Dr. Chris Rauwendaal: Creator and Inventor in Plastic Extrusion

Dr. Chris Rauwendaal's legacy is synonymous with groundbreaking advancements in plastic extrusion. From his pioneering screw designs to his seminal work in extrusion theory, his contributions have empowered professionals worldwide and propelled the industry forward.

A graduate of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, Rauwendaal earned his postgraduate degree in mechanical engineering in 1973, followed by a doctorate from Twente University of Technology in 1988.

Rauwendaal's professional journey began at American Enka Co., where he served as a development engineer. His groundbreaking work on a patented screw design earned him the prestigious President's Award. Over the years, he continued to innovate, developing patented screw designs, mixing elements and extruder components that revolutionized extrusion and injection molding processes.

In 1977, Rauwendaal's quest for innovation led him to Raychem Corp. in California, where he assumed the role of manager of process engineering in Corporate R&D. Here, he spearheaded a myriad of activities, including sheet extrusion, wire coating, tubing extrusion, blown film extrusion and coextrusion activities. He was also an internal consultant on process-related problems and activities.

A prolific author and educator, Rauwendaal's contributions extend far beyond the laboratory. His impressive publication record includes over 300 papers, books and video training courses. Notably, his book “Polymer Extrusion,” first published in 1986, remains a cornerstone in the field.

Reflecting on the journey of writing his first book, “Polymer Extrusion,” Rauwendaal recalls the arduous yet fulfilling process that spanned several years. Balancing the demands of full-time employment and parenthood, he poured countless hours into the project, often working upwards of 60 to 80 hours per week. Despite the initial challenges and uncertainties, his optimism and determination drove him forward. Initially envisioning completing the book in six months, Rauwendaal ultimately dedicated two years to the writing process. The culmination of his efforts proved immensely gratifying as “Polymer Extrusion” garnered widespread popularity within the industry.

Indeed, the enduring success of "Polymer Extrusion" is a testament to its significance within the field. Widely regarded as essential reading for process engineers working with extrusion, the book has achieved remarkable sales figures over the past three decades. Published by Hanser, the book's enduring appeal has led to multiple new editions, with the latest being the fifth edition. Rauwendaal takes pride in the book’s enduring legacy, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory and establishing him as a leading authority in the realm of plastic extrusion.

In his current role as president of REE Inc., Rauwendaal remains at the forefront of advancing extrusion technology. Through REE, he provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the polymer processing industry. Additionally, REE serves as a focal point for training and professional development initiatives, with Rauwendaal leading the charge.

About his extensive experience as an educator, Rauwendaal underscores the value he finds in sharing knowledge and expertise. Over the span of four decades, he has conducted numerous seminars and taught thousands of individuals, imparting invaluable insights to the next generation of professionals. The opportunity to witness the impact of his teachings firsthand brings him a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Among his many accomplishments, Rauwendaal's development of a groundbreaking theory for predicting shape changes in noncircular extrusions stands out as a significant milestone. This theory revolutionized die design, providing invaluable insights for the industry. Additionally, his invention of the patent-pending super degassing screw (SDS) represents a major leap forward in extrusion technology.

With nine patents to his name and esteemed recognition as a fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers, his innovative spirit continues to shape the future of plastic extrusion. Currently collaborating with his colleague Giuseppe Poncelli in Italy, Rauwendaal is engaged in pioneering work to enhance degassing capabilities. Together, they are developing a cutting-edge system, designed for high-level degassing for single-screw extruders. Anticipation runs high as they await the outcome of their research in a couple of months, with the potential for these innovations to revolutionize the industry.

Talking about his induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame, Rauwendaal expresses a profound sense of fulfillment and enthusiasm for the industry. With 51 years of experience under his belt, he remains deeply passionate about his work, finding excitement and inspiration in the ever-evolving landscape of plastic extrusion. Looking ahead, he harbors hopes of continuing to contribute to the field for many more years to come, driven by his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for innovation.