Rubber Technologist Career Description
Rubber technologists are involved with the conversion of raw rubber into rubber products such as tires, belting, elastic, bands, and balloons, balls and footwear.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Rubber technologists use basic scientific principles in the conversion of raw rubber into various rubber products. They can be involved in any of the following processes:
Product and production control
Rubber polymers are experimentally mixed and processed with chemical substances in a laboratory. Based on the results and the information obtained, rubber technologists draw up formulas that enable the manufacturing processes to be initiated and performed by standard rubber machines. They monitor the production processes and then draw up the process specifications for the conversion of materials into usable rubber products.
Product development
Rubber technologists are involved in the design of various new rubber products. This planning is done together with engineers and draughtsman, as well as with consumers such as companies in the mining, chemical and automotive industry. They make the prototypes and then test them to ensure that the prototype complies with all the requirements.
Quality control
After the rubber polymer has been mixed with other chemicals in a large mixer, the rubber compound is moulded into intermediate forms. These forms are fed into a variety of machines where the final product is formed. Rubber technologists ensure that these processes run smoothly.
Sales
Rubber technologists give technical advice to customers. They may be involved in work study, mould design, purchasing, research, technical writing, computers, analysis, market research and training.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Rubber technologists must be able to solve problems logically, be adaptable and be able to master both chemical and engineering problems. They must have an interest in subjects like Physics and Chemistry, because they form the basis for training in rubber technology.
Where can I work?
Rubber technologists are employed by organisations in the rubber industry as well as the automotive industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
There are several opportunities for experienced people to start their own small companies to cater for special markets. There are also opportunities for consultancy work but it does require extensive experience.
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