Tyres Recapping, Retreading and Repairing
Tyres Recapping Retreading Repairing
Tyre retreading is a re-manufacturing procedure for tyres that removes leftover tread from used tyres and a new layer of fresh tread is bonded to create a new usable tired.
The practice of retreaded tyres used to be commonplace, but as of 2008, it was rarely done for passenger vehicles. The worn tread is buffed away and a fresh tread is bonded to the tire body in a process that mimics the manufacture of new tyres.
Tyre recapping and retreading is done to the casings of worn-out tyres that have been inspected and repaired. Tyre retreading preserves about 90% of the material in a used tyre and the cost is approximately 20% less when compared to manufacturing a new tyre. Among the many applications for retreaded tyres are buses, airplanes, racing cars, and delivery vehicles. There are different processing methods, but the objective is always placing a new tread by applying time, heat and pressure. Only good, meticulously inspected tyre casings are used for tyres recapping, retreading and repairing procedures.
The Tyre Recapping, Retreading and Repairing Process
There are two basic ways tyres are recapped and retreaded. They are referred to as mold cure and precure. A technique called stereography is carried out to the tyres to look for damage that can’t be easily seen. This technique doesn’t cause any damage to the tyre being inspected and those tyres found to have irreparable defects are thrown out or the sent for recycling.
The tyre casings that pass inspection are sent to be retreaded or recapped. The recapping and retreading of tyres can be done multiple times, that is if the tyre casing has passed strict safety standards. Tyres used for short delivery vehicles are recapped more than long haul tyres. Casings that are candidates for tyre recapping and retreading have the old tread buffed away to prepare for the process.
Precure Tyre Retreading, Recapping and Repairing Process
For the precure process, a previously prepared tread strip is bonded to the tyre casing with an adhesive. This process allows greater flexibility when it comes to tire sizes. This pre-cure process for tyre recapping, retreading and repairing is the most widely used method. This process, however, results in a seam where the strip ends join.
Mold Cure Tyre Retreading
With the mold cure method, raw rubber is applied to the tire casing. This is then put in a mold, where a new tread is formed, hence the term ‘Mold Cure’. A special mold is needed for each tire size and tread pattern when using the mold cure technique for tyre recapping, retreading and repairing.
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Practices in Tyre Recapping, Retreading and Repairing
The various tyre recapping, retreading and repairing plants vary in size, ranging from small operations that churn out 20 retreaded tires per day to the very big plants churning out 1,000 or more per day. They are also specialise in the retreading and recapping of certain treads, brands or tyres for specific vehicles - off-road, farming, construction vehicles etc.
Pooled-together, these tyre recapping, retreading and repairing plants process millions of tires annually, using millions of pounds of natural and synthetic rubber.
The Advantages of Tyre Recapping, Retreading and Repairing
Tyre retreading, repairing and recapping is a much cheaper alternative to buying brand new tyres. A retreaded tire costs less to make than a new tire and consequently retails for less, typically between 30-50% of a new tyre’s price. Tyre recapping, retreading and repairing saves the military and commercial aircraft industries more than $100 million a year.
Why are tyres recapping retreading and repairing costs so efficient?
The bulk of manufacturing costs for a new tire is eaten up by the tyre body or casing. The tread on the other hand represents only a fraction of the new tire cost. The modern steel radial commercial truck tyres are an industrial grade product meant to provide multiple tread lives over the life of the casing. This means that they are primary candidates for tyres recapping, retreading and repairing to extend the life of each tyre and to stretch your budget.
The Safety of Recapped and Retread Tyres
Professional tyre recapping and retreading experts follow strict industry performance standards for each step of the retreading process. Retread and recapping plants are fully licensed to meet all safety standards for tyre safety.
Tyres recapping, retreading and repairing consistently demonstrates the same reliability as new tyres. These tyres are used on valid casings safely every day such as on school buses, fire engines and ambulances, airplanes, trucking fleets, taxis, military vehicles, postal vehicles, and by millions of families on their cars all over the world.
