The Rubber Molecule

Rubber molecules are long chain polymers made up of repeating units of isoprene monomers. Isoprene is a small molecule that has the chemical formula C5H8 and contains two double bonds. When many isoprene molecules join together, they form a long chain polymer called polyisoprene, which is the primary component of natural rubber. The chains of … Continued

Eliminating Muda

Studying muda, or waste, is an important step towards implementing lean manufacturing and improving efficiency in any production process. Here are some steps you can take to study muda: Identify the types of waste: There are generally considered to be seven types of waste in a production process, which are: overproduction, waiting, defects, overprocessing, excess … Continued

Muda – 7 Wastes

Muda is a Japanese term that refers to any type of waste or inefficiency in a process. It is commonly used in the context of lean manufacturing, which is a management philosophy that aims to eliminate waste in all forms to improve efficiency and productivity. There are seven types of muda, or waste, that are … Continued

¡Feliz Pascua!

Wishing everyone a very happy Easter! May this special day bring joy, happiness, and blessings to all!

Hot-air fluidized bed systems for curing rubber extrusions

Hot-air fluidized bed systems are commonly used in the production of rubber extrusions to cure the material. These systems utilize a fluidized bed of hot air to heat and cure the rubber extrusions. The process begins with the rubber extrusions being loaded onto a conveyor belt and passed through a preheating zone. In this zone, … Continued

The Mullins Effect

The Mullins effect, also known as the Mullins-Schofield effect, is a phenomenon observed in elastomers or rubber-like materials. It describes the change in the mechanical properties of the material upon cyclic loading and unloading. Specifically, the Mullins effect refers to the softening and irreversible reduction in stiffness of an elastomer after being subjected to multiple … Continued

Vented Rubber Extruders

Vented rubber extruders are designed to remove volatiles and air from the rubber material during the extrusion process. They are commonly used to produce rubber products that require a high degree of purity, such as medical tubing, food-grade products, and electrical insulation. The vented rubber extruder works by introducing a vacuum system into the extrusion … Continued

Rubber Extrusion: Drag, Pressure and Leakage

Drag, pressure, and leakage are important factors that affect the quality of the extruded rubber product in the rubber extrusion process. Drag: Drag refers to the frictional force that occurs between the rubber material and the surface of the extrusion die or head. The drag force opposes the movement of the rubber material and is … Continued

Rubber Extrusion – Line takeoff speed

Line takeoff speed in rubber extrusion refers to the speed at which the extruded rubber product is pulled or drawn away from the extrusion die or head. This speed is also known as line speed or haul-off speed. The line takeoff speed is a critical parameter in rubber extrusion as it affects the quality of … Continued

Just In Time (JIT)

Just In Time (JIT) is a lean manufacturing strategy that emphasizes producing the necessary items at the right time, in the right quantity, and with the desired quality. The objective of JIT is to eliminate waste in the production process by producing only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the exact amount … Continued