In-House Rubber and Polyurethane R&D Services
Dorlen Rubber provides rubber & polyurethane R&D (research and development) services to support the design, optimisation, and manufacture of components for demanding industrial applications. Based in Adelaide, our technical team works closely with clients to improve part performance, extend service life, and streamline production outcomes.
R&D plays a critical role in ensuring components perform as intended in real-world conditions. Dorlen Rubber’s development capability supports both new product development and improvement of existing components, helping clients reduce failures, improve reliability, and achieve better long-term value.
Built for performance. Made to last.
Rubber & Polyurethane R&D Services - Supporting Better Component Performance
Our research and development services are focused on practical outcomes, not theoretical design. We work directly with engineers, maintenance teams, and procurement professionals to understand how components are used in service and where improvements can be made.
By combining hands-on manufacturing experience with material and process knowledge, Dorlen Rubber helps clients make informed decisions around design, tooling, and production methods.
Design Review & Tooling Optimisation
Dorlen Rubber assists customers by reviewing and refining existing rubber and polyurethane component designs. This often includes evaluating mould design, tolerances, and part geometry to improve accuracy, consistency, or ease of manufacture.
Rubber & Polyurethane R&D Support:
Reviewing existing rubber and polyurethane moulds
Identifying design changes to improve accuracy or repeatability
Modifying tooling to simplify production
Reducing defects, rework, or material waste
Small design or tooling changes can significantly improve manufacturability and long-term component performance
Prototyping & Product Validation
Before committing to full-scale production, Dorlen Rubber supports prototype development and validation. Prototyping allows designs to be tested and refined before production tooling or volume manufacture begins.
This stage helps confirm:
Component fit and dimensional accuracy
Material hardness and flexibility
Functional performance under operating conditions
By validating components early, clients reduce risk and avoid costly redesigns later in the manufacturing process.
Failure Analysis & Performance Improvement
When components fail prematurely or underperform in service, Dorlen Rubber provides failure analysis support to identify root causes and recommend improvements.
This may involve:
Reviewing operating conditions and application environment
Assessing material selection and design suitability
Identifying wear patterns, fatigue, or environmental degradation
Recommending design changes or alternative materials
The goal is to improve reliability, extend service life, and reduce unplanned downtime.
Process & Production Improvements
Dorlen Rubber’s rubber & polyurethane R&D capability also focuses on improving production efficiency. Our team works to identify opportunities to refine manufacturing processes and tooling to reduce lead times and minimise waste.
Process improvement support may be:
Optimising moulding or casting processes
Adjusting tooling to improve flow or curing
Reducing cycle times
Improving consistency and yield
These improvements help deliver better outcomes for both performance and cost efficiency.
Material Development & Certification Support
While compound development and formal certification are not performed in-house, Dorlen Rubber can coordinate and manage third-party material development and certification when required.
Liaising with compound developers
Assisting with material selection for specific applications
Organising third-party testing or certification
Ensuring materials meet performance or compliance requirements
By managing this process on behalf of clients, Dorlen Rubber helps streamline development and reduce complexity.
Industries We Support
Our research and development services support a wide range of industries, including:
Manufacturing and automation
Mining and resources
Infrastructure and construction
Industrial machinery and equipment
Material handling and processing
R&D support is available for both new component development and existing product improvement.
Why Use Dorlen Rubber’s In-House R&D?
Practical, manufacturing-focused development
Experience across rubber and polyurethane applications
Early-stage risk reduction through prototyping
Improved component performance and service life
Reduced production waste and lead times
Coordinated material development support
Dorlen Rubber focuses on delivering development solutions that translate into real-world performance improvements.
Trusted Australian Manufacturing Partner
Dorlen Rubber is a trusted Australian manufacturer providing in-house research and development support as part of our broader rubber and polyurethane manufacturing capabilities. Close collaboration, technical expertise, and practical problem-solving ensure our R&D services deliver measurable value.
By integrating development with manufacturing, we help clients move from concept to production with confidence.
Talk to Dorlen Rubber About Rubber & Polyurethane R&D Solutions
If you need a project built from the ground up, or are having issues with an existing product or production line give us a call.
