Erhardt+Leimer will exhibit at Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany, from March 3 to 5, 2026 (Hall 20, Booth 3000). At the show, the company will focus on EL.Tag, its high-performance machine for preassembling RFID chips into rubber patches that can be integrated directly into tires, thus supporting traceability projects and helping manufacturers prepare for the emerging Digital Product Passport (DPP).
Transparency and traceability are becoming practical requirements in many supply chains. With EL.Tag, Erhardt+Leimer enables an RFID tagging step built around tire-compatible rubber materials. The RFID-enabled rubber tags form the basis for the DPP and provide tangible proof of origin, sustainability, and environmental impact. This creates the possibility for end users to track products throughout their entire manufacturing process, service life, and recycling.
In addition, EL.Tag supports industry standards for seamless data sharing via embedded RFID.
EL.Tag is designed to preassemble an RFID chip into a rubber patch and deliver a finished RFID tag composed of two rubber layers with the identification system protected inside. The resilient, tire-safe RFID tag maintains its full functionality during curing and operation, thus supporting long-term identification and data retrieval.
Speed, precision, consistency
EL.Tag uses a robotic process to assemble the RFID chip into two rubber layers within a single cycle time of only a few seconds. For this, a rubber strip is fed into the machine, and strips are cut off from it using a long-life ultrasonic cutter. A robot creates sandwiches from two rubber strips and an RFID chip in between. Then, after cold lamination, the sandwich is placed on a plastic carrier using a pick-and-place unit and the carrier is wound up for further processing at the tire building machine. The system is designed for highest accuracy and controlled tag positioning. For consistent handling of the sensitive rubber patches, wind-up liner tension is specified at below 1N, supporting stable processing and repeatable results at high productivity.
Process monitoring and double quality control
To support reliable operation, EL.Tag integrates monitoring and verification across the workflow. A 2D camera system monitors the robotic process, while a 3D camera checks the correct dimensions of the finished tag and the correct position of the chip within. For quality assurance, EL.Tag performs a double quality control check: dimensional control via an inspection system and functional control via a direct RFID reading system. Erhardt+Leimer has set itself the goal that no tire should be delivered without a functioning RFID tag.
Integration-ready, operator-friendly design
EL.Tag is engineered for straightforward implementation on the shop floor and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production processes. The system is presented as a plug-and-play machine with an easy, user-friendly interface, online data monitoring and recipe management. Different production sizes can be configured, and the HMI is equipped with a positionable arm to improve operator access.
Optional features are available on request, including an identification system for the final bobbin as well as scanner and labeler systems. A safety concept with sliding doors is part of the machine design.
Future-proof design
Erhardt+Leimer states that EL.Tag already meets requirements associated with the EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) for 2027 and makes tire production DPP-ready. The company also highlights that individual technical aspects of EL.Tag are patent pending or patented in China, Germany, Europe, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA.
At Tire Technology Expo, visitors can experience the EL.Tag machine and discuss integration options for their own production lines. With several installations worldwide, Erhardt+Leimer sees itself not just as a technology provider, but a reliable partner for building transparency, traceability, and trust across the rubber and tire value chain.
Automation and inspection expertise for smooth tire production
With 1,600 employees worldwide, Erhardt+Leimer is a leading developer of automation and inspection technology. The company supplies tailor-made solutions in web guiding, web tension control and web inspection to various industries, including the tire industry. Its longstanding experience in this sector supports high standards of quality for customers’ production processes in assembly lines, off-line stations, cutting lines, accumulators and customized tire machines.
