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)

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

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Bridgestone has announced its participation in the 41st Space Symposium, the largest space conference in United States, taking place in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The company’s exhibit will be hosted within the Japanese Space Industry pavilion organised by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking its third consecutive year at the event since 2024. A key focus of Bridgestone’s presence is its ongoing development of lunar rover tyres, a project that embodies the company’s belief that ‘tyres carry life’.

Since 2019, Bridgestone has advanced research on lunar rover tyres and pursued co-creation with international partners to commercialise space mobility technology. In 2024, the company collaborated with Astrobotic Technology, followed by a basic agreement with ispace in 2025. These efforts aim to generate new value in the rapidly evolving space mobility sector.

At the symposium, Bridgestone will demonstrate tyres for small and medium lunar rovers, first unveiled in 2025, by mounting them on a mobility vehicle. Attendees can see and touch the tyres, experiencing their high traversability on simulated lunar challenges like fine sand and rocky ground. Through this showcase, Bridgestone seeks to expand its space business network and foster co-creation opportunities, ultimately supporting safe lunar mobility and humanity’s exploration goals.

The lunar rover tyre project applies Bridgestone’s AirFree technology, an exploratory business under its 2024–2026 Mid Term Business Plan. By refining this technology in the extreme lunar environment, the company aims to eventually bring those innovations back to Earth, enhancing conventional tyres and contributing to broader social value.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. is set to appear at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, collaborating with its American sales arm, Yokohama Aerospace America, Inc. This premier trade fair, running from 14 April over three days at Hamburg Messe, will host over 450 exhibitors from around the globe, all showcasing cutting edge cabin products, materials and technological innovations.

Visitors to the Yokohama booth will encounter a full range of aircraft lavatory solutions, including a prototype unit designed for wheelchair access and retrofit kits intended for existing restrooms. Those kits bring touchless operation to flush switches and faucets, thereby boosting accessibility. By targeting plane makers, airlines and maintenance firms, the company hopes to strengthen sales of its interior offerings.

Yokohama Rubber ranks among Japan's foremost aerospace suppliers. Since the 1980s, it has produced and sold numerous commercial jet components like lightweight composite lavatory modules, potable water tanks, onboard stairways, thermal insulation and honeycomb panels. Having delivered roughly 17,000 lavatory modules for Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft, the firm continues to supply replacement parts for those units and also crafts custom-made components for airline retrofit projects.

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Petlas Tire Corporation has introduced the PtxMD51, an L-5 type tyre specifically engineered for underground mining loaders and trucks operating under severe service conditions. This new addition expands the company’s off-the-road product range to address the most demanding mining environments.

Built with an extra deep tread and an all-steel radial construction, this tyre excels where wear, impact and cut risks are consistently high. Its specially developed tread compound offers strong resistance to cuts and chips, while the reinforced structure, combining steel belts with a radial steel carcass, delivers high impact resistance under heavy loads and harsh operating conditions. A solid centre structure further boosts durability and resistance.

To maintain stability and traction, shoulder grooves are incorporated into the design, ensuring reliable performance in underground operations. With the PtxMD51, Petlas continues to strengthen its portfolio for high-risk, heavy-duty applications where durability, safety and cost efficiency remain essential priorities.

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