George A. Kruder - Hall of Fame Entry Author: Plastics Academy Staff Added: 03/29/2004 Type: Summary [ Not Rated Yet ] |
George A. Kruder Birthdate: Deceased: Induction: Process |
Recognized as one of the most knowledgeable industrial extrusion experts in the world.
Although many of his achievements were accomplished while he was vice president of R&D at HPM and Prodex, his major contributions to the plastics industry began in 1957 at Kordite Co. During this time, he managed the development of polyethylene bread and meat wrap films and processes. His work resulted in major contributions to the conception and development of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film.
His knowledge and experience in polyolefin and polystyrene process development and manufacturing were applied at Rexall and Dart Industries, where he held positions in directing R&D, Technical Services, QC, and Polyolefin Plant Operations.
Dr. Kruder made significant contributions as head of R&D for numerous firms. He built, organized, and directed highly skilled R&D teams that made major technological advances of significant commercial importance. Eleven U.S. patents have been issued to him since 1975, covering the invention of the double wave screw for molding and extrusion. His unique talents were utilized in guiding new process and product developments, optimizing extrusion process design and operation, diagnosing field problems, and auditing extrusion plant performance.
His research papers include studies on fundamental feeding mechanisms, metered starve feeding, ultra high-speed extrusion, venting, and special screw designs. He won the Extrusion Division "Best Paper Award" at the SPE ANTEC in 1975 and 1980. In 1990, SPE awarded him their "Distinguished Service Award." He also received the Plastics Institute of America Educational Service Award.
Today, as a consultant to the plastics industry, he has inspired not only the companies he serves, but countless young people as well. His willingness to coach and teach is consistent with his philosophy of total dedication to achieving the worthwhile goals with which he has been identified.
He is a member of SPE, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Sigma Xi.
Born in Chicago, IL, in 1919, he received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering (1942) and his PhD (1948) from Purdue University. He currently resides in Mt. Gilead, OH, with his wife Louise.