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.

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Finnish tyre maker Nokian Tyres has launched an advanced sensor system for tractor tyres that automatically calculates optimal pressure levels, a technology it said would help farmers reduce fuel costs and limit soil damage.

The Intuitu 2.0 system uses built-in sensors to measure a tractor’s operating weight and working conditions, then sends pressure recommendations to farmers through a mobile application. The technology is designed for the company’s Soil King VF range of agricultural tyres.

Farmers typically need expensive equipment and lengthy calculations to determine the correct tyre pressures for different loads and field conditions. Improper pressure can compact soil, reducing crop yields and increasing fuel consumption.

“By introducing Nokian Tyres Intuitu 2.0, we are offering agricultural professionals a groundbreaking technology that delivers clear, practical benefits to improve their daily work,” Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres, said in a statement.

The system won a silver medal at the Agritechnica Innovation Award in September, one of the agriculture industry's most recognised honours, selected by an independent panel from Germany’s DLG agricultural society.

Nokian Tyres first introduced sensor technology in its agricultural tyres in 2019 and has been developing the system to provide additional functionality.

The company said it plans to extend smart tyre features to passenger cars in future. The technology would enable tyres to communicate continuously with vehicle safety systems, providing real-time data on road surface conditions, according to Mika Penttilä, head of digital technologies at Nokian Tyres.

“In the near future, tyres will continuously communicate with vehicles’ brake and assist systems, generating real-time data on the condition of the road surface and the overall driving conditions,” Penttilä said.

The data could also be shared with fleet operators, service centres, road authorities and maintenance teams to improve overall road safety, the company said.

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries is advancing vehicle safety and performance through its SENSING CORE technology, which has been rigorously validated under the extreme demands of motorsport. This sensorless system was tested extensively on Falken Tyre’s Porsche 911 GT3 R throughout the challenging 2025 Nürburgring Endurance Series. By leveraging the tyre itself as a sensor, the technology provides continuous real-time analysis of critical data points including tyre wear, road surface conditions, load and pressure, all without needing additional physical hardware. A key safety feature is its ability to detect loose wheel nuts, thereby helping to prevent dangerous incidents on the track.

The practical benefits were clearly demonstrated during the race season. On several occasions, the system provided the team with crucial early warnings about tyre pressure loss, information that was delivered faster than by conventional sensors. This advanced notice allowed the team to proactively adjust its strategy, bringing the cars in for earlier pit stops to avoid potential damage and maintain competitive performance. The consistent reliability of SENSING CORE, even on the notoriously difficult Nordschleife circuit, confirms its robustness.

Having proven its value in a high-stakes racing environment, this technology paves the way for broader applications. Sumitomo Rubber Industries aims to leverage these insights to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability for future mobility solutions, including the development of autonomous vehicle fleets.

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United States-based Aperia Technologies has launched ‘Nearby Issues’, a new feature on its Halo Connect platform to further enhance fleet tyre safety.

The addition, which is now available in the Halo Tech App, uses a technician’s real-time location to display trucks nearby that have tyre issues.

The company is a leading provider of tyre management technology, which focuses on providing solutions to maintain optimal tyre pressure for vehicles. It addresses the issue of tyre under-inflation, initially for the commercial trucking industry, but its expertise now extends to various vehicle architectures and markets.

Aperia's main products and services revolve around its 'Halo Tire Management Platform', which combines automatic inflation with predictive maintenance.

This new capability allows technicians, whether at a yard or on the road, to pinpoint the specific vehicles and tyres needing attention, proceed directly to the truck and resolve the issues immediately. While technicians already access tyre issue information through Halo Connect, Nearby Issues converts insight into instant, location-based action, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Ralph Dimenna, CCO, Aperia Technologies, said, "Technicians don’t need more alerts; they need the right insights at the right time. Nearby Issues gives them a faster, smarter way to prioritise and resolve tire problems based on where they are, closing the gap between knowing an issue exists and getting it fixed."

With the new feature, technicians can:

• See What’s Nearby: View vehicles nearby that have tyre issues instantly.
• Prioritise for Action: Access a ranked list of trucks based on issue severity and count, enabling decision-making.
• Access Live Tyre Data: Connect over Bluetooth to view real-time tyre pressures and confirm that repairs are complete.
• Gain Full Transparency: Review detailed issue data, tyre health history and the vehicle’s exact location.
• Navigate with Ease: Use an interactive map with GPS positioning and severity-based colour coding.
• Stay Secure: Rely on controlled access available only to authenticated users physically near the vehicle.

Aperia Technologies stated that adding Nearby Issues to the Halo Connect platform via the Halo Tech App continues its aim to help fleets stay proactive, cut maintenance costs and maximise vehicle uptime.

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Fornnax Technology Pvt Ltd has introduced the R-MAX3300, a new secondary shredder presented as the largest in its category. The official launch occurred on 14 October 2025 at the prominent IFAT India environmental technology exhibition in Mumbai. The unveiling ceremony was a significant industry event, attended by numerous leaders from the cement and waste management sectors. Key figures present included executives from GEPIL India, Zigma Global, Prism Johnson Ltd, Shree Cement Ltd and Mangalam Cement Ltd.

This shredder is positioned as a major technological advancement for India's recycling and waste processing infrastructure. It is designed to provide a powerful solution for Cement Alternative Fuel and Resource plants as well as waste-to-energy facilities. While the established R Series shredders are known for processing high-density materials such as tyres and cables, the R-MAX3300 is specifically engineered for low-density waste streams. These targeted materials include Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial and Industrial waste, Construction and Demolition debris, bulky items, legacy waste dumps and wood waste.

The machine integrates advanced shredding technology to efficiently produce Refuse Derived Fuel and Solid Recovered Fuel, achieving an optimal output particle size between 30 and 50 millimetres. Its construction emphasises durability, operational versatility and high performance to meet the demands of large-scale industrial applications requiring consistent fuel quality.

The R-MAX3300 is built for high-volume processing of pre-shredded or coarse materials. Its applications are expected to be crucial in producing solid recovered fuel, preparing waste for composting and reducing waste volume for more cost-effective transportation. The shredder is anticipated to be a key asset in Integrated Waste Management Projects and bio-mining operations across India and international markets.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology, said, “The R-MAX3300 represents a monumental leap forward in our vision to become a global leader by 2030 in recycling technology through innovation. With the rising challenges of waste management in India and globally, this machine is not just a product; it’s a powerful tool for change. We engineered it to handle the most difficult waste streams with unparalleled efficiency, turning what was once considered unusable waste into a valuable resource. It directly addresses the urgent demand for effective, large-scale shredding technology that can support cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities in achieving the desired output. Our commitment goes beyond just selling machinery; it's about empowering our customers to achieve lasting efficiency, sustainability and growth. We see ourselves as a trusted partner who stands beside them at every step – from technology deployment to ongoing support, ensuring they can rely on Fornnax not only for performance but also for consistency, dependability and long-term value.”

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