TRM develops robotic cell for German retreader Rigdon

Trento, Italy – German independent retreader Rigdon GmbH is set to install a new robotic production cell developed by Tyre Retreading Machinery (TRM) at its manufacturing site in Günzburg, Bavaria. 

The Robotic cell Black Constrictor Twin was developed under a technology agreement signed a year ago between the two companies and underwent acceptance test at the end of 2019, said TRM in a release 28 Jan.

Designed for cold cure processing, the cell combines TRM’s Black Swan – a vertical extruder with strip winding technology – with Twin, a double hydraulic chuck on a rotary turret.

The technology makes it possible to separate the retreading activities into multiple stations “with a high level of quality and efficiency,” said TRM.

The production cell is assisted by "an anthropomorphic robot" that carries out all the carcass handling activities between the automatic monorail and the building machine. 

On the first station, a single Black Swan uses strip winding technology to apply fresh cushion gum, in a process that is claimed to offer “a higher quality and material saving” compared to traditional smearing extruder.

The machine has continuous stretch control during the tread application, making the distribution of the gum above the carcass even and avoiding any material excess in the joint area.

After the building, a second extruders station with a double Black Swan applies the compound strips on the sidewall for a full bead-to-bead retreading process.

Managed by one operator only, the machine can achieve an hourly output of 130 tire per shift, according to TRM.

The retreading machine is expected to start production in the first quarter. 

Headquartered in Günzburg, Bavaria, Rigdon specialises in truck tire, earthmover and heavy-duty tires' retreading.

The company entered into a technology partnership with TRM last year as part of the Rigdon 2020 plan which aim is to improve quality and efficiency of retreading processes at the company to increase competitiveness.