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rolls (enough for one tyre), which allows the reduction of waste and facilitates application.
The line of Light treads is the latest innovation presented by Dobermann this autumn, following on from the new DMT envelope and DCB curing bladders.
New Training Centre at Rema Tip Top UK
Continental Look to Increase Production at German Plant
Continental’s truck tyre retreading plant in Hannover is expected to produce 100,000 retreads this year. By 2018 the figure is expected to rise to 180,000 units. 80% of current production is hot cure, whilst the remaining 20% is pre-cure, using the company’s Contitread patterns. The majority of the retreads at the plant are manufactured using Continental Group casings, although a small amount of pre-cure retreads are made with Michelin and Pirelli casings. Continental are marketing their pre-cure range as a second line product, with Cont-re as the top line retread The projected production figures for the plant were revealed during a recent press event held in Hannover, where the company took the opportunity to show some of the latest additions to the plant, as well as explain their quality strategy.
Of key importance was the
emphasis given by the company to promoting the company’s range of retreads as absolute premium products. For instance, the company’s retreads come with a five-year warranty, the same as new tyres. To achieve this, the company says in employs much more stringent selection procedures with regards to casings as well as during the inspection process. For instance, it was explained that all tyres tested in the shearography machine are scanned at an angle of 45 degrees for greater accuracy. The company also did not miss the opportunity to point out that any casings rejected by Continental, were sent for use by the independent retread market. To store all the casings required for this, Continental has invested in a huge palletised warehouse, capable of holding 16,000 truck casings.
Inside the new training centre in Leeds
New Dobermann Light Treads
Rema Tip Top UK has announced a significant investment in a new Conference and Training Centre at the company’s UK headquarters in Leeds. The centre has been built in refurbished office space vacated when the company’s industrial division relocated following the acquisition of Ace Conveyors in 2008.
The new centre was introduced at an open day recently where the tyre press was treated to a half day information course on tyre repair materials, given by centre manager Jim McNally, who explained the functions of Rema Tip Top’s full range of repair materials, including the 400 series cementless patches
used in retreading.
“The 400 series still needs the use of pressure, so a double envelope of curing bladder is used,” explained McNally. “However, we are currently working on patches that will cure without the application of pressure.” Rema Tip Top are aiming to market the tyre repair courses at the centre both in the UK and overseas. One, two and three day courses are available for interested parties including several courses targeted specifically at the retread sector. These include a two-day retreader repair course and a one day casing analysis and tyre inspection course. Full details of courses and prices can be obtained from Rema Tip Top UK.
Last year Dobermann presented its new line of treads to add to its existing lines of envelopes and curing bags.
After less than a year on the market, the company has announced the decision to expand its offer with three new exclusive
dedicated to vehicles which work on long distances: the HTL is a pattern for drive axles, designed to generate excellent traction in the toughest conditions and low noise, and its straight grooves allow better directional stability; the HFL is a tread for free axles with an
increased contact surface which provides excellent grip on asphalt. It features rounded shoulder that reduces overheating and provides a smooth, quiet drive.
The new pattern for the Regional series is the RHL Dober Haul Light, an innovative tread designed for use in all positions for loading and transport vehicles. It
provides excellent performance in both dry and wet conditions, its solid shoulder design guaranteeing a lower incidence of residual and irregular wear, whilst the groove arrangement avoids entrapment of stones in use.
The new treads are packed in short
Jim McNally demonstrates the art of tyre repair
patterns. The choice of the name “Light” for the new patterns serves to highlight the main common feature to the three designs: lightness.
Two treads, the HTL Dober Trac Light and the HFL Dober Free Light, are for Highway use,
34 Retreading Business