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NEWS
Reifen Müller Invests in Further Automation with VMI
graphene. After a
comprehensive
exploration of the existing
technology providers, we
found a perfect alignment
with Directa Plus. We
strongly believe that
joining forces with them
will allow us to shorten
our time to market in our
quest of providing
products having superior
durability and rolling
resistance as well as
outreach our environmental sustainability roadmap.”
Giulio Cesareo, Chief Executive Officer of Directa Plus, said: “Marangoni’s approach to tyre retreading is fully aligned with our core principle of using technology to promote environmental sustainability. This is why we are excited to demonstrate how the positive benefits of G+ can further improve
Coen Heukshorst and Uwe Müller with the RETRAX with builder at Reifen-Müller
Reifen Müller, who operate one of the most modern retread shops in Europe located in the centre of Germany, were looking for options to further automate their retread process as they were experiencing difficulties in finding skilled personnel to operate their machines. They explored a number of different options, but found that the VMI RETRAX with builder provided the best answer to their quest. The builder features an automatic alignment of the tread on the casing as well as an automatic stretching of the tread to match the circumference of the casing. Tread application is now done fully automatic at Reifen Müller, resulting in a higher accuracy with every retreaded tyre and a reduced labour involvement.
The VMI RETRAX retreading system combines the proven cushion gum smearing technology of the well- known AZ machine with the tyre building know-how from VMI. The result is a highly automated machine. As the machine itself measures and controls most of the process parameters, it is far easier to operate
and to teach new operators how to make high quality tyres. Next to this, the balanced stretching of the builder provides a perfectly matching splice, and the tread tension is optimally distributed around the tire.
Compared to their previous retreading process, with the new solution, Reifen-Müller has been able to attain a production output increase of 10%. This further automation of the retreading process lowers the labour and material costs per retreaded tyre. As the operator does not have to fill the skives of a buffed tyre before the cushion gum is applied on the casing, considerable time savings are able to be achieved. Moreover, strip cushion gum is less expensive to produce than calendered sheet cushion gum.
Uwe Mueller, owner of Reifen-Müller commented; “The RETRAX with builder offers our operators ver y easy maintenance and a user-friendly operation. The fact that we can teach a new operator to operate the machine within 2 days is a huge benefit for us. In addition, the high automation level results in less variation in the retreaded tyres.”
Marangoni’s truck tyre retreading compounds. Our team already has experience of successfully tailoring and developing bespoke G+ to enhance commercially available tyres. We look forward working with Marangoni to move to market the latest ideas we developed for tyre applications and thereby helping to reduce the environmental impact of tyre disposal around the world.”
TRM and Leader Rubber Company Join Competences for the African Market
With the aim of expanding their business in the African market, equipment manufacturer TRM and Leader Rubber Company have signed a distribution and service agreement. TRM claims a position as the only global player able to manufacture machiner y and deliver technological solutions for all the tyre retreading segments using hot or cold technology. Leader Rubber Company
is the recognised market leader of retreading products in the Southern and Central Africa region.
The distribution agreement will cover all the retreading business segments: passenger, truck and OTR tyres. Under the agreement Leader Rubber Company will provide first line support and spare parts service, with a view to improving the overall quality of customer service in the region.
Superdoll Zambia to Exhibit at DRC Mining Week
Marangoni Enters Strategic Collaboration with Directa Plus
The Superdoll OTR retreading and repair plant, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, has announced it is to participate in the Mining Exhibition to be held at Lubumbashi, DRC. Superdoll, based in Ndola, has been serving the mining industry in the region for the last two years.
“Our Superdoll OTR plant is equipped with the latest world technology, state of the art machines, non-
destructive shearography method, and decades of experience”, said Vick Nachshon, Country Manager of Superdoll Zambia.
The Superdoll plant is certified and authorised by the Mine Safety
Department (MSD). The company has achieved certification according to the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001-2015, by the Zambian Bureau of Standards (ZABS).
The Superdoll retreading and repair plant is claimed to be the only plant in the African continent capable of retreading and repairing OTR tyres from 25” up to 63” tyre sizes.
Marangoni has announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Directa Plus plc, a leading producer and supplier of graphene-based products for use in consumer and industrial markets. Under the terms of the Agreement, Directa Plus will commence work immediately with Marangoni to develop a bespoke G+ product to be used in Marangoni’s specialist rubber compounds in the tyre retreading sector. The incorporation of G+ is expected to improve the performances of retreaded tyres the company’s retreading materials, by increasing grip, durability and fuel efficiency. For the specific purpose of retreading, this has the potential to extend the lifespan of the tyre, thereby ensuring
the efficient use of resources and reducing waste.
The Agreement is built on a shared vision of combining scientific innovation with leading-edge tyre technology. Marangoni’s involvement in the retreading industry embodies the transition from the linear economy to the circular economy, whereby maximum value is extracted from the planet’s resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible. Directa’s patented production process is 100 per cent chemical free.
Dino Maggioni, Chief Executive Officer of Marangoni said: “The collaboration with Directa Plus is aimed at making a quantum leap for the performance of our retreading solutions by perfecting the use of
6 Retreading Business