RFID makes it easier and more efficient to track and perform regular tyre maintenance. It identifies potential problems or failures before they cause a breakdown. Confidex has come out with a tyre tag, smaller than its peers and with an omni directional antenna

As the global tyre industry is witnessing rapid changes in manufacturing, distribution and usage to end of life of tyres, Radio Frequency  Identification (RFID) will play a significant role in tackling many challenges posed by the growing complexity in the sector.

Demand for data collection is growing, calling for intelligent decisions and fast actions. Data on tyres helps tyre companies to improve their production efficiency, reduce rejections and even help in addressing in legal disputes, while fleet companies can manage lifecycle of tyres and operations cost.

In February this year, Confidex, a leading designer and supplier of short-range wireless identification solutions, launched the new Confidex tyre tag, which is designed for tyre traceability through the lifecycle of tyres. The tags are based on RAIN RFID/EPC global Gen2v2 RFID technology, which has global certification for passive RFID tag.

Highlights

The highlight of the Confidex tyre tag is that it is smaller than its peers and has an omni-directional antenna. “Initially, we had enquiries from two Chinese tyre manufacturers - Jiangsu General Science Technology Co and Hodo Tyres. They were looking for solutions for an embedded tyre tag technology that is different from all the other solutions available in the markets. We took two years to design, develop, and release this embedded tyre tags commercially. Our RFID tag is a bit smaller than the existing tags available in the market, having an Omni directional antenna.

Now these two Chinese companies are ready to release the mini truck tyres with our embedded RFID tags,” said Paul Broekhuizen, Executive Vice President Smart Industries at Confidex Ltd. By integrating RFID tags within the tyre during the manufacturing process, fleet operators and other end users can track tyre wear and usage. This can help to control ongoing tyre costs. RFID makes it easier and more efficient
to track and perform regular tyre maintenance, as well as identify potential problems or failures before they cause breakdown, says the company.

According to the company, its tyre tag can be fitted with a flexible position within the tyre and is 40 mm smaller than other comparable tags on the market. Its omni directional antenna provides greater flexibility for both warehouse and yard management applications. The Confidex tags offer a read range up to 3 metres or 9 feet from all directions and are compliant with the ISO 20909 and ISO 20910 standards. “The main advantage that the omni directional RFID tags provide is that you can take readings from any direction by a handled reader. You can even have a fixed reading tool in your workshop, and you need to take your vehicle near to or pass by the reader. The ratings are accurately taken. That was the key requirement of the Chinese customers too,” said Broekhuizen.

Confidex is also in discussions with major European tyre companies to test its tyre tags. Positioning Tyres come with different designs and materials, compositions and thickness, so the challenge is to fit an
RFID tag at an ideal position. Since the Confidex tyre tag is installed before the vulcanisation process, it can be placed in any position. “Customer can embed a tag at any position. But, better to check with Confidex, we can simulate how it performs in the new position,” Broekhuizen pointed out. Since the Confidex RFID tag is smaller in size compared to the other tags available in the market, with minor changes,
it can be easily fitted in the tyres that have already been into production. During the vulcanisation process, tags o through very high heat and pressure for hours and sometimes, the antenna may get damaged.

The Confidex tyre tag has a spring type of the antenna - not a typical 3D spring, but more like flexible folded wire antenna, which is 2D structure. This is more flexible and provides benefits during the vulcanisation. “Due to the spring-like design, air bubbles cannot form around the antenna, making it more flexible and sustainable during bending and stretching in the vulcanisation process,” said Broekhuizen. The tags are IP68 rated against liquids and dust and provide resistance to common chemicals and UV exposure.

The company’s RFID tyre tags have already been tested in-house and now they are being tested by European tyre companies with specific requirements. Since the embedded tyre RFID tags cannot be taken out without damaging the tyre, they are ideal for identifying counterfeit products and lifecycle monitoring. “So basically, an embedded RF ID tag helps to monitor lifecycle of tyres. This is the most ideal and complex RFID tag solution,” added Broekhuizen.

The other solution is the label type of tag, which is used for after-sales solutions. It looks like a simple label, but has an antenna too. These labels have different additives which are meant for the different materials, and the antenna design is based on the materials. Broekhuizen explained: “The rubber and steel of the tyres are very complex substances. There are always chemical reactions when you stick anything on rubber. There are chances of them peeling off and permanently bond, so we need a special kind of adhesive which are best with the rubber composites.”

During the tyre manufacturing processes, RFID labels are applied to different bags or containers of the chemicals and other ingredients. With the help of the labels and the reader on the loader, the mixing process is strictly monitored and controlled.

The third solution is barcoding, which comes with an RFID ag which is for regulatory compliance. The embedded RFID tags also help to monitor the tyres in the recycling business. “Tyres go to different countries, so it is difficult for the recyclers to understand or have data on the lifecycle. With an embedded tag, recyclers can get info on the manufacturers, location, and date of manufacturing and
other info. And with all such info, recyclers can manage their business more efficiently,” said Broekhuizen. The information on the Confidex tyre tags come up with the extended memory so additional information can be stored. “There is always fixed information on the RFID and then there is an EPC memory which can have more information.”

Broekhuizen sees growing demand for embedded RIFD tags in both developed and developing markets for different reasons. According to him, a more substantial challenge is to tackle counterfeit cases in the tyre industry, and such cases can be avoided by using RFID tags. In the developed markets, RFID will help to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency.

The company also plans to explore the penetration of its RFID tags in the OTR segment, where the total cost of ownership and lifecycle are the main drivers of the business. Tyre companies are also exploring tyre leasing business. According to Broekhuizen, huge business opportunities lie before the company as the tyre rental business model needs embedded RFID tags. With the lease model, fleet operators can bring down the operating cost by almost 50%. “Fleet companies have to use as per the usage of the tyres or per kilometre. With RFID tags, all data and monitoring can be done accurately,” he said.

The order book for Curemaster is strong with a surge in orders during the first two months of the year. The executive anticipates continued momentum throughout the year, driven by increasing global demand for advanced, sustainable curing solutions.

FORWARD INTEGRATION

According to Rudman, digitalisation is playing a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of curing presses. “Digitalisation provides real-time visibility into production processes, allowing manufacturers to monitor efficiency and product quality continuously. With a clear overview of operations, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and ensure production targets are met. The HF XPLORE digital portal offers access to critical data at all times. It provides insights into machine health, predictive maintenance alerts and production performance. The system helps track efficiency, detect potential failures and optimise operations by identifying areas for improvement,” he said.

Artificial intelligence is also slated to play a key role in electrical heating, ensuring stable temperature control within the platens. Machine learning is being developed for predictive maintenance, helping to forecast bladder life and detect potential failures before they occur. These technologies are part of the company’s development roadmap, focusing on improving reliability and efficiency in curing press operations.

He also noted that as tyre compounds evolve, curing requirements will change, making electrical curing a more suitable solution. Unlike steam-based systems, where temperature is directly linked to pressure, electrical curing allows independent control of both factors. This flexibility is crucial for processing new materials that may not tolerate traditional curing conditions.

“In steam curing, the relationship between pressure and temperature is fixed. For example, achieving a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius requires increasing the pressure to 20 bar. With electrical curing, temperature and pressure are completely separate, enabling curing at lower temperatures while maintaining the necessary pressure levels. This capability is particularly significant for future materials, which may require curing at 160 degrees Celsius but at much higher pressures,” explained Rudman.

The shift towards electrical curing is expected to gain momentum, particularly for high-end and specialised tyres that demand more advanced curing strategies. While steam curing will continue to be used for lower-segment applications, the upper range of the market, especially where sustainability and material innovations are key factors, will require the precision and adaptability that electrical curing provides.

OVERLAPPING TECHNOLOGIES

There is a clear trend in the market where customers are seeking more customised solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf curing presses. Manufacturers now have unique requirements including features like electrical curing, digitalisation, automated loading and unloading and seamless integration with factory infrastructure and tyre transportation systems. As a result, the demand for tailored solutions is increasing, making flexibility a key factor in the adoption of new curing technologies.

“Curemaster is designed with upgradeability in mind, ensuring that tyre manufacturers do not have to replace entire presses when looking to modernise operations. Even older HF curing presses that have been in service for more than 20 years can be upgraded to electrical curing without altering the mechanical structure. This allows manufacturers to transition to more efficient curing technology while retaining the existing equipment. At the same time, the new Curemaster is available as a fully electric system from the outset, offering a ready-made solution for greenfield projects,” averred Rudman.

Nonetheless, the biggest business potential currently lies in retrofitting existing curing presses rather than selling entirely new equipment. “Many customers prefer upgrade kits that allow them to transition to electrical curing while maintaining current production setup. While greenfield projects present a significant opportunity for new fully electric presses, the greater demand at present is for retrofit solutions, as it provides a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and sustainability without major infrastructure changes,” he added.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Most curing press suppliers have introduced electrical curing solutions. There are two main approaches to electrical heating, which are electromagnetic (induction) heating and resistive heating.

Electromagnetic heating method involves placing a coil outside the tyre to generate heat. However, there are concerns about how this method interacts with the tyre’s internal bead wire and breaker package. Since the long-term impact of electromagnetic fields on tyre integrity has not been fully tested or verified, there are still some uncertainties regarding its effects on tyre quality.

In contrast, resistive heating, which the company employs, places coils directly inside the plate, ensuring controlled and targeted heating. This method eliminates any risk associated with electromagnetic interference and allows precise temperature application only where needed. While both technologies are viable, resistive heating offers greater reliability and consistency in maintaining tyre quality.

“One of the key advantages of electrical curing is its rapid heating and cooling capabilities. The nitrogen used in the process can be heated from 20 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius in less than 20 seconds and cooled back down in the same time frame. This is achieved through continuous nitrogen circulation, where the system directs the flow through either the heater or the cooler as needed. In terms of curing time, electrical heating currently matches steam curing with a typical cycle of 10 minutes per tyre. However, there is significant potential to reduce curing time by 10 to 15 percent as electrical systems can operate at higher temperatures and offer more precise control over the process,” informed Rudman.

Nonetheless, steam curing has a predominant risk of mishaps in the bladder, which could lead to an explosion. The Curemaster is designed with a fully encapsulated dome, ensuring that any pressure build-up remains contained. If a failure occurs, the pressure is released downward instead of sideways, reducing the risk of injury.

The locking system is also unique. Even if there is a total power or hydraulic pressure loss, the press cannot open unintentionally. This containment and locking mechanism ensure a high level of safety during operation.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

According to the executive, the biggest challenge in the curing press business comes from cost competition as lower-cost manufacturers pose a significant pricing challenge. However, from a technological standpoint, the company offers unique features that set it apart from competitors. While competitors may have cost advantages, HF’s focus on advanced technology, automation and digitalisation allows it to capture market share by offering superior functionality and efficiency.

The passenger car and truck segments remain the company’s primary focus owing to the highest growth potential. Additionally, the company sees an emerging opportunity in motorcycle and bicycle tyre curing, particularly with electric heating technology. HF is among the first to introduce electrical curing for these segments, positioning itself as an industry leader.

While HF is active in the passenger and truck segments, it has opted not to enter the off-the-road tyre market due to its relatively small size and intense competition. The segment still relies heavily on traditional mechanical presses, making it less attractive for innovation-driven solutions.

The company continues to refine the Curemaster lineup by introducing new materials, insulation techniques and design concepts. The company is particularly focused on increasing automation to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesives and smart tags such as RFID, NFC and BLE, has entered into a collaboration with Kumho Tire to develop RFID-enabled tyres for commercial and passenger vehicles.

The partnership will see new Kumho tyres use Beontag's TyreTag RFID technology. Traceability will be possible with the RFID-enabled tyres from the point of origin to recycling and disposal. Following years of research and development, according to both the companies, the new RFID-enabled tyre is very robust and dependable, able to survive high temperatures and pressures over the course of years of intensive use. The new TyreTag-enabled tyres' traceability will also adhere to the forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR), which will need Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and be in force for tyres starting in 2028–2030.

Thiago Horta, Global VP of Digital Transformation, Beontag, said, “We are extremely proud to share what we have achieved in our partnership with Kumho Tire. Through rigorous testing, we have worked hard to develop the necessary technology and durability capabilities in these RFID-enabled tyres; I look forward to continuing this journey with Kumho Tire for years to come”

Jihon Park, Assistant Manager with Kumho Tire, said, “Kumho Tire has been producing RFID-enabled tyres since 2013. Beontag’s technical expertise and collaborative approach were instrumental in helping us meet our rigorous standards and enhance our technology. We look forward to delivering even greater quality and reliability to our customers around the world.”

Goodyear has launched the Value Simulator, an online tool designed to assist fleet operators in visualising the possible financial and environmental advantages of upgrading their mobility and tyre solutions. The simulator is now available on the company's truck tyre website and is a component of Goodyear Total Mobility, the company's end-to-end solution for commercial fleets.

According to Goodyear, the tool takes into account typical fuel consumption and cost, fleet size and breakdown frequency, vehicle mileage and maintenance trends and the kind of transportation and route profile. After data is entered, the simulator instantly estimates the potential decrease of CO2 emissions, maintenance and fuel costs, and annual breakdown-related cost savings. Additionally, customers can customise simulations according to their own fleet characteristics.

The CO₂ reductions are based on theoretical fuel usage using EU tyre label values as a baseline; real savings may vary depending on factors including driver behaviour, vehicle condition and road conditions. Additionally, based on user interaction, the simulator suggests appropriate Goodyear goods and services. These recommendations can be used as a springboard for talks with Goodyear's staff in order to do a more thorough study and develop a customised fleet plan.

Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial at Goodyear EMEA, said, “At Goodyear, we are committed to supporting transport fleets in maximising efficiency, increasing competitiveness and promoting sustainability. The Goodyear Value Simulator confirms our dedication to customer-centric solutions and helps fleet managers to make informed decisions that aim to drive tangible benefits for their operations. With the Goodyear Value Simulator, fleets can visualise the potential financial and environmental impact of adopting Goodyear Total Mobility. From reducing breakdown costs to enhancing fuel efficiency, our solutions are designed to deliver real value to our customers.”

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has launched its new flagship Driver Terminal, the PRO X, designed specifically for truck and van fleets.

By providing direct tablet access to Webfleet fleet management services, the PRO X links drivers and companies to streamline work administration. Fleets can utilise a variety of sophisticated Webfleet features, such as workflow management, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) and two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers thanks to the pre-installed Webfleet Work App. They can also access other Webfleet services, such as Cold Chain, Remaining Drive Times and OptiDrive ranking, which allows drivers to view peer performance.

Van and truck fleets may enjoy the best-in-class professional navigation with the newest technology, like smart warnings for traffic or low-emission zones, major points of interest for trucks and EVs and live ETA reporting, with easy access to TomTom GO Fleet.  Additionally, when paired with OptiDrive, the motorist gets immediate feedback to help them drive better. Pre-installing maps is now simple, and they are updated automatically every month. With its wide anti-glare screen, sturdy construction, detachable battery and user-friendly controls for instant access to essential programmes, the new high-performance Driver Terminal helps professional drivers both in-cabin and on-site.

With an integrated Mobile Device Management (MDM) system that enables fully remote management of the devices' home screen, app auto-start and other features, it is configured for a quick roll-out in the field and can be tailored to fit various corporate demands. Because it is Android Enterprise Recommended and integrates Webfleet's and TomTom's expertise in sophisticated navigation, devices may be more rapidly customised to meet user demands. Beginning in March 2025, the PRO X will be sold in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with other territories to follow later this year.

Annick Renoux, Vice President, Webfleet Europe, said, “At Webfleet, we are always committed to delivering smart solutions that enhance the working conditions and safety of our customers and their drivers, powered by the latest technology. That’s why we are proud to introduce the new PRO X – now with even more functionality to help fleet managers streamline their operations, boost efficiency and strengthen their connection with field teams like never before.”