Laser tread etching goes live at Kumho

ERJ staff report (DS)

Frankfurt -- In a development long predicted by those in the sector, Kumho is showing tyres with tread patterns cut into the rubber by laser.

The company said the new technology "is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns." It intends to mould its tread patterns in the normal way, but then add features using the laser cutting system.

Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho's Birmingham-based European Technical Centre said in a statement, “The new laser technology will allow us far more freedom at the design stage and the ability to experiment with any number of patterns and surface finishes. In the future, the process could also provide production tyres with a variety of short-term gains - such as special surfaces for use in motorsport or driving on low friction surfaces etc.”

Lasers have been used for a few years to cut identification patterns into the sidewall of the tyre, but up to now have only been able to create impressions a few millimetres deep in rubber, while a typical tread pattern is at least 7mm deep. Industry experts suggested that the laser will have to use multiple passes to get the required tread depth.

The tyres are on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15-27)

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Press release from Kumho