February 2020

Dr Malal Kane introduces IFSTTAR’s software tool that predicts the skid resistance of a tire on a given road surface, ahead of his presentation at the forthcoming Tire Technology Expo Conference in Hannover, Germany. Skid resistance is one of the important parameters of tire performance, but the physics behind it is extremely complex due to the numerous and interrelated factors affecting the phenomenon.

The latest developments in intelligent tires are set to feature across Tire Technology Expo 2020, with numerous new product launches and technology developments expected at the free-to-attend exhibition, as well as some stimulating presentations on the subject at the neighbouring conference (rates apply). Michelin (Booth 3040) will present its latest RFID enabled tire technology.

Ali Ansarifar, a retired senior lecturer from Loughborough University in the UK, believes is time to leave traditions behind and embrace a more environmentally friendly approach to the use of chemical additives in rubber formulation. There have been two major technological developments over the years in processing rubber.

Hunter Engineering and Dealer Tire are partnering to bring dealerships an easier and faster way to increase tire revenue through Hunter’s autonomous tire recommendation system. Dealer Tire customers with Hunter’s unmanned inspection systems, Quick Check Drive and Quick Tread Edge, can generate automatic tire recommendations for motorists. A vehicle simply passes through Hunter’s unmanned inspection system in about 5 seconds.

Yokohama Tires announced that two of its tires were among the winners of the Chicago Athenaeum’s 2019 Good Design Awards. The two tires recognized are the GEOLANDAR X-CV tire for high-performance crossover SUVs and the Geolandar X-AT tire for SUVs and pickup trucks. The Geolandar X-CV is a new highway terrain tire developed specifically for the increasingly popular midsize and large monocoque-structure high-performance crossover SUVs that emphasize high-speed performance and drivability.

Test World is expanding its service offering to include tire testing using a skid trailer, cooperating with Applus+ Idiada to enhance its winter testing capabilities. The test equipment captures tire adherence measurements, behavior and characteristics in snow and ice driving environments. The skid trailer’s tire dynamics characterization capabilities can register tire response when exposed to forces and motions while free rolling and braking.

If you’re looking to upgrade your tire testing capabilities, head to Hannover in just a few weeks’ time to Tire Technology Expo, where you will be able to find a wide range of innovative testing equipment on display from leading suppliers drawn from across the globe. Visit Hankook Engineering Works on Booth 8029 to find out about the company’s range of testing equipment for PCR and TBR tires.

Michelin North America is working with experts from Lehigh University and Cornell University to develop two novel mechanisms to improve the friction of soft materials based on the bio-inspired design of near-surface structures.

Witness the next industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) at Tire Technology Expo, 25-27 February, in Hannover, Germany, which will showcase the latest tire manufacturing innovations from over 300 exhibitors, highlighting how increased automation, computers and the IoT continue to reshape the industry. Bosch Rexroth (Booth 9026) will present an all-new automation platform that encompasses both software and hardware solutions.

After two years of discussions and negotiations, Michelin and IndustriAll Global Union have formed the Michelin Global Works Council. Florent Menegaux, chief executive officer of the Michelin Group, said, “The Michelin Global Works Council will enable us to take social dialog and change support to the next level, while also improving the rights and working conditions of employees worldwide.

Isn’t it time the market considered the full value proposition of intelligent tires, asks Dr Hans R. Dorfi, director, digital engineering, Americas Technical Center, Bridgestone Americas, ahead of his presentation at the Tire Technology Expo Conference in just a few weeks’ time.

Bridgestone announced management changes in its Americas and Asia Pacific regions as part of its commitment to its global growth agenda. The changes are designed to accelerate the company’s transformation into a global leader in advanced mobility and sustainable solutions for a world in motion.

Traction News

Bridgestone announced it is launching three motorcycle tires: the Battlax Classic Racing CR11, Battlax BT46 touring tire and the Battlecross E50 Extreme Motorcycle Tire. The Battlax Classic Racing CR11 tire for classic bike races will be available in one front tire size and one rear tire size when released in each market starting in February 2020.

Tire Technology International

Chinese tire makers may soon genuinely trouble the establishment, as they restructure and step up their R&D game, according to David Shaw, CEO of Tire Industry Research and expert on China’s tire industry. Don’t miss David’s presentation on this subject at the Tire Technology Expo Conference.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries has established a natural rubber procurement subsidiary in Singapore, the world’s largest natural rubber trading hub. Until now the natural rubber division of the company’s sales subsidiary in Singapore, Sumitomo Rubber Asia, has handled procurement of natural rubber for Sumitomo Rubber Group. The new subsidiary, Sumitomo Rubber Singapore, will begin operations in April.