The global demand for efficiency and precision in tyre manufacturing has reached unprecedented levels, and VIPO a.s., a pioneer in advanced bead winding technology, has delivered a game-changing solution: the LIHEXAL 8 – octuple head single wire bead winding machine (production of 8 beads per cycle). Designed specifically for the production of PCR (Personal Car Radial) tyres, this latest innovation epitomises cutting-edge research and development, coupled with decades of expertise in rubber and wire applications.

A LEAP FORWARD IN BEAD MANUFACTURING

The LIHEXAL 8 sets a new benchmark for bead winding machines, enabling the simultaneous production of up to eight beads per cycle. This state-of-the-art machine accommodates bead diameters ranging from 13” to 24.5” and cross-sections in both hexagonal and rectangular profiles.

The latest model of VIPO’s bead winding machine significantly reduces production time while maintaining consistent quality. The result is an increased beads output, minimised downtime and improved profitability for tyre manufacturers around the globe.

INNOVATION AT EVERY STEP

The LIHEXAL 8 redefines bead production with cutting-edge sensing and automation technologies. It offers real-time monitoring of material levels and predictive maintenance, ensuring seamless operations. Precision is at its core, measuring key variables like wire temperature, rubberisation and other parameters to guarantee beads of impeccable quality. Its advanced festooner system with independent pulleys allows precise control of wire tension and pressure, adapting effortlessly to unique production needs. Meanwhile, the upgraded bead winding station delivers unparalleled accuracy and speed, producing one bead every two seconds with flawless consistency.

VIPO’s innovations go beyond speed – they deliver reliability. With every cycle, manufacturers achieve premium-quality beads, securing their competitive advantage in the tyre industry.

GROUNDBREAKING WRAPPING TECHNOLOGY

One of the most notable features of the LIHEXAL 8 is its integrated bead wrapping system. In collaboration with the world’s best wrapping tapes suppliers, VIPO has developed a high-performance wrapping solution that applies tape to bead ends simultaneously without affecting the machine’s cycle time. With a machine autonomy and real-time verification of tape application, this system guarantees optimal quality and consistency.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Rooted in the legacy of Tomáš Bata’s historic town, VIPO a.s. has been at the forefront of rubber and wire technology for over 50 years. Combining generational expertise with cutting-edge innovation, VIPO proudly serves the world’s leading tyre manufacturers – partners who trust its solutions to deliver excellence. This enduring trust drives VIPO to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, with gratitude to its customers as the foundation of its success.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, UNMATCHED RELIABILITY

From installation and training to continuous support and machine optimisation, VIPO ensures that clients harness the full potential of the LIHEXAL 8. This exceptional level of service, combined with the machine’s unparalleled performance, makes it a cornerstone for modern, efficient and premium tyre manufacturing. Moreover, the LIHEXAL 8’s unmatched reliability and advanced automation significantly reduce human intervention, paving the way for streamlined operations and optimised production workflows.

WHY EVERY TYRE MANUFACTURER NEEDS THE LIHEXAL 8

The LIHEXAL 8 isn’t just a machine – it’s a revolution in tyre manufacturing. With precision, flexibility and speed, it meets the demand for high-quality beads while driving down costs and enhancing efficiency. Designed to adapt to each customer’s unique needs, it’s the ultimate solution for modern production challenges.

More than a supplier, VIPO is the trusted partner and committed to its clients’ success. The LIHEXAL 8, as well as the other VIPO equipment and services isn’t just about transforming production – it’s about empowering your business to lead in a competitive market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

WACKER has earned a distinguished ‘A’ rating in the 2025 CDP sustainability assessment for its climate protection management. This is Wacker’s third time in a row on the A list by the global environmental non-profit organisation. Beyond the climate category, WACKER maintained its strong standing in water security, again achieving an A- leadership rating. In the forests category, the company secured a B management-level score. These consistent results highlight WACKER’s ongoing commitment to holistic environmental responsibility and transparent reporting across all key sustainability areas.

The CDP, a globally respected non-profit formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, conducts the world’s premier environmental disclosure system. It annually evaluates thousands of organisations on behalf of investors, using a detailed questionnaire that spans climate change, water security and forests. Scores follow an A-to-F scale, with an A denoting exemplary performance and disclosure.

Among over 22,100 companies evaluated worldwide, WACKER’s top climate score places it in the premier tier. According to CDP, such a rating reflects comprehensive, high-quality data disclosure and robust transformation strategies.

Peter Gigler, Head of ESG at WACKER, said, “We have our sustainability performance independently audited by CDP every year, so we’re very pleased that we were able to maintain our top rating for the third time in a row.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Midas, Asia’s largest manufacturer of tyre retreading materials, has launched O-rings designed for off-the-road (OTR) tyres, aimed at delivering reliable sealing performance in demanding operating conditions.

The O-rings are manufactured using high-quality natural rubber and are formulated to improve physical properties and ensure dimensional stability. According to the company, the product has been tested over many years in harsh environments and is intended to provide consistent, trouble-free performance in OTR tyre applications.

Midas said only REACH-compliant raw materials are used in the manufacture of the O-rings, underscoring its adherence to safety, quality and international regulatory standards.

Founded 56 years ago, Midas supplies tyre retreading materials to customers in more than 60 countries. The company said the launch reflects its continued focus on developing performance-oriented solutions for the global tyre and retreading industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyoda Gosei has successfully commercialised automotive weatherstrips using recycled rubber, starting with the new Toyota RAV4. This marks a significant breakthrough in a field where rubber has historically been difficult to reuse, often ending up incinerated instead of truly recycled. Unlike steel or plastic, rubber recycling requires devulcanisation, a complex process that traditionally weakens the material and leaves behind unpleasant odours.

Through dedicated refinement of its proprietary devulcanisation technology, the company has overcome these longstanding quality hurdles. The advancements have dramatically increased the usable proportion of recycled material in automotive parts from under five percent to 20 percent, an achievement honoured by a Toyota Motor Project Award.

Looking ahead, Toyoda Gosei aims to extend this technology beyond synthetic rubber to include natural rubber, which is used in far greater volumes. The broader corporate ambition is to collaborate with automakers and partners to establish a full circular system. This system would collect and regenerate rubber from end-of-life vehicles, positioning the company as an industry leader in enabling both decarbonisation and sustainable resource circulation.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pursuing its strategic goals for 2030, Michelin is actively extending its technological leadership into adjacent, high-value sectors. This expansion is being accelerated through two key acquisitions announced in recent months: Cooley Group and Tex Tech Industries. Both US-based companies are leaders in advanced materials, specialising in high-performance fabrics and coatings, and align strongly with Michelin’s own focus on innovation and quality while bringing complementary geographic and technical strengths.

Cooley Group, marking its centennial in 2026, excels in creating engineered polymer-coated fabrics. Its fully integrated production enables custom solutions for critical applications in healthcare, industrial containment and waterproofing. Similarly, Tex Tech Industries, with over a century of operation, designs and manufactures specialised textiles for extreme demands, including thermal protection systems for aerospace, fire-blocking aircraft interiors and advanced composite materials.

These strategic moves significantly bolster Michelin’s existing position in coated fabrics, notably through its European brand Orca. By integrating Cooley and Tex Tech, Michelin anticipates accelerating its global market reach and increasing the revenue of its Polymer Composite Solutions division by approximately 20 percent, equating to roughly USD 280 million. Given the growing scale of this business, Michelin intends to establish it as a dedicated reporting segment starting in 2026.

The acquisitions, slated for completion in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will be transacted in cash, with financial terms currently undisclosed.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!