The main qualification that a metal sustrate (metal surface to be bonded) must meet is the ability to withstand the high pressure and high heat involved in the process. However, just because a material can be used in rubber bonding, does not mean that it will turn out well every time. Rather, the results of bonding rubber to an alloy depend on the composition of the alloy.
The types of metal able to be bonded are quite varied. The most popular is aluminum. Other common metals used for rubber bonding include steel, brass, beryllium, and copper. Rubber bonding may also be performed with non-metal materials, such as fabric, glass, and a variety of plastics.
Steel is an iron alloy known for its high tensile strength, durability, ductility, and weldability.
Aluminum alloys have taken over as the most popular metal for bonding because it is less expensive and more lightweight than steel, but it does not detract from seal strength or quality.
Brass alloys are very generally attractive and lightweight. They are also non-sparking and antimicrobial, and work well in low friction settings. They do not work well in high heat situations, as they have a low melting point.
Beryllium is a copper alloy with some excellent qualities, such as high electrical conductivity, ductility, heat treatability, stability, corrosion resistance, and low creep.
Copper is a naturally-occurring element, known as a metal for its electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, anti-microbial properties, malleability, softness, ductility, non-magnetism, and joinability.