Tire Technology & Manufacturing

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced the development of a highly crack-resistant rubber material made from nanoparticle-based polymers that do not use any additives, such as organic solvents and reinforcing agents. The development is the result of a collaborative effort with a research group led by Associate Professor Daisuke Suzuki of Shinshu University’s Graduate School of Textile Science and Technology and RISM (Research Initiative for Supra-Materials). Further research based on knowledge gained during the collaborative research project is expected to lead to the development of safer and more durable tires and rubber products that are people- and environment-friendly. The developed rubber material can be easily recycled without deterioration and therefore is expected to contribute to the realization of a circular economy

The increasing focus on sustainability, combined with high energy prices, means that energy efficiency is more important than ever. The benefit of Cimcorp’s robotic technology in terms of energy use is tangible, as the company’s gantry robots feature low energy consumption. With the structure of each gantry robot formed from aluminum, they are lightweight yet robust. As the robots are not heavy, they accelerate and move fast, optimizing all the potential handling capacity for products moved in the distribution center.

Three years in, the pandemic has altered the commercial truck industry, including the tire segment. In this Q&A, Dan Funkhouser, Yokohama Tire vice president of commercial tire sales, looks at the ways the industry has adapted to the changes and what to expect moving forward.

Teijin Frontier has developed an ultra-fine polyester staple fiber (Nanofront™ staple fiber) as an effective rubber reinforcement.

Tire rolling resistance is closely related to overall vehicle fuel economy or range in both ICE and electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, it is understood that rolling resistance reduction is a reliable strategy for optimizing a vehicle’s fuel economy or cruising range. Many countries, regions, and manufacturers are establishing rolling resistance targets in order to achieve greater energy savings, fulfill “green” initiatives, and reduce carbon emissions.