Rubber technologists apply their knowledge of physics, chemistry and engineering to the process of converting raw rubber material into saleable products such as tyres, belting, elastic bands, balloons, balls and footwear.
Rubber technologists usually specialize in one of the following areas of the rubber industry:
Product and production control: this entails drawing up standard formulae for the production of rubber products based on laboratory experimentation.
Product development: these rubber technologists are involved in the design of new rubber products. Planning is done in cooperation with engineers, draughtsmen and consumers in the mining, chemical and automotive industry. A prototype is made and tested to ensure that it complies with the requirements.
Quality control: controlling the rubber manufacturing process and ensuring that quality standards are maintained throughout.
Sales: these rubber technologists give technical advice to customers and may be involved in work studies, technical writing, purchasing, market research, training and sales of rubber products.
Satisfying Aspects
- challenging and interesting work
- variety of specialities to choose from
- being able to apply modern technology
- contributing towards the country's economy
Demanding aspects
- requires lots of concentration
- research work can be frustrating at times
- keeping abreast of developments in this field
Requirements
A rubber technologist should:
- have an analytical mind;
- be able to solve problems logically;
- be adaptable;
- master both chemical and engineering problems;
- be interested in physics and chemistry.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Information Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design
Training
Diploma: N.Dip: Rubber Technology - TUT,
The Tshwane University of Technology also offers a short course for foremen and quality control inspectors in the rubber industry, which takes one month.
Employer
- Manufacturers of rubber products
- Organizations in the rubber industry
- Automotive industry
Contact
The Head
Industrial Rubber and Associated Manufacturers
P O Box 38545
Booysens, 2016
Tel. (011) 493-6120
MERSETA
P O Box 61826
Marshalltown, 2107
Tel: (011) 551-5202 Fax: 0866 730017
www.merseta.org.za