Key course information
- Course learning format: IN-PERSON COURSE
- More course dates: See below or click 'Register'
- Pricing: click 'Register' to preview
- Course duration: One Day
- Location: Shropshire, UK
- Interactive learning face-to-face with expert tutors
- Electronic course notes
- Gain CPD Credits: Smithers training is IOM3 Quality Assured and counts towards professional development.
To book, click Register and choose a session
Looking for an alternative format?
Upcoming in-person course dates
| Select a session when registering | |
|---|---|
| 28 May 2026 | |
Course overview
This introductory course provides a clear, accessible foundation in rubber materials. You’ll learn what rubber is, the main types available, why compounding is important, and how rubber is processed into finished products.
Designed for those new to rubber, it offers a practical understanding of materials, properties and processing without requiring prior technical experience.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will:- Understand what rubber materials are, where they come from and how they are used.
- Recognise the different types of rubber and their key properties.
- Understand why rubber is compounded, how compounding works, and how it affects material performance.
- Be aware of the main processing techniques used for rubber materials and their purposes.
- Build a basic, working understanding of rubber materials and their applications.
- Develop the foundation skills needed to progress toward more advanced technical training in rubber technology.
Course content
What is Rubber?- How do we recognise rubber materials?
- Where do they come from?
- Why are they useful?
- An understanding of the key polymer types and their basic properties.
- What compounding is and why we need it.
- The ingredients used in compounding and their purposes.
- Key considerations for compounding.
- Basic introduction to the key rubber processing techniques including:
- Mixing
- Milling
- Rubber calendering
- Fabric calendering
- Spreading
- Extrusion
- Curing
Who should attend
This course is ideal for anyone who needs a basic understanding of rubber materials, their properties and how they are used.
It will be particularly useful for:
- Staff working in or supporting the rubber industry who do not require in-depth technical knowledge.
- Non-technical newcomers or those with no formal training who want to build confidence in the fundamentals of rubber materials.
- Professionals from companies outside the rubber industry - such as component users or buyers - who need an appreciation of rubber materials to communicate effectively with suppliers and customers.
Meet your expert tutors
Gary Crutchley – Lead Consultant
Gary is a Lead Consultant with over 30 years’ experience in rubber and elastomer technology. His expertise spans compound formulation, processing, and failure analysis, with a background in tyre R&D for leading global manufacturers. Gary provides consultancy and expert witness services worldwide, supporting clients with material selection, compounding, manufacturing optimisation and technical training.
Phil Hall – Principal Consultant, Rubber and Elastomers
Phil Hall is a Principal Consultant with over 30 years’ experience in rubber and elastomer technology across the aerospace, defence, automotive and manufacturing sectors. He combines deep technical knowledge with leadership experience in design, production and quality, and provides expert consultancy in material selection, compounding, process optimisation and failure diagnosis.
Contact us or download a brochure
Reach out to the training team now - ask about this course or discuss your training goals.
Prefer training tailored to your business?
Smithers also delivers custom and in-company training designed around your products, materials and processes. Get practical, targeted content delivered online or on-site by the same experts who run our public courses.