Rubber Mixing process

A typical batch of rubber is 500 pounds made up of 8-16 different materials. Materials are loaded in the mixer at room temperature. The Mixer applies shear to mix the rubber and other materials together which also increases the temperature of the batch of rubber. A batch of rubber typically mixes for 3-4 minutes with a final temperature of 220F – 350F when it comes out of the mixer.

The Mix Department Intern/Coop is a year-round position that provides support to the Mixing Department

• The schedule for the position is flexible. Minimum of 12 hours per week is expected, with a maximum of 39 hours per week.

• This assignment provides a diverse experience in the functions and needs of a rubber manufacturing group. The selected individual will be involved in the support of the Rubber Mixing operation from an Engineering perspective.

• The student can expect to be exposed to the following

o Measurement equipment and calibration of measurement equipment

o Projects related to the Rubber Mixing Operation (Examples; safety improvements, production efficiency measures, improving rubber processing, Lean Manufacturing and equipment modifications)

o Manufacturing processes

o Quality Systems (ISO9000)

o Lean Manufacturing Principles

o Systematic Problem-solving tools

o Selecting and ordering of production support supplies

o Machine Learning and Big Data project support