Cone caps

Rubber conical caps protect holes, threads, and cavities during painting, powder coating, and sandblasting. Thanks to their tapered shape, they can fit various diameters, ensuring a secure seal that prevents the entry of paint or other contaminants. These plugs are easy to insert and remove without damaging surfaces.

Description

Cone Rubber Caps for Sealing, Masking and Protection

Barbieri Rubber cone rubber caps are tapered caps that self-center in the hole and fit a range of diameters. They are catalog rubber components, available in multiple sizes and compounds, and are particularly appreciated for paint masking and temporary closing of threaded holes during transport and storage

 

Code For screw Ø A (mm) Ø B (mm) Lenght C (mm)
ETCS001.5 M2 / M3 / M4 1,5 4,5 15
ETCS002 M2 / M3 2 6 22
ETCS004 M4 / M6 4 8 23
ETCS008 M7 / M8 8 12 25
ETCS010 M9 / M12 10 14 30
ETCS014 M14 / M18 14 18 30
ETCS015 M15 / M20 15 21 30
ETCS016 M16 / M22 16 22 40
ETCS017 M17 / M23 17 24 33
ETCS021 M21 / M25 21 26 30
ETCS024 M24 / M32 24 31 30
ETCS030 M30 / M36 30 37 32
ETCS036 M36 / M45 36 46 32
ETCS043 M43 / M52 43 53 32
ETCS046 M46 / M55 46 56 50
ETCS057 M57 / M68 57,7 68,5 25
ETCS069 M69 / M88 69,9 88,9 38
ETCS088 M88 / M127 88,9 127 51

What a cone cap is for

Cone caps are the most versatile solution for temporary hole closure, because a single SKU covers a range of diameters thanks to the tapered shape. The cap self-centers during insertion and locks by friction when it reaches the section matching the hole diameter. Typical for thread masking, temporary pipe closure, protection of hydraulic and pneumatic fittings, and hole isolation during painting.

Available compounds and typical hardness

For paint masking the most common compound is VMQ silicone, since it withstands oven cycles and can be reused. NBR for environments with oils, FKM (Viton®) for aggressive chemicals, NR/SBR for general use. The tapered shape allows operation across a wider hardness range than cylindrical caps.

Compound Temperature range Feature Typical applications
EPDM -40 / +100 °C Water, steam, ozone resistance Painting, outdoor
NBR (Nitrile) -40 / +130 °C Mineral oil resistance Workshops, hydraulics
VMQ (Silicone) -60 / +200 °C High-T resistance, reusable Oven painting, high-T
FKM (Viton®) -10 / +180 °C Aggressive oils, solvents Chemical, automotive
NR / SBR -50 / +90 °C Good mechanical elasticity General caps, masking

 

Catalog standard version and custom designs

The standard range of cone caps covers the most requested diameter ranges on the B2B market, with active molds at Barbieri Rubber and no tooling cost for the customer. For special sizes, dedicated compounds or colors we produce cone caps to drawing: at least a preliminary drawing from the customer is required, indicating the two end diameters, useful length and desired compound. The dedicated mold is built in cooperation with trusted tooling partners.

Industrial applications

Cone caps are used on painting lines for thread masking, in machine shops for temporary hole closure, in hydraulics and pneumatics to protect fittings, in shipping and storage to close pipes and fittings, in automotive and vehicle service equipment for component protection during assembly. They are among the most requested catalog rubber components for temporary protection applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the advantage of a cone cap over a round cap?

A single cone cap covers a range of diameters thanks to the tapered shape: the cap self-centers and locks by friction at the right section. It reduces the number of stocked SKUs when working with slightly variable hole diameters.

Are they suitable for paint masking?

Yes, in VMQ silicone they withstand oven cycles and are reusable. The tapered shape also makes removal easier after painting.

Are they available from stock?

Yes, the most recurrent diameter ranges are standard catalog rubber components, with no tooling cost for the customer. For special sizes the custom-design version applies.

Can I order colored cone caps?

Yes. On request we produce caps in dedicated colors for visual identification (e.g. red for painting line). Coloring is agreed at order stage.

Are they reusable after the painting oven?

In VMQ silicone, cone caps can be reused over multiple paint cycles. Lifespan depends on oven temperature and history of previous cycles.

Additional information

Suggested materials:

–

VMQ

Styrene-butadiene rubber 

SBR

Silicone rubber