High Performance Retreading for Enhanced Road Safety
Tire quality is an essential part of road safety. When treads are no longer adequate, retreading can be performed to reuse serviceable tire casings. Retreading a truck tire is a process that requires meticulous attention to detail and precision execution. Each step must be completed effectively for the retreaded tire to have sufficient integrity. Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) uses a proven nine-step process to repair and retread tire casings.
- Step 1: Initial Inspection – Every retread operation begins with a thorough inspection of the tire casing. Using both a grazing light technique and electronic liner inspection to fully understand the condition of the casing, each tire is inspected to ensure its structural integrity has not been compromised.
- Step 2: X-Ray Inspection – For instances where there is suspected body/crown ply damage, x-ray inspection gives a clear picture of any defect to the casing.
- Step 3: Buffing – Following a successful inspection process, a precision automated mechanical buffer prepares the casing surface for the adhesion of the tire tread.
- Step 4: Casing Integrity Analyzer (CIA) – The CIA uses laser technology to image the inner contours of the casing. This laser mapping is repeated under a vacuum, and the two images are compared with proprietary software to detect if separations in the casing are present.
- Step 5: Repairs – Each section of the casing requiring repairs is meticulously prepared and patched using Therma Cure cushion gum instead of commonly used chemical adhesive. This improves adhesion performance and tear resistance and enhances the results of the curing process.
- Step 6: Tread Building – In a single process, cushion gum is extruded at elevated temperatures onto the casing crown, immediately followed by the application of the tread rubber. This increases adhesion quality and almost completely eliminates the possibility for contamination.
- Step 7: Double Enveloping – In preparation for curing, MRT double enveloping ensures consistent and even mechanical pressure is applied to both the inside and outside of the tire by means of a vacuum process, increasing the final quality of the tread bond.
- Step 8: Curing – With uniform pressure applied via double enveloping and by controlling airflow, temperature, and pressure, the MRT curing process minimizes thermal variations for optimal curing.
- Step 9: Final Inspection – To verify retread quality, a final hands-on inspection is conducted. This includes examinations of the crown, sidewalls, beads, and interior. For additional assurance, x-ray and CIA can also be performed.
When it comes to driving safety, it all starts where the tire meets the road. Properly retreading tire casings will extend tire life and reduce the likelihood of tire-related road accidents. The MRT process uses enhanced repair, tread building, and curing technology along with thorough inspections to deliver the highest quality retread possible.
Additionally since money you’ve already invested in the original tire and casing can reduce the overall expense of the tire through its lifespan. “Many customers have an active tire management program that incorporates the usage of retreaded tires,” said Mike Weber, Vice President of Operations. “Through detailed rotation schedules, new tires move from truck to trailer from new to retreaded all with the intentions of maximizing that investment.”
Watch here to see how a tire is built. Learn more about the MRT process and other Bauer Built services by visiting us online today!
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