Grommets are devices which are used to line the sharp edges of a hole or opening through which wires or cables may pass so that there is no damage due to fraying and repetitive friction. Grommets can also be used to finish the eyelets of shoes or other laced objects to avoid damage to laces, curtain pulls and blind cords. Grommets are also used extensively as wire managers in homes, offices and entertainment centers where several devices are connected to the same power source, leading to many wires emanating from it. Grommets are usually made of hard or soft plastics, rubber and rubber compounds and a variety of other materials.

The kinds of rubber grommets available may be manufactured for a variety of applications such as heat resistance, flame, fuel, oil and grease resistance. They may also serve as insulators between metal parts or serve to reduce noise and vibration between moving parts. When used to protect cables and wires, rubber offers protection against chafing and also allows the cables/wires to run smoothly along its surface. Rubber grommets for generators, compressors and fans are also available in various sizes and gauges. Because of the flexible nature of rubber, these grommets can be stretched and fitted well over the components. Rubber grommets are also non-permeable to moisture and gases and have great resistance to ozone, acids, glycols and can withstand steam, heat and pressure very well.

The types of rubber and rubber compounds used in manufacturing grommets are:

Commercial natural rubber: This basic material is used in a variety of applications and it is extremely cost-effective. It can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different dimensions. Grommets made from this material are used in industrial applications but not in homes or food-processing since they give off a very strong odor.

Butyl (isobutylene isoprene elastomer): is a compound that is used extensively in tire manufacturing, since it has a very high degree of hot-tear strength and is highly resistant to alkalis, oxygenated environments, water, steam and high pressure and very low gas permeability. Grommets made from butyl have good aging and weathering properties.

Nitrile: grommets are used extensively as connectors for pipes transporting oil, hydraulic fluids and alcohols, since this compound is highly resistant to these products.

Silicone: Grommets manufactured from silicone rubber compounds are known for their high levels of resistance to heat and steam and also for their purity. Hence they are used in medical, pharmaceutical and food and beverage manufacturing industries.

Thermoplastics: Grommets made from this compound are used in environments where resistance to oils is required. Thermoplastics are also resistant to aging.

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