Webinar: Basics of Polymer Testing & Processing
January 28, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This webinar is designed to be an introduction to the rubber industry for employees who have very little or no understanding of how rubber or plastic parts are manufactured and tested. It introduces some basic terminology used in the rubber and plastic industries. Several types of testing will be introduced, and practical examples will be shared to illustrate why parts/products are tested. Lastly, this webinar provides an overview of the rubber mixing process, as well as a few processing and curing methods commonly used in this industry.
This webinar will give new employees a big picture view of the different departments within ARDL, will illustrate how those departments work together in the big picture of the rubber industry and will emphasize why each aspect of our company is so important to rubber and plastic products that we use every day.
Price: Free for Members / $149 Non-members
Instructor: Paul Merda, ARDL
Bio: Paul currently serves as the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL).
Previous Experience: Lab Technician, Adhesives Chemist, High School Science Teacher, Handy Man
Education: BS Chemistry, Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Experience: 18 years as a Technician/Chemist, 13 years high school science teaching