2026 Alpha Technologies UMass Lowell RPA Seminar
REGISTRATION CLOSES May 4, 2026
Hands-On Training in Modern Rubber Testing, Mixing, and Processing
Learn techniques and technologies that can immediately improve elastomer development and production
Participate in hands-on training rarely available outside major conferences
Gain direct access to elastomer experts and university laboratory facilities
Date: June 3, 2026 at 8:30AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE TO ATTEND
LOCATION
Perry Atrium, SAAB ETIC 40 University Ave Lowell, MA 01854
PARKING
Riverside Surface Lot A & B 307–311 Riverside Street, Lowell, MA 01854
TRANSIT
Accessible via MBTA Commuter Rail (Lowell Line) and multiple LRTA bus routes serving campus.
ACCOMODATIONS
Several hotels are located within a short drive of campus. Details provided with registration confirmation.
WHY ATTEND
Bridge Lab Data to Production Performance
Engineers working with elastomers consistently face the same challenges: compound behavior that’s difficult to predict, processing issues that emerge late in development, and mixing problems that are hard to diagnose without the right tools.
This workshop addresses those challenges directly, covering dynamic testing, compound analysis, and data interpretation with equipment and methods you can apply the following Monday.
TCompound Behavior
Understand why elastomers behave differently across formulations and how to characterize them predictively.
Design of Experiment
Learn how DOE methodologies give you a structured, efficient approach to troubleshooting processing problems, helping you isolate variables, identify root causes, and resolve issues faster without guesswork.
Mixing & Dispersion
Learn diagnostic techniques for evaluating filler dispersion and formulation quality.
Rheology → Performance
Connect rheology test data to real-world product performance with confidence.
What You Will Learn
- Design and run elastomer mix studies with meaningful, reproducible results
- Interpret rheology data to predict processing behavior before it reaches the floor
- Diagnose mixing, filler dispersion, and formulation issues from test data
- Use rheology to troubleshoot and resolve active production problems
- Understand rheology requirements for elastomer additive manufacturing
1 Day
Intensive workshop covering the full elastomer development and troubleshooting workflow
3+
Hands-on laboratory stations where you will mix your own compound, perform predictive analysis, and 3D print your own parts
88
Seats available — small cohort for direct expert access
Hands-On Lab Rotations
Participants rotate through working laboratory stations inside UMass Lowell’s facilities. You’ll generate and interpret your own experimental data — not just observe a demonstration.
Mix Your Own Compound
Work hands-on with a laboratory-scale internal mixer to blend your own elastomer compound from scratch. Understand mixing dynamics, filler loading behavior, and dispersion quality as you build it yourself.
Predictive Analysis on the RPA
Run cure, oscillation, and dynamic mechanical tests on the Premier Rubber Process Analyzer using the compound you mixed. Learn how to interpret your own data to make confident, predictive compound development decisions.
Additive Manufacturing
Explore elastomer additive manufacturing equipment and understand the specific rheological requirements that govern printability and final part performance.
Full Workshop Agenda
June 3,2026 – Full Day Schedule
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Arrival, Registration & Coffee Networking |
| 9:00 – 9:20 | Welcome and Program Overview |
| 9:20 – 10:00 | What Legacy Rubber Processes Miss |
| 10:00 – 10:40 | Understanding Rubber Through Dynamic Testing |
| 10:40 – 11:00 | BreakBreak |
| 11:00 – 11:40 | Industry Case Studies |
| 11:40 – 12:15 | Rubber Materials for Additive Manufacturing |
| 12:15 – 1:00 | Networking LunchNetworking |
| 1:00 – 3:00 | Hands-On Lab RotationsLab |
| 3:00 – 3:15 | BreakBreak |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | Data Interpretation SessionLab |
| 4:00 – 4:20 | Open Q&A |
| 5:30 – 7:30 | Networking DinnerOptional |
Why This Workshop is Free
Alpha Technologies and UMass Lowell are hosting this event as a shared commitment to advancing technical knowledge across the rubber and elastomer industry. We believe that direct access to expert instruction and real laboratory equipment should not require a conference budget.
Our goal is to strengthen the connection between industry engineers and academic researchers and ensure the next generation of elastomer developers has the tools to do exceptional work.
Workshop Speakers
Richard Hanzlik, MBA
ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES
EXPERTISE
Chemical engineering, polymer science, and advanced rheology with a focus on elastomer characterization and rubber process analysis.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dynamic mechanical analysis, cure rheology, viscoelastic behavior of elastomers, rubber compound development, process optimization, and linking rheological data to real-world manufacturing performance.
Dr. Joey L. Mead
UMASS LOWELL
EXPERTISE
Rubber technology, thermoplastic elastomers, design, properties and processing of elastomers, nano materials.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, nanomanufacturing, electrospinning, mechanical behavior of elastomers and polymers, interfacial properties of fiber reinforced composites, structure-property relationships, recycling of rubber and elastomeric barrier materials.
Charlie Johnson
ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES
EXPERTISE
8 years at Bridgestone Americas spanning tire compounding, Guayule rubber processing, and functionalized synthetic polymer development. Specialties include long wear life and high performance treads, sustainable raw material compounding, silica and tandem-mixing techniques, and custom test method development.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Advanced rheological characterization of elastomers, thermosets, and composites; custom test method development for the tire and rubber industry; next-generation compounding strategies including molecular rebar, carbon nanotubes, functionalized resins, and alternative curing chemistries.