Learn the fundamentals of molding rubber mechanical goods and designing their rubber molds with no reference to the molding of tires. Review applicable molding methods with emphasis on compression, transfer and injection processes. Bring drawings or troublesome parts to address real-world issues during class.
Participants in this course receive an electronic copy of “Rubber Molding Principles” by Van Walworth included with registration.
This course can be applied to the following certificates:
Elastomer Technology Certificate
Plastics Technology Certificate
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
- Apply an integrated perspective on rubber molding and design of rubber molds
- Recognize current principles and techniques in the design of molds and molded part design
- Evaluate useful design information — valuable for beginners and seasoned practitioners
Course Outline/Topics
- Basic Rubber Material Overview
- Basic Overview of Molds and Molding Processes
- Compression
- Transfer
- Injection
- Overview of Presses and Molding Equipment
- Basic Mold Construction
- Mold Steel and Finishing
- Cavity Inserts, Cores and Core-Bars
- Gates, Venting and Vacuum
- Runner Layouts and Cross-Sections
- Runner Design Techniques
- Flashless Molding Techniques
- Wasteless Molding Techniques
- Special Prototype Mold Designs
- Rubber to Metal Bonding and/or Over-Molding
- Mold Operation Techniques
- Tolerances for Parts and Molds
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Troubleshooting
- Workshop Sessions with Q&A
Who Should Attend
Materials and process engineers, rubber mold designers, quality control personnel and managers of these functions. Companies benefit by sending teams of these personnel since their ability to work together is so important in an efficient design and manufacturing program.
Instructors

Terry Chapin is the President and Rubber Technologist at Elastomeister, based in Fort Pierce, FL. His work includes rubber consulting, training and teaching. He received his B.S.in Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio in 1980. He previously… read more

Van Walworth is a product design and development specialist. Van has a BS degree from the University of Alabama in mechanical engineering drafting and design and has become a well-known “hands on practitioner”. Most of his primary application skills are… read more