Method for curing a thick, non-uniform rubber article

A method of curing a non-uniform, thick rubber article in a mold comprising the steps of:

• predetermining the cure rates of the article in its parts to determine one or more cure-limiting parts;
• selecting one or more cure-limiting parts;
• inserting one or more pin heat transfer elements into the article, the one or more heat transfer elements protruding outward from an inner surface of the mold into the article at said selected cure-limiting parts;
• placing the article inside the mold;
• applying heat to the article and the one or more heat transfer elements until the article reaches a defined state of cure;
• and
• removing the article from the mold;
• wherein the cured article has a calculated percent reduction in the surface area of the one or more selected cure-limiting parts of 8% or less.