INTRODUCTION In rubber processing, the material temperature and distribution significantly influences the reduction of the incubation time. Thus, it is substantial to know (1) the flow behavior in the screw channel as well as (2) the temperature distribution of the dosed rubber compound prior to injection to be able to ensure the processability of the used compound. METHODS The apparatus used in this work was a specially designed screw test stand consisting of a plasticizing cylinder and a downstream throttle valve. The design of the plasticizing cylinder and the temperature control is identical in comparison to a vertical Maplan rubber injection-molding machine. In addition, it is equipped with pressure and temperature sensors and offers the ability to remove the screw after curing of the compound in the plasticizing cylinder. Furthermore, the throttle valve offers the ability to measure the temperature distribution of the dosed material as well as to adjust the back pressure. To determine the temperature distribution of the dosed material it is necessary to (1) heat up the plasticizing cylinder to the testing temperature, adjust (2) the back pressure and (3) screw rotational speed and (4) perform the measurement under steady state conditions. The characterization of the flow behavior in the screw channel was performed as followed: after reaching the steady state conditions (1) the two colored rubber compound was cured in the plasticizing cylinder, (2) removed and (3) sliced on defined positions perpendicular to the screw channel to visualize the cross-flow. CONCLUSION Interactions of screw rotational speed and back pressure influences the formation of the cross-flow in the screw channel. Furthermore, a significant temperature rise of the dosed rubber compound could be observed.