The first stage of tire making is collecting raw materials and formulating rubber compounds. The raw materials used are rubber, oils, pigments, antioxidants, carbon black or silica, accelerators and other additives. These are then mixed together in a huge blender, which is called Banburys. After the mixing process is completed a gum like material forms. This material is then cut into strips. These strips will make the sidewalls and other portions of the tire. The main body of the tire is manufactured using fabricated rubber. Polyester, nylon and rayon are the fabrics used. The fabrics are changed depending on the type of the tire. But mostly Polyester is used. Another ring like component is used to make a tire. This is called tire bead. Steel wires of high tensile are used to make this tire bead. Radial tires are made in a cylindrical tire-building machine. The machine almost gives the final shape of the tire. After the making of the tire, it passes through an assembling process. Tires are assembled from the inside out. The inner line of the tire is made of two layers of synthetic rubber. Then another double layer of poly fabric is pasted. Then follows two strips of apexes to harden the area. Then 2 chafer strips are then pasted. Then automatic rollers press all the parts. It helps the parts to bind. After an inspection the tire goes for curing process. In the curing process the tire is heated up to the temperature of 300F for 12-25 minutes. It gives the tire a proper shape. Then it passes through another inspection, which includes an X-ray session. If there is any fault, the X-ray session reveals it. After the inspection the tire is ready to roll. |
