Yokohama Tire has launched the RR42, a radial tire designed specifically for IND-4 straddle carriers, the mobile cranes that move shipping containers.  

Benefits of the RR42 include long, even wear and vibration reduction thanks to an all-new tread pattern and two optimized circumferential grooves; higher TMPH by efficient heat dissipation through specially designed grooves in the center rib; cut and chip resistance supported by dual sidewall protectors and fortified bead area reinforced by the RR42’s casing profile which is optimized to reduce lateral deflection. 

The tire is available in size 16.00R25. 

Continue reading Yokohama release specialized tire at Tire Technology International.

Hankook is introducing an automatic AI-supported quality control system using digital sensors for improved efficiency and accuracy of product testing.  

 The Hankook internal inspection with the Interferometer Tire Tester (ITT) will check the tire for air bubbles. An X-ray inspection will also be carried out to examine the inside of the tire in detail, followed by a final external inspection by the quality control department.  

Until now, image processing for defect detection has been time-consuming and challenging because identified air bubbles are not identical in size and shape. In addition, technicians have had to give their opinion on the detection of irregularities based on criteria and their expertise gained through years of experience. 

Continue reading Hankook advances digital innovation with AI-driven quality control at Tire Technology International.

Toyo Tire Corporation has announced the development of materials informatic technology (MI) to predict properties and optimize the material structure of rubber materials.  

The technological innovations are part of the company’s rubber material development platform, Nano Balance Technology which combines observation, prediction, material design, and production control, at the molecular (nano) level to develop a tire. 

In recent years Toyo have been using AI machine learning and other technologies in the material development process, but they feel MI technology is about to change the field of material development, making it more accurate, predictable and time efficient.  

Continue reading Advancing rubber processing using materials Informatics technology at Tire Technology International.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced a resumption of operations at its tire manufacturing plant in El Salto, Mexico.  

Measures to protect the health and safety of employees, including social distancing, additional cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, restricted visitor access and other necessary steps will be in effect as employees return to work. Announcement of the plant’s temporary closure due to coronavirus impacts was made March 21. 

Cooper plants in the United States, located in Findlay, Ohio; Clarksdale and Tupelo, Mississippi; and Texarkana, Arkansas, remain temporarily closed. The company expects these plants to remain temporarily closed for at least another two weeks.  

Continue reading Cooper restart tire manufacture at Tire Technology International.

ZC Rubber has fully resumed production in both its China and Thailand plants with both locations reporting factory capacity at 100%. 

During the Covid-19 lockdown the company hosted five live online broadcasts with invited tire experts explaining the technical advantages of new products and generating sales. 

Ge Hongliang, the company’s marketing manager, says, “The tire industry used to rely on the traditional offline distribution system. After this outbreak, Chinese tire practitioners, although forced by circumstances, began to take the initiative.” 

The videos were viewed by almost a quarter of a million people and led to sales totaling 50 million yuan ($7 million US). 

Continue reading ZC Rubber resume production at Tire Technology International.

Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) has announced plans to restart its north American commercial tire plants as well as its north American Firestone Industrial Products and Firestone Building Products manufacturing facilities. 

Paolo Ferrari, CEO & president, Bridgestone Americas, says, “The start-up of our North American commercial tire and diversified products operations will allow us to meet the increasing needs of businesses who are going above and beyond to provide essential services in our communities.” 

Bridgestone Bandag’s retread rubber manufacturing plants in North America resumed operation last week due to demand by essential service providers. 

 “We are mindful of the need for Bridgestone to do its part in providing critical products and services to businesses and agencies doing so much to keep essential workers and goods moving,” added Paolo. 

Continue reading Bridgestone announce resumption of tire manufacturing at Tire Technology International.

Tire maker Hankook and its prototype and manufacturing solutions company, Model Solution, has opened an in-house creative database, the ‘CMF LAB’, which will support Hankook in product development.  

The CMF LAB, housed in Model Solution’s headquarters in Seoul, will research and categorize trend developments and possible product applications in color, materials and finish (CMF for short).  

One of the first joint projects between Hankook and Model Solution is the development of a tire prototype that adapts its shape according to the road conditions. The research carried out by Model Solution enables the tire to maintain a perfect balance during the transformation.   

Continue reading Hankook Technology Group opens tire research lab at Tire Technology International.

Test World is continuing to operate a full schedule of indoor tire and vehicle testing during the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

Janne Seurujärvi, managing director at Test World, says “This global pandemic is unprecedented and we will comply with official advice for businesses continuing to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak.  

“For the time being, we are able to continue running indoor testing programs safely, with the health and well-being of our staff at the forefront of our minds at all times. We are using our unique facilities to try and keep the industry moving while much of the automotive sector is on pause indefinitely.” 

While under global travel restrictions, Test World can test tires and vehicles without the customer having to visit the proving ground in Ivalo, Finland.

Continue reading Indoor tire testing continues amid Covid lockdown at Tire Technology International.

Alliance Tire Group (ATG) has announced the release a new series of R-4 heavy-duty tires for backhoe and compact wheel loaders.  

The Alliance 321 Plus range feature high tread depth, robust tread design, wide lugs, and heat resistant compounds giving the tires high traction, strong resistance against damage and wear along with excellent durability. 

Angelo Noronha, President EMEA at Alliance Tire Group, says, “As diagonal industrial R-4 tire, the new Alliance 321 Plus complements our tire portfolio with a premium offering that ensures smooth and efficient operations of backhoe and compact wheel loaders under all circumstances.

Continue reading ATG release heavy-duty R-4 bias tire range at Tire Technology International.