VMI Releases Two-Drum Tyre Builder

Netherlands based tyre manufacturing equipment maker the VMI Group reports it has designed and built a completely new type of tyre building machine. Called the VMI Maxx, the newly introduced unit is said to operate very differently from the company’s previous tyre building machines, such as the 248 and 348.

The Maxx is a two-drum machine for passenger car radials that operates according to the single stage building process. It combines, says VMI, a high level of flexibility with a substantial higher output and a better green tyre quality. The unit is designed to build tyres between 13-inch and 24-inches.

The tyre building process with the Maxx is fully automatic, and the green tyres are mechanically unloaded from the machine. Unlike on previous machines, both building drums move on a transfer rack, while the transfer device itself is in a fixed position. The design of the belt and tread servicers are also completely new, something VMI says provides superior component application. To improve up-time and flexibility, the servicers have been equipped with dual let-offs for quick material change. Laser measuring devices and digital cameras automatically control the quality of the green tyres.

Following in-house testing, the VMI Maxx is ready to be delivered to customers, and at the end of 2009 the first unit is scheduled to enter regular production. The Maxx is available in two versions – the standard 20-inch version and a 24inch version.