Dow is investing $100 million to expand its global specialty silicones manufacturing and innovation capabilities. The investment involves facilities in the United States, China, and Japan and includes both liquid silicone rubber and engineered silicone materials. This expansion aligns with Dow’s efforts to shorten commercialization timelines and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Join RDAbbott at LSR 2026 in Akron this September and explore the full journey of liquid silicone rubber, from material selection through molding and production. With expert-led sessions, partner presentations, and a hands-on Open House experience, this year’s event connects every step from art to part.
Join us August 25 – 27, 2026, in Barberton, Ohio, for “Manufacturing with Silicone Rubber,” a comprehensive workshop hosted by RDAbbott from a fabricator’s point-of-view. There’s also an optional training opportunity on August 28 for one-on-one discussions with instructors and deeper dives into process development.
Craig Lustek, RDAbbott’s LSR Application Engineer, will co-present a liquid silicone rubber processing webinar with Sodick & Friends on July 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM (CST). This 1-hour session includes 30+ minutes of pre-recorded, in-cell training followed by a live Q&A session with presenters from across the silicone industry. Craig, along with the other featured presenters, will demonstrate a real-world fill study and explain how process parameters were selected, tested, adjusted, and validated to achieve a consistent, fully formed part.
Cristina DiFranco, Account Manager for RDAbbott, will participate in a panel discussion called “Leading the Way: Women Transforming the Foam & Adhesives Industry” at the Adhesives & Bonding Expo in Novi, Michigan, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM (ET). Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable advice for advancing women’s careers in engineering.
RDAbbott’s June 2026 Custom LSR Processing Training is a two-day, hands-on learning experience designed for processors, molders, and engineers looking to strengthen their Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) processing knowledge and optimize production performance. Hosted at RDAbbott’s LSR Application Center in Barberton, Ohio, this expert-led training will cover silicone fundamentals, injection molding machine setup, dosing systems, tooling considerations, and fill study analysis using industry-leading equipment and real-world processing applications.
Starting January 29, RDAbbott launched its 2026 webinar series that will feature technical insights, material updates, and processing recommendations from our supplier partners throughout the year.
Join RDAbbott and Dow for an exclusive Lunch n’ Learn at RDAbbott’s Service Center in Barberton, Ohio, on March 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (ET). This collaborative event brings together industry-leading experts and equipment partners from Sodick, Roembke, and Nexus to showcase the latest advancements in medical-grade silicone elastomers and processing technologies.
Dow has published an article in EV Design and Manufacturing that explains why silicones are instrumental in supporting EV battery performance and safety. Designers have a choice of thermal management and fire protection materials, but silicones combine thermal stability, high temperature resistance, and electrical insulation along with other critical characteristics.
Dow has published a new landing page about its high-performance materials for sports equipment and recreation products. These advanced materials include liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for water sports and LED illumination. Liquid injection molding supports the use of LSRs in various colors and durometers with benefits that include reduced handling and increased throughput.
Global Headquarters:
R.D. Abbott Co., Inc. (RDAbbott)
11958 Monarch Street
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Phone: 562.944.5354
Fax: 562.944.5374
