From Latex to Smoked Sheets: The Processing Journey of RSS 3 at Ngoc Chau Rubber

When sourcing natural rubber for industrial applications, understanding the RSS 3 rubber production process is critical. The way rubber is processed affects everything from tensile strength to dirt content—and ultimately, the durability of your end product.

At Ngoc Chau Natural Rubber, we take pride in turning raw latex into high-performance RSS 3 smoked sheets trusted by tire manufacturers, rubber engineers, and procurement managers across 20+ countries.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step journey.

What Is RSS 3 and Why the Production Process Matters

RSS 3 (Ribbed Smoked Sheet Grade 3) is a sheeted form of natural rubber, known for its durability, elasticity, and mechanical strength. It’s widely used in tire manufacturing, industrial hoses, gaskets, and shock absorbers.

But not all RSS 3 is created equal.

Poor processing can result in:

• High dirt or ash content

• Uneven drying and brittleness

• Unstable Mooney viscosity

That’s why a standardized, ISO-compliant process is essential.

Step 1 – Latex Collection from Hevea Brasiliensis

The journey begins with fresh natural latex tapped from Hevea brasiliensis trees on certified plantations. At Ngoc Chau, we only use latex from sustainable sources with strict control over impurities.

• Freshness is critical. Latex is collected daily and transferred immediately to our processing facility.

• Quality starts here. We check pH, ammonia levels, and DRC (Dry Rubber Content) before moving forward.

Step 2 – Coagulation and Sheet Formation

Once at the plant, latex is coagulated using acetic or formic acid to separate rubber from serum.

• Coagulated rubber is pressed into sheets using roller mills, giving RSS its signature ribbed surface.

• Each sheet is washed, size-checked, and dried of surface moisture.

This stage directly affects sheet thickness, smoothness, and defect prevention.

Step 3 – Drying in Smokehouses: How RSS 3 Gets Its Name

The rubber sheets are hung in a smokehouse chamber for 4–7 days.

• Heat and smoke control is crucial to drive out moisture and add antibacterial properties.

• Temperature and airflow are automated to avoid under/over-drying.

This is where the sheets take on their brownish, translucent look—and become smoked rubber sheets.

Step 4 – Quality Control and Grading (ISO 2000:2014, TCVN 3769:2016)

After drying, RSS 3 is inspected and graded. At Ngoc Chau, we follow both ISO 2000:2014 and Vietnamese Standard TCVN 3769:2016 for full lab testing.

Key performance parameters include:

All results are documented in COA reports upon shipment.

Step 5 – Packaging, Palletizing, and Export Logistics

Our RSS 3 is available in both bale and pallet form, optimized for 20-foot container loading:

We offer:

• Custom wrapping

• Moisture-proof lining

• Labeling by batch, grade, and QA status

Why Ngoc Chau’s RSS 3 Rubber Production Process Sets It Apart

🌿 Eco-conscious sourcing
🔬 Lab-certified consistency
📦 Export-friendly packaging
📊 Technical documentation (COA, TDS, MSDS)
🤝 Customer support for long-term sourcing contracts

This attention to detail ensures that every batch of RSS 3 you receive is uniform, reliable, and compliant with your technical specs.

📌 Conclusion

If you’re a procurement manager, product developer, or industrial buyer looking to ensure quality from the ground up, understanding the RSS 3 rubber production process is vital. Ngoc Chau Natural Rubber offers full transparency—from latex to smoked sheet, we control every step to deliver performance you can count on.

❓ FAQs

What is RSS 3 rubber used for?
RSS 3 is primarily used in tires, conveyor belts, anti-vibration components, footwear, and technical rubber goods.

How does RSS 3 differ from RSS 1?
RSS 1 has slightly higher purity and visual standards. RSS 3 is more widely available and cost-effective for general industrial applications.

Can I request a factory visit or sample?
Yes! Contact us directly to arrange samples, video inspections, or site visits.