1. Processing and manufacturing rubber parts

Rubber parts and articles are manufactured using methods specific to this material, based on techniques developed over the years. xix ^e century, when the industry really took off. The manufacturing process comprises 3 main stages, each of which has an influence on the final properties of the material. These stages are: mixing, shaping and vulcanization. Mastication may be necessary prior to mixing, for example in the case of natural rubber or certain synthetic rubbers. In addition, there are special techniques for specific products, such as treadmaking for tires, or bonding for rubber/metal parts.