Course: Mixing & Testing for Compound Consistency

CEUs: 0.4 (To receive the CEUs, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.)

Location: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet, laptop or computer.

Course Overview: This course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the influence of the mixing process on the characteristics of the mixed compound. The focus of the training will be on reducing the batch-to-batch variation commonly associated with batch mixed rubber compounds. Detailed discussion will take place on storage and handling of raw materials and the influence of the storage environment on the properties of the rubber compound using them. We will cover the importance of sizing the rubber batch for the mixer and how to determine batch factors. Rubber test methods will be discussed in detail. The Association of Rubber Products Manufacturers Compound Consistency Guideline will be used to walk through each aspect of rubber compound manufacture.

Course Content:
– raw material specifications
– storage of raw materials
– error proofing
– weigh-up controls
– batch sizing
– integrated power mixing
– in-process mixer data and analysis
– two roll mill controls
– compound properties vs. the mix fingerprint
– testing the compound

Price: $350 Member / $450 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $50 for Other Student Members

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Instructor: F. Joseph Walker, Elastomer Technologies
Bio: Joseph Walker is owner and founder of Elastomer Technologies a firm dedicated to training in elastomer materials and process engineering, technical assessments, and fit-for-function design reviews. Over the last 45 years, Walker has conducted training for major organizations and universities.  He has also consulted for various customers in the areas of composites, testing, materials, and shop-floor problem solving.  His focus is a heightened awareness of the science behind rubber technology and improving the overall image of the rubber industry toward one of science-bases decision making through increased educational outreach. He is also active in driving awareness to supply chain risks and threats to the US rubber industry.

For 24 years he was held positions at Freudenberg-NOK and then Freudenberg Sealing Technologies where he retired as global technology director for materials and laboratories for Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies (FNST). In this position, he was globally responsible for overseeing advanced materials technology and management of the FNST/FST laboratories.  He was also the regional USMCA leader for Chemical Regulatory Compliance for FNST.

Prior to joining Freudenberg, Walker served as silicone rubber business team leader for Wacker Silicones Corp. There, he was responsible for research, development, and sales and marketing. He was an engineering fellow for Alliant Techsystems (formally Honeywell Defense and Marine Systems), where he focused on material design, processing, and application for various U.S. Department of Defense programs. Walker also held positions at Stauffer Chemical, Phillips Petroleum and Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.  He continues to conduct numerous trainings at various industry workshops, universities, and events.

He was the 2012 chairman of the American Chemical Society, Rubber Division; a member of the Rubber Industry Advisory Board for Ferris State University; board member of the Association of Rubber Product Manufacturers and is past-chair and board member of the Detroit Rubber Group. Additionally, he is a member of Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Original Equipment Suppliers Association, Automotive Industry Action Group, and the Americas Tech Team of the American Chemistry Council.  A graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology, he holds more than 20 patents and has authored and edited various chapters in text and industry publications.