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BEST RETREADING INDUSTRY INNOVATION
In recognition of the best new technological innovation for the retreading sector
RECIRCLE AWARDS 2021
Vipal – Eye Control Technology
“We know how difficult it is to innovate products, and how much dedication and effort is continuously being made to achieve it... we are honoured to receive the retreading innovation award.”
– Frederico Schmidt
Launched at the Bologna exhibition in 2019, Vipal’s Eye Control Technology is a suggestive tread wear indicator, which incorporates different colour rubbers into the tread
surface enabling users to easily see the wear condition of the tread, and therefore enabling them to make quick decisions on
when to remove the tyre for retreading. Through Eye Control, it is possible to identify anomalies in alignment, balance, geometry and suggested travel time, as well as the time to remove the tyre
for further retreading.
Designed in the shape of an eye, a layer of dark blue rubber on
the surface of the tyres helps identify uneven wear caused by misalignment, balancing and vehicle geometry issues, whilst a
green indicator, inserted underneath the dark blue layer in the shape of the eye’s pupil indicates that it is time to consider tyre rotation.
Finally, when the green pupil disappears to reveal a continuous pale blue colour, the recommendation is to change the tyres and thereby
assuring casing preservation.
the simplicity and maintenance-free nature of Eye Control Technology
have been praised as an ideal solution for truck drivers and fleet maintenance workers who want to make a quick assessment on their
tyres’ condition.
NOMINEES
Insa Turbo / Grupo Soledad – IDNR System
Spanish retreader Insa Turbo has combined with EDS Robotics to introduce a new system, which allows three extruder builders to be integrated with a single robot, which allows a significant increase in production capacity with the need for only one operator.
Kal Tire – Carbon Calculator/ Maple Programme
Kal Tire’s carbon calculator is able to determine
fuel and carbon emissions saved by retreading
earthmover tyres compared to buying new. The system has been launched alongside Kal Tire’s Maple Program, which quantifies a customer’s environmental impact as they grow their fleet with retreads.
Neroforce –
Densolit Carbide Tools
Neroforce, the Leipheim, Germany based start-up, has introduced a number of new products this year. The company’s new range of Densolit Carbide tools has been manufactured using an innovative process in which a bionic sealing layer is applied to the abrasives, which brings a number of key benefits including increased sharpness, lower heat generation and longer service life.
Rigdon – Robotic Cell Black Constrictor Twin
Germany retreader Rigdon has installed The Robotic Cell Black Constrictor Twin, developed under the company’s agreement with TRM. The unit combines the Black Swan, a vertical extruder with strip winding technology, and Twin, a double hydraulic chuck on a rotary turret, both TRM's exclusive technology, which has made it possible to divide the activities into multiple stations with a high level of quality and efficiency. The production cell is assisted by an anthropomorphic robot that carries out all the carcass handling activities between the automatic monorail and the building machine.
Recircle Awards 2021 XIX