Vicone High Performance Rubber
Acquires Vulcanizing Capabilities

Montreal, Quebec, October 20, 2004 – Vicone High Performance Rubber, the experts in high performance rubber products, today announced the launch of its in-house vulcanizing operation. The acquisition of a state-of-the-art vulcanizing press will result in shorter lead times, while providing even greater control over the quality of parts.

“Providing premium service and top quality products at the best price has always been at the forefront of our business philosophy,” said Vicone co-founder Eric Leclair. “The addition of vulcanizing technology to our suite of bonding services will help maximize customer satisfaction by providing greater value to our clients.”

Vulcanizing or “hot-splicing” is the process most often used to make non-standard o-rings, square rings and “endless” custom profiles. A small amount of adhesive is applied to a length of profile, the ends are pressed together, and the joint is placed in a hot mold. The glue is then heat activated, while pressure from the mold ensures that the joint is consistent with the dimensions of the profile. When the product is removed and cooled, the result is a reliable splice. This is a very effective process for splicing solid or sponge profiles with no or minimal internal cavities.

The main advantage of this process versus cold bonding is the ability to produce endless gaskets that remain watertight for the life of the part, with the same base composition as the extrusion, giving it comparable physical properties (resistance to the same chemicals, temperature range etc.). With a cold bond, the dry glue will degrade over time and may not resist the same temperature range, media or environment, thereby compromising reliability.

For more information please visit us online at http://www.vicone.ca

About Vicone
Vicone High Performance Rubber is a leading-edge company specializing in a select group of high-performance rubber products for the industrial manufacturing market. The company’s value-added consulting services, procurement expertise, and extensive knowledge of the rubber industry are helping customers design, specify, prototype or troubleshoot new and existing products. Vicone draws on over ten years of experience to ensure top quality products, unparalleled customer service and 100% Just On Time™ delivery for the lowest total cost of ownership available.

	Contact: Eric Leclair Tel: (450) 974-1152 Fax: (450) 974-0552 Email::