Smithers Rapra encompasses what was previously Rapra Technology Ltd, established in the United Kingdom in 1919 and Smithers Scientific Services, established in the United States in 1925. Over the past 90 years, Smithers Rapra has become a global leader in rubber, plastics and polymer testing, consulting services, and conferences, training, publications and market reports, focused mainly on the tire, industrial, automotive, consumer and medical industries.

Testing, Analysis and Calibration Services 

Testing is also instigated to a range of national and international standards and those tailored to an individual company’s requirement. We offer a variety of physical tests assessing material properties against abrasion, fatigue, impact and stress and their performance in products in specified conditions. Smithers Rapra’s analytical and chemical laboratories undertake a variety of tasks including material identification and characterization using a range of advanced chromatographic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques.

Technical Expertise and Consulting Services 

Smithers Rapra’s  plastics and rubber technical services can prevent, identify or solve problems and improve or ensure continuing quality. Supported by comprehensive testing, analysis and information facilities, our engineers and scientists can tackle most polymer related projects.

Conferences, Training, Publications and Market Reports

Smithers Rapra serves the global academic and industrial market with polymer, chemical, pharmaceutical, ecotoxicology and life-science related knowledge and information products and events. These include a wide range of technology and market-based journals  and books,  market reports, national and international  conferences, polymer technology training courses and electronic web and database products.

Who We Are

For nearly 100 years, Smithers has been providing accurate data, on time, with high touch to our clients. Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in several industries essential to human lives including: