Key course information
- Course learning format: RECORDED ONLINE COURSE
- More course dates: See below or click 'Register'
- Pricing and early bird rates: click 'Register' to preview
- Course duration: 4 hours of recorded modules available
- Course access: 28 days to access course materials, learn when it suits you
- Learning support: Optional live Q&A after course completion
- 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 online course dates
| Select a session when registering | |
|---|---|
| 8 Dec – 5 Jan 26 | 20 Jul – 17 Aug 26 |
| 19 Jan – 16 Feb 26 | 26 Oct - 23 Nov 26 |
| 27 Apr - 25 May 26 | |
Course overview
Rubber components are widely used in demanding applications where reliability and durability are essential.
When failure occurs, the consequences can be costly and disruptive. This online course explains how and why rubber products fail, exploring material properties, selection, compounding, and processing factors that influence performance.
You’ll learn practical methods for investigating and preventing failure, helping you identify root causes, improve product design, and enhance long-term performance.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the key properties and behaviours of rubber materials.
- Know how to specify and select materials based on service requirements.
- Recognise common modes and causes of rubber component failure.
- Understand the principles and methods used to investigate material failure.
Course content
Introduction to Rubber Materials- Basic introduction to rubbers and elastomers
- Fundamental properties of rubbers and elastomers and how this affects their performance.
- Why rubbers and elastomers need to be formulated and vulcanised to achieve durable performance.
- An introduction to the main types of rubber and their structures, properties and performance characteristics.
- Understand how these factors influence material selection and durability in service.
- Explore the process and criteria for selecting an appropriate rubber type to ensure suitability for specific operating conditions and environments.
- Identify the different modes of rubber product failure and how to recognise them.
- Consider contributing factors such as design, manufacturing, service conditions, environment and human influence.
- Learn a systematic approach to investigating rubber component failures, including the principal analytical techniques used to confirm root causes.
- Review real-world case studies illustrating various failure types, their underlying causes and the diagnostic methods used.
Who should attend
This course is ideal for anyone who needs to ensure that rubber materials or components are fit for purpose in their intended applications. It will be particularly valuable for:
- Engineers, designers and specification staff involved in material selection and product performance.
- Quality and technical professionals responsible for assessing or preventing component failure.
- Anyone engaged in the investigation and analysis of rubber component failures.
Meet your expert tutor
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.
What our delegates say about the course material
“Excellent, lots learned“
Moore Hills (AB Pneumatics)
“Well presented, good information, practical information gained “
Christopher Wilson (Polymeric Labels)
Contact us or download a brochure
Reach out to the training team now - ask about this course or discuss your training goals.
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