Rubber Technologist

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 specialise 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.


Personal Requirements

  • an analytical mind
  • able to solve problems logically
  • adaptable
  • able to master both chemical and engineering problems
  • interested in physics and chemistry


How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.



What to Study

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.


Employment

  • manufacturers of rubber products
  • organisations in the rubber industry
  • automotive industry


Further Information

The Head
Industrial Rubber and Associated Manufacturers
P O Box 38545
Booysens, 2016
Tel: (011) 493-6120

MerSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services)
merSETA House
95 7th Avenue, 
Corner Rustenburg Road, Melville, 
Johannesburg, 2109
Tel: (010) 219-3000
www.merseta.org.za


Getting Started

  • try to obtain vacation or part-time work in a rubber processing plant
  • arrange to speak to a rubber technologist about this type of career


Programmes by Study Institutions

Related Occupations


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