Our company VIPO a.s, the manufacturer of automatic bead winding machines, recommends performing at least the following tasks before starting production:

# Inspection of key machine functions ( e.g. TCU, extruder with automatic head locking that ensures the achievement of a stable head pressure and fast start-up)

# Visual inspection of the line – correct guidance of the material

# Control of input materials (rubber compound, wire)

# Check for visual damage

# Check tooling and check compliance with the selected recipe

# Security control

# Check alarms

# Dry test – motion control, robot control, manual mode

After starting the machine, we recommend checking and measuring the first product, as well as a visual inspection of the entire line. A prerequisite for the correct and fast start of production is the correct termination of production, such as cleaning of tools, correct shutdown of the machine, replacement of filters, observance of preventive and possibly also predictive maintenance. It is obvious that the mistake of neglecting the recommended procedures also leads to the emergence of critical situations in terms of safety, as well as to limit the functionality of the entire equipment.

Is there a way to speed up the start of production after a shutdown and ensure that the risk of a shutdown is minimised?

There is a possibility of the usage of ’experimental’ or ‘experience’ way to do it.  The conventional methods do not bring correct result for all time.

The Smart Maintenance Module software developed by VIPO a.s. integrates all recommended procedures of the manufacturer in the form of so-called checklists in digital form, available on mobile phones, tablets, or HMI, and at the same time integrates preventive maintenance together with mechanical, electrical and other accompanying documentation in one place. This system offers proper machine start up after shutdown without any forgotten step. The data are saved in the system for future verification and analysis if necessary.

In case of deployment of Advanced Condition Monitoring, by collecting data from PLCs and additional implementation of technical diagnostics (vibration diagnostics, multicriteria diagnostics etc.),wWe can use predictive maintenance within deep neural networks within the portfolio of production equipment in the tyre industry.

To eliminate human error, VIPO a.s. developed a unique product focused on automatic mould identification and subsequent validation with a recipe. The automatic form identification is intended to avoid crashing the machine in case of tooling change. Each form segment is equipped with 2D code (QR or bar code) which is connected to the form. Tooling validation ensures correct production based on needed article. Verification is done with machine initialisation. The production is not allowed in case the recipe and mounted form does not fit together. This system ensures production of improper components and additionally protects equipment from any collision or crash.      

For the purposes of remote technical support, VIPO a.s. provides its customers with the Augmented Assistance tool, thanks to which VIPO a.s. is able to provide the customer with adequate support almost immediately using a head-mounted tablet. VIPO a.s. at the same time is a proud system integrator of TeamViewer, as well as PTC and ICONICS system integrator network. (TT)

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.