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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The Global Data Service Organisation for Tyres and Automotive Components (GDSO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the RAIN Alliance, a move designed to accelerate the harmonisation of electronic tyre identification and support broader digitalisation throughout the international tyre value chain. This agreement formalises a mutual commitment to advancing interoperable, scalable and globally consistent standards that can be adopted across the sector.

GDSO is responsible for establishing and promoting global data standards for tyres, enabling comprehensive lifecycle applications that serve a diverse group of stakeholders – from manufacturers and logistics providers to fleet managers, recyclers and regulatory bodies. The RAIN Alliance, in parallel, champions the widespread implementation of RAIN RFID technology within a framework that is open, standards-based and interoperable.

The growing importance of electronic tyre identification is underscored by its role in enabling traceability, meeting regulatory requirements, advancing circular economy goals and improving operational performance. Within existing standardisation frameworks, embedded RAIN RFID technology is currently the sole passive data carrier capable of supporting item-level traceability across the full lifespan of a tyre. This partnership seeks to align data standardisation efforts with the underlying identification technologies, thereby reinforcing the ecosystem necessary for reliable and scalable digital identification solutions worldwide.

Although GDSO acknowledges the established position and technical maturity of RAIN RFID, the organisation maintains a technology-agnostic stance. Its primary focus remains on developing robust and adaptable global data standards that foster an inclusive and resilient identification ecosystem. Such an approach supports ongoing innovation and ensures that all actors across the tyre value chain can participate effectively, regardless of future technological shifts.

Through this alliance, GDSO and the RAIN Alliance intend to drive globally aligned standards, enhance system interoperability, support digital use cases throughout the product lifecycle and contribute meaningfully to sustainability and circularity targets. This partnership reflects a shared strategic vision to strengthen the digital infrastructure underpinning the tyre industry.

Riccardo Giovannotti, Secretary General, GDSO, said, “I’m pleased to share that GDSO has signed a collaboration MoU with RAIN Alliance. The collaboration is grounded in a shared commitment to industry-wide standards and to advancing digitalisation across the tyre value chain. As the organisation leading the definition and deployment of global data standards for tyres, GDSO focuses on enabling cradle-to-grave use cases through interoperable and scalable solutions. Within today’s standardisation landscape, the embedded RAIN RFID (i.e. passive RFID) is currently the only data carrier standardised and technically capable of supporting item-level identification across the full tyre lifecycle, which makes this collaboration both relevant and timely.”

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A new milestone in agricultural tyre technology has been achieved through the partnership of Titan International, Inc. and Cerebrum Sensor Technologies, Inc. Together, they have unveiled Titan Pressure Perfect (P2), a smart sensor system designed to transform how farm tyres perform and communicate. This system marks the emergence of a broader category known as Intelligent Tyre Solutions (iTS), developed jointly by the two companies.

At the core of Pressure Perfect (P2) is real-time monitoring of tyre pressure, temperature and load. This data enables continuous oversight and works seamlessly with onboard inflation systems, allowing automatic pressure adjustments while the vehicle is in motion. Whether shifting from roadway to field or responding to varying load demands, the system can reduce air pressure by as much as half. This flexibility helps lower soil compaction by up to 35 percent and has been linked to potential corn yield increases of four to six percent.

Pressure Perfect is compatible with all Titan and Goodyear Farm Tyre products and integrates with nearly all inflation management systems already in use. By supporting more precise tyre management, it contributes to longer tyre life, improved machine efficiency and reduced environmental impact through less ground disturbance.

The innovation draws on Cerebrum’s licensed portfolio of patented technologies, including advanced sensors, proprietary algorithms and sophisticated software capabilities. This technical foundation sets a new standard for intelligent tyre management in agriculture. While other industry players focus on replicating existing central tyre inflation and tyre pressure monitoring systems, Titan and Cerebrum are advancing a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach. Pressure Perfect reflects Titan’s longstanding engineering heritage and its continued commitment to leading the field through purposeful collaboration and applied innovation.

Dubbing it the ‘Holy Grail’ of innovations, Scott Sloan, Global Ag & LSW Product Manager for Titan, said, “This is the first system of its kind that delivers dynamic inflation management. Load, tyre pressure and temperature data are gathered by a single tyre-mounted sensor and integrated with tyre-industry load-inflation tables in real time. Imagine bringing together Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) technologies, and now they can work together and talk to each other – all without operator intervention."

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Anyline is displaying its AI-powered TireBuddy platform at the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas (from 3–6 February), demonstrating how it brings objective, digital tyre inspections to automotive retailers. The technology, which standardises tread depth and condition assessments, is used by dealerships, reconditioning centres and independent shops to enhance operational consistency and customer transparency. At Booth 7649N, live demonstrations will show the system’s guided scanning and intuitive workflow, which technicians have adopted for its ability to generate clear, data-backed reports directly in the service bay.

A key adopter includes EchoPark, a national pre-owned vehicle retailer under Sonic Automotive, Inc., which utilises TireBuddy as part of its rigorous 190-point vehicle inspection process across multiple states. The platform provides repeatable measurements that strengthen technical recommendations and build buyer confidence by turning subjective checks into documented insights. Since its 2025 launch, the tool has been implemented by large-scale automotive groups seeking to improve decision-making and efficiency.

Anyline’s exhibition will focus on these real-world applications, showing how digitising tyre inspections creates a more transparent and trustworthy service experience. By replacing visual estimates with precise digital data, TireBuddy helps businesses streamline workflows, empower technicians and ultimately support safer, more reliable vehicle assessments for customers.

Christoph Braunsberger, CEO, Anyline, said, “Our goal with TireBuddy is to equip technicians with the tools they need to make accurate, fast and confident decisions, an important message we’re bringing to the forefront at this year’s NADA Show. By providing objective, AI-powered data, TireBuddy delivers a far clearer path to cost savings, operational efficiency and customer transparency for retailers – benefits that matter at every level of their operation.”

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As urban areas around the world grow increasingly louder, traffic noise has emerged as a critical environmental and public health challenge. Recognised by health authorities as a major risk factor, this pervasive issue extends from European cities to megacities across Asia and Latin America. Continental is addressing this problem by pioneering tyre technologies that significantly reduce rolling noise, thereby contributing to quieter urban environments and enhanced in-vehicle comfort.

The transition to electric mobility has brought tyre noise into sharper focus. With the near-silent operation of electric motors replacing traditional engine sounds, the acoustic contribution from tyres becomes far more prominent, even at moderate city driving speeds. In response, Continental engineers have developed specialised solutions that target noise generation without compromising the safety, durability or performance of the tyre.

One such innovation is the Silent Pattern tread design, featured on models like the EcoContact 7. This technology disrupts the conventional, uniform arrangement of tread blocks that typically creates a rhythmic humming sound on pavement. By intelligently varying the spacing and angles of these blocks, the pattern breaks up this acoustic consistency. Furthermore, it is tuned to cancel out specific sound frequencies, akin to the principle behind noise-cancelling headphones. This results in a measurable reduction of traffic noise at speeds around 50 kmph, where rolling noise is most perceptible to pedestrians and residents.

For reducing noise inside the vehicle cabin, Continental employs its ContiSilent technology. This involves lining the inside of the tyre with a lightweight polyurethane foam that absorbs vibrations caused by the tyre’s contact with the road. By dampening these air vibrations, the technology can cut perceived in-cabin rolling noise by up to nine decibels – a reduction the human ear experiences as nearly halving the volume. This substantial increase in acoustic comfort is integrated into various product lines, including high-performance summer tyres, without affecting driving dynamics or efficiency.

The company’s commitment to low-noise mobility spans multiple vehicle segments. From the Conti Urban NXT for city buses to passenger car tyres like the EcoContact 6 Q and van tyres such as the VanContact A/S Eco, these products are designed to meet stringent noise standards. Consumers can readily identify these quieter options through regulatory labels, like the EU tyre label, which provides clear decibel ratings for external rolling noise. Through these continuous advancements in tread design and sound-dampening materials, Continental is systematically working to diminish the acoustic footprint of road traffic.

According to Achillefs Tsotras, head of Continental’s Tyre-Vehicle Interaction department, “Noise, especially traffic noise from cars, buses and delivery vehicles, is a major burden for people and the environment. With tyre technologies like ContiSilent and innovative tread designs, we are actively reducing rolling noise without compromising safety. This makes every ride noticeably quieter, benefiting drivers, pedestrians, residents and the environment alike.”

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