Rubber

Smither rubber testing experts have many years of experience conducting physical testing and chemical analysis services for rubber materials, components, and products from a diverse range of industries. Our team can conduct industry standard tests or design a custom testing protocol to meet your unique needs.

Our A2LA accredited rubber testing labs in Akron, Ohio and Shawbury, UK offer a robust array of physical testing and chemical analysis services for rubber materials and products to provide you with unparalleled guidance on product development and material selection.

Read the history of our Ohio rubber testing lab ›

Rubber chemical analysis

Our rubber experts at Smither are well versed with a variety of analytical techniques and are looking to develop new methods to support our clients' needs. Our rubber test labs are equipped with a complete portfolio of chemical analyses, so our rubber experts can design a custom analytical program to match your unique specifications. This includes rubber contamination analysis as well as fully exploring the chemical make-up of your materials.

Rubber physical testing

Smither has decades of experience conducting physical testing for rubber materials, dating back to 1925. We offer environmental resistance and artificial weathering testing, material testing, and more at our rubber testing lab. We test to many common industry standards, including ASTM, ISO, SAE, and others, as well as OEM specifications.

Rubber mixing

Our rubber and compounding team can assist with the development of small, experimental batches for benchmarking and evaluation purposes. The rubber testing lab in Akron, Ohio has a small internal mixer and a kneader mixer with intermeshing rotors.

Rubber consulting

Our rubber testing lab is supported by a team of expert consultants with years of experience working with rubber materials and products. Our rubber consultants can help with raw material selection, troubleshooting, field performance evaluations, and much more.

Rubber sample preparation

Our world-class sample preparation team can mold and extract test specimens from a wide variety of products and materials on site at our rubber testing lab.

Carbon black, alternative (aCB) and recovered (rCB) carbon black

Our experts help clients by providing guidance on use and optimization of traditional or alternative and recovered carbon black in their applications. We can provide mixing studies that cover a wide range of applications, and we can also assist with new formulation development. Additionally, we can provide a wide range of physical properties testing to understand performance attributes across multiple formulation options.

Rubber and elastomer training courses, learning and development

Smither offers specialist courses focused on rubber and elastomer materials technology, compounding and formulation. We support the learning and development goals of product designers and manufacturers across all industry sectors. Presented by experienced rubber and polymer consultants who solve clients' problems on a daily basis - courses are available online, public and in-company.

What is rubber aging?

Aging affects the performance and longevity of rubber goods. Over time, oxidation and cracking of rubber leads to degrading and failure. Learn more from this article from our in-house experts.

A Brief History of the Smither Rubber Test Lab in Akron, Ohio

The Smither rubber testing laboratory in Akron, Ohio has a long history of providing chemical and physical testing services to clients from many different industries. While the lab got its roots in tires, the lab has since grown to deal with a wide variety of products and raw materials.

Using ASTM D2000 or SAE J200 as an engineering tool: Q&A with Jeff Marek

Smither material testing expert, Jeff Marek, discusses the high points of the ASTM D2000 and SAE J200 standard and how it can be a useful tool for engineers. When designing rubber and polymer based products, there are many considerations during the material specification process.

Request a Quote

Rubber