Vipal’s presence at Autopromotec 2019 will focus on three fundamental pillars: partnership with local retreaders, Circular Economy, and the brand’s global presence.
New Treads and Equipment to be Launched
Moreover, it will showcase products and novelties during the 5-day event, with the launches of the VL160, VT540, VT110, VT240, DV-MT and VM540 treads, which will be prominently featured. In addition to these, which were designed based on European market needs, Vipal will also exhibit several new products from its repair line, Green Line and technology solutions, such as Vipal Fleets and equipment from Vipal Machines.
“It is a great pleasure to attend yet another edition of this traditional event in our segment, especially at a time when the European tyre retreading market is building new strength,” says Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal Europe.
The importance of the Circular Economy is another focal point for Vipal at Autopromotec, a theme evident in the company’s present at the trade show and a trend in the entire European transport market. Directly related to the core of the retreading industry, in which the company is one of the worldwide leaders, the Circular Economy concept can be seen in Vipal’s Green Line products, shown in a video and on a panel at the stand, as well as in the specific catalogue for these sustainable solutions.
New Treads
During Autopromotec, Vipal will showcase several products that make up its complete mix, with solutions for a variety of applications and terrain types. The spotlight will be on the new launches, with emphasis for the VM540, developed for high adherence on different surface types, in addition to incorporating Eye Control technology, which helps the end user identify the tread’s wear level. Through Eye Control, it is possible to identify anomalies in alignment, balance, geometry and the suggested travel time, as well as the time to remove the tyre for further retreading. This all aims to preserve the casing and enable longer tyre life cycle.
Among other novelties is the VL160, indicated for Super Single or highway segment tyres, ensures good mileage performance and excellent abrasion wear resistance, in addition to incorporating Eye Control technology, and the VT540, indicated for drive axles and designed for paved and unpaved roads, also bearing the Alpine Symbol for low temperature and snow driving. Also on display will be the VT110 (traditional and ECO versions), developed for radial tyres on drive axles, reducing rolling resistance and enabling lower fuel consumption, and which also bears the Alpine Symbol seal. Vipal will also present the VT240, which offers good abrasion wear resistance and low heat generation, and the DVMT, offering uniform wear and the model’s exclusive progressive radius.
Repair Line
Today, 80% of Brazilian exports of tyre retreading products come from Vipal Rubber’s production plants. The range of products the company develops includes repairs. An example of these is the Aramid Radial patch, ideal for providing quality repair of a damaged tyre without losing its original characteristics. It is extremely impact-resistant while simultaneously lighter and more flexible than traditional patches, which prevents creases from appearing in the repaired region. This material withstands temperatures above 420 °C and is five times stronger than steel, which guarantees less interference in tyre balance.
There is also the line of inner tube patches and plates, available in different shapes and sizes. With extra-thin thickness and the ability to expand to match the inner tube’s elasticity, they prevent any hard lumps from forming. They employ chemical (cold) curing, a process that does not subject inner tubes to heat, thus further extending their service life.
Green Line
Sustainability is one of the most relevant concepts in the transport segment, given that it is directly related to the Circular Economy. Always at the forefront of the market, the brand’s portfolio includes products that meet this crucial ecological demand. Two examples are the water-based ink and glue. According to the company’s technicians, this condition helps eliminate the use of solvents and promotes less worker exposure, in addition to reducing the risk of fires at retreader facilities. Among the products from Vipal’s ecological line, the VT110, DV-UM3 and DV-RM ECO Treads will be on display at the trade show.
Vipal Fleets
Apart from its innovative products, Vipal will also showcase Vipal Fleets at Autopromotec, a platform that allows for quick and accurate tyre diagnostics. In fleets, the tool aids inventory control, as well as tyre measurement and management. Capable of informing the user when tyres need to be removed and sent to the retreader, it contributes to reducing the cost per kilometer (CPK) of fleets, among other benefits. Vipal Fleets supports tyre inventory, cost control, performance control, delivery records and evidence in cases of casing disposal with the retreader, in addition to a photographic record of the end of the tyre’s service life, ensuring tracking as of the first use.
The platform can be accessed from computers, tablets and smartphones, allowing retreaders’ technical teams to perform quick and accurate diagnostics, thus reducing response time for fleets. In cases where there is wi-fi network unavailability or data limitation, Vipal Fleets also works as an app permits the necessary transactions, including rotations, measurements and data collection, which are then automatically updated in the cloud when you connect to the internet. In addition, it is also ready to serve fleets that use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology chips to identify their tyres.
“Vipal Fleets is yet another tool that integrates Vipal’s service package and its network of authorised customers, which we consider essential for the reality of transportation today,” says Leandro Rigon, Vipal’s International Business Director.
Vipal Machines
Thinking about using more technology in tyre retreading, saving time and optimizing production at the manufacturing plant, Vipal Rubber created Vipal Machines. This initiative gives the company the ability to offer major solutions for retreaders to see productivity gains and always ensure the best service. All machines have 100% Vipal design and execution, with proprietary equipment management software.
At Autopromotec, the company will highlight the VR01 Smart UNO and Smart DUO buffers, which have one or two buffing positions and auxiliary finishing buffers built into the machine, ensuring superior productivity to similar equipment in the international market; the VOT2200 Heavy Duty, which streamlines the retreader’s work by applying strip rubber patches in agricultural and OTR tyre retreads; and VOC Cargo, extruder for the application of cushion gum in cargo tyres during tyre retreads, which ensures the best application of cushion gum in the shortest execution time.
“Vipal has many years of experience in the market, developing solutions for internal processes at its plants. This made it possible to employ major technical and technological capacity in Vipal Machines engineering,” argues Rigon. “This new Vipal branch produces solutions to optimise and automate production processes, generating efficiency, production gains and technological upgrading,” he concludes.
