Sponge Rubber 101

Course description
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325
Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
Cost: $1,400.00 USD
CEU's: 1.6
Instructor: Richard D. Strong

Course Overview

This presentation was developed for those who currently make Flexible Cellular Rubber products and wish to expand their knowledge or anyone wanting to gain insights into these materials and how they can be used. This course will offer an overview of Cellular Rubber terminology, potential applications, economics, specifications, raw materials and compound construction  Additionally there will be a review of the various processes used to produce Cellular Rubber products, including mixing, various types of extrusion and molding.  This discussion will offer helpful tips, the do’s and the don”ts of producing Cellular Rubber products that can be applied by the attendees in real world applications of their own.  The course will not contain content about cellular thermoplastic rubber or foamed products. The course will include opportunities for questions and answers and samples of cellular products will be available for hands on examination.

Define Types of Cellular Compounds

  • Sponge - open cell
  • Expanded Rubber - closed cell

Cellular Rubber Definitions and Terminology

Cellular Rubber Products - Economics 101

Potential Applications

Processes Used in Producing Cellular Rubber Products

Introduction to Specifications and Test Methods

  • ASTM D 1056-14
  • ISO 6916-1
  • Mil S TD 670

Cellular Rubber Product - Tolerances

  • ASTM D 106-14
  • RMA

Raw Materials

  • Elastomers
  • Fillers
  • Process Oil and Plasticizers
  • Blowing Agents
  • Accelerators and Curing Agents
  • Other - Specialties

Compounding - Guidelines and Examples

  • K.I.S.S.
  • Three P's
  • Nitrosamines

Mixing and Testing

  • Internal Mixing
  • Open Mill

Production Processes

  • Extrusion
  • Molding

*** Akron Polymer Training Services now offers remote learning training courses featuring live instructors. For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage. ***