Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc.

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Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc. ARDL is a leading international laboratory dedicated to providing testing, development and problem-s

Another Year of Pink Tuesdays at ARDL! 💗 Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month began on October 1, our team has shown up i...
10/14/2026

Another Year of Pink Tuesdays at ARDL! 💗

Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month began on October 1, our team has shown up in all shades of pink for two weeks of Pink Tuesdays! 💗 ARDL also provided awareness bracelets so every employee had a way to join in and support the cause.

Behind every pink shirt and bracelet is someone we’re standing beside—those facing breast cancer, survivors, caregivers, and families. Supporting our community means showing up for one another, and we’re proud to do that together.

🧪 Fun Fact Friday: Sometimes, stretching rubber can actually make it stronger.Sounds backwards, right?Natural rubber has...
09/25/2026

🧪 Fun Fact Friday: Sometimes, stretching rubber can actually make it stronger.

Sounds backwards, right?

Natural rubber has a unique ability called strain-induced crystallization (SIC). As the material is stretched, portions of its polymer chains align and organize into more ordered, crystalline regions.

That molecular rearrangement can temporarily reinforce the material, helping improve:

🔴 Tensile strength
🔴 Resistance to crack growth
🔴 Fatigue performance
🔴 Durability under repeated deformation

When the strain is released, much of this crystallization reverses and the material returns toward its original state.

It’s one of the reasons natural rubber can perform so well in demanding, highly dynamic applications.

At ARDL, understanding what happens inside a polymer as conditions change helps turn material behavior into better product decisions.

👉 Go Beyond Testing. Understand your materials.

https://zurl.co/MmXBQ

Ever notice the lamp inside ARDL’s logo?It represents more than our history. The Lamp of Knowledge symbolizes science, d...
09/16/2026

Ever notice the lamp inside ARDL’s logo?

It represents more than our history. The Lamp of Knowledge symbolizes science, discovery, and the ideas that lead to better solutions.

But there’s another connection: lamp black—an early form of what we now know as carbon black—helped transform the performance of rubber products.

From scientific discovery to stronger, longer-lasting materials, this small symbol tells a much bigger story.

👉 Swipe through to discover the meaning behind ARDL’s lamp.

As America marks 250 years, we reflect not only on the moments that built our nation, but also on those that forever cha...
09/11/2026

As America marks 250 years, we reflect not only on the moments that built our nation, but also on those that forever changed it.

Twenty-five years ago today, the events of September 11, 2001, left an immeasurable mark on our country. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call, and reflect on the courage, compassion, and unity shown in the days that followed.

As we commemorate this milestone year in our nation’s history, we pay our respects to the magnitude of that day and its lasting impact on generations of Americans.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Happy Labor Day weekend from ARDL!This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the people wh...
09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend from ARDL!

This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the people who keep our industries moving forward — including our own Passionate Polymer People at ARDL.

ARDL will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.

We wish our employees, customers, partners, and their families a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

ARDL is proud to be featured in today’s Akron Beacon Journal  article exploring the future of manufacturing in Northeast...
09/01/2026

ARDL is proud to be featured in today’s Akron Beacon Journal article exploring the future of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio—and the growing demand for skilled workers, technical expertise, and automation.

ARDL’s Katie A Kelley and Nicki Hershberger shared their perspectives on workforce development, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the importance of preparing the next generation for careers in polymers and manufacturing. During the interview, Bob Hershberger and Barry Palmer also provided hands-on demonstrations, giving the reporter a firsthand look at the technical work happening inside ARDL’s laboratories.

The article also highlights ARDL’s involvement in developing Barberton High School's dual-credit polymer science course and our recent hiring of three Barberton graduates. These partnerships are helping connect local students with real career opportunities while strengthening the future of our region’s polymer industry.

Read the full article:
https://zurl.co/0LPjg

Supporting the community we call home. 💙At ARDL, community involvement means investing in the people and organizations t...
08/27/2026

Supporting the community we call home. 💙

At ARDL, community involvement means investing in the people and organizations that help our region thrive. From expanding educational opportunities and volunteering our time to supporting events that give back, we’re proud to play an active role in our community.

This Friday, ARDL is proud to sponsor a hole at the Magic City Kiwanis Loreto George Memorial Golf Outing at Turkeyfoot Lake Golf Links. ⛳

We wish everyone a great day on the course—and thank Magic City Kiwanis for its continued commitment to our community!

A test method tells you how to test. But how do you know you can trust the result?That question has shaped more than a c...
08/21/2026

A test method tells you how to test. But how do you know you can trust the result?

That question has shaped more than a century of rubber testing.

🔴 1912 | ASTM Committee D11
Formed to help standardize methods for evaluating rubber materials and products—from tensile and hardness to compression set, tear and aging.

🔴 1999 | ISO/IEC 17025
Established an international standard for demonstrating the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.

🔴 TODAY | Confidence in the Data
Standardized methods + accredited laboratory competence give manufacturers greater confidence in the results behind critical material decisions.

At ARDL, our A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation carries that evolution forward—pairing established test methods with demonstrated laboratory competence.

Because reliable testing isn't just about following a procedure. It's about confidence in the data behind the result.

🎉 We're honored to receive the 2026 Game Changer Award from the Barberton Community Foundation.This award recognizes ARD...
08/05/2026

🎉 We're honored to receive the 2026 Game Changer Award from the Barberton Community Foundation.

This award recognizes ARDL's commitment to helping build new educational pathways that connect students with careers in the polymer industry.

Working alongside Barberton City School District , we've helped develop hands-on curriculum, introduce students to polymer science, and create opportunities that bring classroom learning into the real world.

And we're just getting started.

Coming soon, we're excited to expand these educational programs into Akron Public Schools , helping even more students discover the opportunities available in STEM and advanced manufacturing.

Thank you to the Barberton Community Foundation, Barberton City Schools, our employees, and everyone who has helped make this vision a reality. Together, we're investing in the future of our community.

📢 We're Hiring!Looking for your next opportunity? ARDL is growing, and we're hiring for positions ranging from entry-lev...
07/07/2026

📢 We're Hiring!

Looking for your next opportunity? ARDL is growing, and we're hiring for positions ranging from entry-level roles to experienced technical professionals.

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of industry expertise, there's a place for passionate people who are ready to make an impact.

Explore our current openings and join a team that's helping customers Go Beyond Testing every day.

🔗 View our open positions: https://zurl.co/kwopZ

Address

2887 Gilchrist Road
Akron, OH
44305

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13307946600

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