Welcome to the APTC courses page. We currently offer courses in the following areas: Plastics, Rubber, Corrosion, Innovative Solutions, Medical Technology, Color Technology, and Adhesives and Coatings.

Courses are arranged by date, and can be sorted according to category type using the dropdown menu below.

Chemistry and Technology of Polymeric Materials used in Medical Devices

Date: 05/07/2013 - 05/07/2013
Course Number: AP5210
CEU's: 0.75
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

Intended for newcomers to the medical device industry, this course provides an introduction to FDA and EU regulations as related to medical devices including definition of key terminology, overview of GMP, device classification, listing and approval processes and how to navigate the FDA website to access key resources provided. A broad range of materials are discussed. This includes conventional elastomers such as silicones, natural and synthetic polyisoprene, and polyisobutlyene; thermoplastic elastomers such as TPEs, TPVs, POEs, Copolyamides and TPUs. Engineering plastics such as polyesters, nylons, acetals, polycarbonates, conventional polyolefins and cyclic polyolefins are discussed. Applications identified include orthopedic devices, ophthamolics, viscoelastic gels, catheters, tubing, stoppers, drapes, syringes, transdermal drug, medical machinery parts and the like. Learn More

Elastomer Molding Technology

Date: 05/09/2013 - 05/10/2013
Course Number: AP5223
CEU's: 0.75
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This seminar describes and compares important molding methods (compression, transfer, and injection) for thermosetting elastomers (TSEs) with methods (injection and blow) for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Injection molding is emphasized because it is the major molding method common to both elastomers. Injection molding machines and their characteristics will also be described and compared. The course considers elastomer selection, varied deflashing techniques, elastomer processing factors, elastomer part tolerancing, molded article dimensional variations and design for manufacturability (DFM).  The "Beaumont Melt Flipper", correcting mold problems,  importance of mold vents and gates, vacuum molding, and trouble shooting will also be discussed.  Finally, there will be a limited description of mold design for TSEs and TPEs. Learn More

Understanding Dynamic Properties of Rubber and Rubber Products

Date: 06/03/2013 - 06/04/2013
Course Number: AP5221
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This two-day course gives a thorough review of dynamic properties from A to Z. It defines rubber dynamic properties in practical terms. Special attention is given to performance applications of rubber components and parts. Also, a review of different properties of rubber itself and how these different properties are affected by formulation changes are also discussed. This course includes an effective balance between the practical and theoretical aspects of rubber dynamic properties. Learn More

Engineered Rubber Products - Materials, Product Design Principles and Fundamentals of Processing

Date: 06/11/2013 - 06/12/2013
Course Number: AP5225
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This two day course will familiarize technologists with the unique capabilities of rubber materials (thermoset and thermoplastic rubbers). Key rubber compounding principles and test methods will be reviewed. This will be followed by a presentation of design principles for rubber products. The important processes used in the manufacture of rubber products (mixing, milling, extrusion, compression and injection molding, and calendering) will be presented. Additional product design information will be discussed followed by a review of different types of elastomer products. Course includes newly published book by John G. Sommer, "Engineered Rubber Products". Learn More

Rubber and Plastics Failure Analysis – Physical and Chemical Analysis Techniques

Date: 06/13/2013 - 06/13/2013
Course Number: AP5226
CEU's: 0.4
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

The course is intended for chemical technologists, engineers, and quality personnel who, in the course of their work, encounter non-conformances related to rubber and plastic materials or rubber and plastic end products. The course begins with a series of case studies involving failures of rubber and plastic products the instructor has encountered. The discussion includes physical and chemical techniques, the rationale for the techniques selected, and the ultimate outcomes. The cases studies include ozone failures in elastomers, stress cracking and impact failures in plastics, fatigue failures, chemical degradation, errors in materials used, and more. Next, ASTM and related testing methods are reviewed including tensile tensile testing, abrasion testing, compression set and stress relaxation tests, impact tests, and the like. Predictive methods such as Arrhenius and SN methods are discussed. Analytical and instrumental methods covered includes: polymer identification by simple wet chemistry methods as well as more advanced methods such as FT-IR, NMR, state of cure analysis, microbeam analysis methods, and chromatographic methods. Finally, a series of additional case studies related to a broad range of actual failure analyses including tires, cast polyurethane parts, medical devices, automotive parts, hose and tubing, sporting goods, and the like. Learn More

Rubber Extrusion Technology

Date: 07/24/2013 - 07/26/2013
Course Number: AP4206
CEU's: 2.25
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This 3-day course provides useful basic information on all aspects of rubber extrusion technology.  Extrusion fundamentals are presented and then clearly demonstrated by examples.    This course makes use of the most comprehensive set of public data, mostly in graphical form, within the rubber extrusion industry.   Learn More

Silicone Elastomeric Product Technology

Date: 09/17/2013 - 09/19/2013
CEU's: 2.25
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This three-day class will provide a basic overview of silicone elastomeric product technology. It is designed to complement the newly published book, "The Silicone Elastomer Handbook", authored by the presenter. Basic silicone chemistry will be presented along with defining the various types of silicone elastomers, how they are formulated, crosslinked and utilized. Very practical processing know-how will be relayed including formulation, processing, testing, property modification and troubleshooting. Over 30 actual case histories will also be discussed during the course to reinforce the many various aspects of the applied principles of silicone technology. Learn More

Rubber Mixing in the Real World

Date: 09/25/2013 - 09/25/2013
Course Number: AP4207
CEU's: .75
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This one day course will cover the complete process of mixing rubber from receipt of the components to the mixed rubber compound ready to use.  Included is a good description of the process at an easy to understand level, as well as much discussion on common mistakes and process disruptions.  Best and worst practices will be discussed in detail.  The information gained in this one day should prove valuable as a supplier evaluation tool for anyone who is responsible for purchasing rubber or rubber parts.  Also the course should prove very useful to technical people and production operators in companies who mix rubber. Learn More

Best Practices in Rubber to Metal Bonding

Date: 09/26/2013 - 09/26/2013
Course Number: AP4208
CEU's: .75
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This one day course will teach the student not only the best practices, but also how to avoid the worst practices in rubber to metal bonding.  Included in the discussion will be metal surface preparation, adhesive application, prepared insert handling, insert loaders, cleanliness to protect bonding properties and bond killers to avoid.  This course is low on theoretical content, high on practical content and based on real-world experience.  The information gained in this course should prove valuable as a supplier evaluation tool for anyone who is responsible for purchasing rubber to metal bonded parts.  Also the course should prove very useful to technical people and production operators in companies who produce rubber to metal bonded parts. Learn More

ASTM - Rubber Testing: Selecting, Performing and Interpreting ASTM Rubber Test Methods

Date: 10/02/2013 - 10/03/2013
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

Instructors: John Dick, Peter C. Surette, Sr. This two-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used ASTM rubber test methods including: the nature of each test method and why each test method is performed; interpretation of test results and how test results can be used to improve rubber fabrication. Information available at www.astm.org. Learn More

Medical Silicone Elastomer Technology

Date: 10/29/2013 - 10/31/2013
CEU's: 2.25
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This course will be offered as a three day presentation providing a basic overview of silicone technology and then focusing on medical elastomer product technology. It is designed to complement the newly published book authored by the presenter, "The Silicone Elastomer Handbook". Basic silicone chemistry will be presented along with various types of silicone elastomers, how they are formulated, crosslinked and utilized. This will then be followed by very specific medical silicone technology using practical know-how for everyday applications. Learn More

Understanding the Global Chemical Supply Chain to the Rubber Industry

Date: 11/05/2013 - 11/05/2013
Course Number: AP4203
CEU's: 0.75
Location: Houston, TX

This one-day course provides a current overview of the chemical supply chain economics for the rubber industry. This course reviews the present international economics and its effects on chemical supply chain disruptions to rubber producers, custom mixers, rubber fabricators, molders, extruders and others. A 600-page photocopied manual is included in the course materials. Take this course with "Compounding for Performance" and/or "Solving Problems in Rubber Compounding & Processing" for registration savings. Learn More

Compounding for Performance

Date: 11/06/2013 - 11/07/2013
Course Number: AP4204
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Houston, TX

This two-day course is for both entry-level and seasoned rubber technologists alike. This class will provide an intensive overview of rubber compounding for product performance and is based on the book "Rubber Technology and Testing for Performance" (Hanser Gardner Publications). Text included in the price of the courses. This class is geared towards rubber compounders, rubber chemists, process engineers, product engineers, laboratory managers, R & D scientists, technical service representatives and material suppliers. Take this course with "Solving Problems in Rubber Compounding & Processing" and/or with "Understanding the Global Chemical Supply Chain to the Rubber Industry" for registration savings. Learn More

Solving Problems in Rubber Compounding and Processing

Date: 11/08/2013 - 11/08/2013
Course Number: AP4205
CEU's: 0.75
Location: Houston, TX

This course is crucial for anyone in the rubber compounding field. This class will give an in-depth look at processing problems in mixing, extrusion, calendering and molding. Statistics and methodologies for solving factory problems and case studies are covered as well. This course includes a copy of John Dick's book, "How to Improve Rubber Compounds" (Hanser Gardner Publications). Take this course with "Compounding for Performance" and/or with "Understanding the Global Chemical Supply Chain to the Rubber Industry" for registration savings. Learn More

Basic Rubber Technician Class

Future course dates to be announced.
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This course is designed for the entry-level rubber technician or as a review.  The course will familiarize the student with formulation construction, discussion of compounding ingredients, operation of laboratory size mixers and mills, and sample preparation. Testing areas such as rheology, viscosity, physical testing, abrasion, and dynamic properties will also be covered. Safety will be key in all topics. Learn More

Polymer Compounding, Formulating and Testing of Plastics, Rubber, Adhesives and Coatings Materials

Returning Spring 2014!
CEU's: 2.25
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This three-day overview course is designed to help chemists and nonchemists alike become familiar with the compounding and formulating of materials used in the polymer industries: i.e. plastics, rubber, adhesives, and coating industries. Compounding materials are studied and compared by general class and function. Also, comparisons are made among similar materials used in different polymer industries. Technology transference from one industrial use to another is encouraged. The following are included in this course: Introduction and Discussion of Polymer Chemistry; Overview of Plastics Compounding; Overview of Rubber Compounding: Review of Adhesives Compounding; Overview of Coatings Formulating. Learn More

Rubber Adhesion and Adhesives

Returning Spring 2014!
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This course focuses on the use of adhesives for bonding rubber to substrates (primarily metal) in non-tire applications. It covers adhesive selection and application along with substrate preparation techniques. The course includes an emphasis on in-process problem resolution. Learn More

Testing of Rubber Processability and Dynamic Properties

Returning Spring 2014!
CEU's: 1.5
Location: Akron Polymer Training Center, Akron, OH 44325-5404

This course, taught by John Dick, is designed to help rubber professionals better understand the various methods available to measure rubber processing, dynamic properties and the fundamental rheological principles on which these tests are based. This course will also discuss what specific changes in rubber compound formulations will affect these measured processing properties as well as cured dynamic properties. Students are encouraged to discuss their unique processing problems. Learn More