense: gaskets, bushings for tank tracks and gas mask components
• Personal protective equipment: gas masks, valves and casings
• Agricultural equipment: wheels for rubber caterpillar tracks
• Motorized equipment for external maintenance: friction wheels and friction rings
• Noise and vibration control (NVH): engine mounts, foot-rests

The application and its environment typically dictates the elastomer required.

• SBR (Styrene-Butadiene rubber) and BR (Polybutadiene rubber) for tires, floor coverings, soles, etc.
• NBR (Nitrile) for seals, high pressure hoses, drive belts, etc.
• Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) for car window seals, radiator tubes, etc.
• IIR (butyl rubber) for dampers, pharmaceutical stoppers, roof coatings, etc.
• Neoprene (CR) for belts, adhesives, etc.

High-performance rubber:

• Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) for seals, fuel hoses, etc.
• Silicone elastomers: vinyl methyl silicone (VMQ) for the food industry, medical devices, etc.; FVMQ (Fluorosilicone rubber)
• FKM (Fluoroelastomer, such as Viton) for aircraft engines, etc
• ACM rubber (polyacrylic elastomer) for textiles, vibration dampers, adhesives, etc
• AEM (ethylene acrylate copolymer such as Vamac) for the automobile industry

Yes. We are one of the few Canadian companies with CGP certification.

Yes. Soucy Baron holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.

 

Yes. Our metrology laboratory is used for geometric inspection of inserts.

We carry out several checks at different stages:

Raw materials analysis

• All raw materials and compounds are analyzed when they are received.

Mixture testing

• We check the physical and chemical properties of batches and generate a metrology curve to model the behaviour of the material and ensure that the vulcanization process will meet the specifications.
• The equipment we have for rheological and physical-chemical tests are an RPA 2000 tester, an XDR analyzer, a density meter, a hardness meter, an infrared device, a microscope and a pH meter.

Finished product inspection

• Before a new product is put into production, an analysis and qualification process is carried out. This process includes conformity and validation tests as well as dimensional tests.
• Reports and parts can be sent to the customer for approval if necessary.

Yes. We always carry out the following physical performance tests:

Tension and tearing

• Extension: verification of the degree of extension caused by the tensile stress
• Elasticity: the more elastic the material, the quicker it returns to its original dimensions after being stretched or compressed
• Rigidity: strength test when the rubber is stretched. The carbon black incorporated into the rubber is the factor which controls its rigidity. The more carbon black that is included, the more rigid it is. To make it more flexible, oils are added.
• Hardness: verification with a hardness meter. At high concentrations, oils and plasticizers reduce the hardness of the rubber.

Chemical Resistance

• Rebound, compression and fatigue
• Ultimate strength in tension, bending, torsion and tearing
• Resistance to heat, cold and chemicals (oils and solvents)
• Resistance to abrasion, ozone and ageing (oil and heat)
• Physical tests and fatigue analyses and tests in the laboratory
• Static and bonding (test specimen and product) and bonding under fatigue
• Resistance to oxygen and ozone induced ageing
• Tackiness

To get a quote for a project, please contact us. A Soucy Baron representative will get back to you as soon as possible. You can include relevant documents in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.

Development time can vary depending on the nature of the project and the complexity of the part. Send us information about your project by filling in our contact form so we can give you a more detailed answer.

We manufacture in both North America and Asia. Our North American facility is located in St. Jérôme, Quebec. Our Asian facility, which is 100% owned and operated by Soucy Baron, is located in Shanghai, China (Shanghai Soucy Rubber Co. LTD). Engineering for this facility is 100% North American.

To contact our Customer Experience team, please fill in our contact form here. In the Inquiry Type drop-down menu, select Support / Customer Experience and then enter your message. One of our team members will get back to you quickly.

That depends on the type of rubber required. For more information, please fill in this form. We will then contact you to discuss your project in more detail.

No. Soucy Baron is the official manufacturer of hockey pucks for the National Hockey League. They are not for sale to private individuals.

No. Please contact an authorized reseller directly for parts that are compatible with your product.
You can also contact our subsidiary Soucy Track, for help with your search.

No. Soucy Baron does not sell caterpillar tracks. You will have to contact a dealer who will order the parts for you.
You can also contact our subsidiary Soucy Track for help with your search.

No. Soucy Baron manufactures thermoset rubber soles for shoes used by shoe manufacturers.

Yes. We have 150,000 square feet of storage capacity in our logistics center specially designed for our customers. When you are ready to receive your goods, we will send them to your facility.

All costs related to dispatch of orders are the responsibility of the customer. The customer can send us shipping instructions (carrier, account number, etc.) and we can coordinate collection with the carrier at our factory or warehouse.

No, but we are delighted to work with our customers’ carriers.

Yes. We deliver throughout the world. We work with all shipping companies, and the delivery time is determined by the customer’s shipper. Our factory in Asia provides global cover.

Yes, customs duties apply as governed by international conventions. Contact us for more details.

Kitting is the assembly and packing of two or more related products to create a new stockkeeping unit (SKU). The parts of the kit are packed together and sent in the same box, in a particular order or not.

Soucy Baron is always looking for new talent. There are several ways of applying. Visit our careers site regularly to see all of our available positions. Call or text us at 450-712-3795 , or visit our offices at 851 Rue Baron, Saint-Jérôme, J7Y 4E1.

Yes. We are proud to provide thorough training for all factory employees. For office jobs, training is provided as part of the personal and professional development of each employee.

Yes, depending on the job function and organization of the department, Soucy Baron includes remote work in our My Flexibility program.

We offer a range of benefits to our employees, including the My Flexibility program:

• Flexible working hours to accommodate personal and work life
• Compressed working hours
• Reduced hours
• Remote work possible (depending on the job category)

In addition, we offer:

• Collective insurance (different plans depending on your needs)
• Registered occupational pension scheme with employer contribution (depending on the job category)
• Employee and family assistance program
• And much more!

We are proud to have more than 215 Soucy Baron employees, including our teams in China. The Soucy Group employs more than 1700 people worldwide.

Our address is 851 Rue Baron, Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, J7Y 4E1, Canada. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Tel: (1) 450-436-2433.

We also have a factory in China: Shanghai Soucy Rubber, 8 Yuan Shun Rd, Factory #2, Huinan Industrial Park, Pudong, Shanghai, China 201300. Tel: (86) (21) 6190 5508.

Baron Rubber was founded in 1968 and started as a specialist manufacturer of molded soles for shoes.
The company diversified to become a market leader in the design, testing and manufacturing of molded elastomer parts requiring a high level of technical expertise and high precision.

Key dates in our history:

• 1996: Baron Rubber became Soucy Baron Inc.
• 1982: we diversified into other markets, such as motor sports, land maintenance, personal protective equipment and defence.
• 1990–1995: manufactured all US Army components for the M40 and C4 gas masks for the Canadian army
• 1996: became part of the Soucy Group.
• 2021: first delivery of components for electric vehicles (EV).

It is currently not possible to visit our factory unless you are a customer or supplier and a Soucy Baron employee has specifically invited you.

Soucy Baron is involved in the local community in several ways.

• We provide food boxes to the Optimist Club for Christmas meals and distribute them.
• We work with Book Humanitaire by providing them with face shields so that they can help underprivileged people by performing tests in complete safety.
• We sponsor our local hockey teams: the Panthers, the Pee-Wee Provincial Hockey League, and others.

Our daily business activities enable us to contribute to the economic growth of our region.

We pay careful attention to the environment, specifically because rubber uses a variety of chemicals. Selection of raw materials plays a key role in developing our formulations. More than 95% of our formulations comply with international regulations such as REACH (European Chemical Agency), ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), Cal Prop 65 requirements, SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) and non-contribution to mineral related conflicts (Conflict Minerals).