LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Retread and commercial tire dealer suppliers from around the world gathered at the International Tire and Rubber Association's recent conference and trade show to display their latest equipment innovations. Among the new products displayed during the Louisville-based trade show were:
Wheel finishing
International Marketing Inc. introduced two wheel finishing products—an automated painting device and an infrared curing oven—during the show.
The 2010 Series Robo Paint Arm allows users to apply a consistent layer of paint to rims and wheels by automatically rotating and swivelling the rim or wheel. The automated painter stops users from applying too thick or too thin a coat of paint, IMI said.
The 2010 Infrared Curing Oven makes two-hour wheel and rim finishing possible, according to the Chambersburg, Pa., company.
The oven uses infrared radiation via 80 generators with four zones of control from each side of the oven to heat only the rim and finish—not the surrounding air.
Contact: International Marketing Inc., Dept. TB, P.O. Box B, Chambersburg, Pa. 17201. Phone: (800) 233-7086. Fax: (717) 264-5483.
Valcanizers
Lincoln Manufacturing Corp. Inc., a division of National Dynamics Corp., introduced three new tire vulcanizers.
The Model LT (T016) light truck and Model MT (T022) medium truck vulcanizers have piston/pad air-heads, heat from both sides of the tire for maximum repair efficiency and are available with an optional stand for easy tire rotation. Both models come in 120 and 240 volt versions.
The Model 2500 multi-use vulcanizer accomodates agricultural, skidder and other off-the-road tires. The vulcanizer can handle mid-range tires from 20.5225, OTR sizes up to 29.5235 and skidder tires up to 30.5232.
Contact: Lincoln Manufacturing Co. Inc., Dept. TB, 4001 Industrial Ave. Box 30303. Lincoln, Neb. 68503-0303. Phone: (800) 221-4109 or (402) 464-7418. Fax: (402) 464-8469.
Bead Breaker
The Boa Constrictor from Gaither Tool Co. squeezes the tire bead away from the wheel, eliminating the possibility of broken beads and damaged wheels during the break-down process.
The portable system uses a vacuum principle to evacuate the air inside the tire to release the bead from the wheel. The entire system includes the Boa Constrictor device, a one-gallon bottle of Gaither's Super Slick'em lubricant and an applicator bottle.
Contact: Gaither Tool Co., P.O. Box 1527, Granite City, Ill. 62040. Phone: (618) 452-5000. Fax: (618) 452-7592. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Internet: www.gaithertool.com.
Torque wrench
The MATC Model 600 Two-Way Torque Wrench, made by Mid-America Torque Control, is optimized for professional technicians servicing Class 7 and 8 truck wheels.
The torque wrench gives control from 100 foot-pounds through 600 foot-pounds (accurate to +/- 4 percent), is bi-directional and can be used on all three major wheel systems.
The wrench weighs just 10.7 pounds and measures 38 7/8 inches in length.
An extension handle is available for individuals with small body mass.
Contact: Mid-America Torque Control, Dept. TB, 1011 Fifteenth Place, Camanche, Iowa, 52730. Phone: (319) 259-1002. Fax: (319) 259-2062.
Compressor
Kaeser Compressors Inc. introduced its portable M12 rotary screw compressor, available with variable pressures from 70 to 190 PSIG.
Compressor output is rated at 43 CFM at 100 PSIG. The unit features a power-saving SIGMA profile airend, 18-hp gasoline engine and an air-cooled oil cooler with an air circulation fan.
Contact: Kaeser Compressors Inc., Dept. TB, P.O. Box 946, Fredericksburg, Va. 22404. Phone: (540) 898-5500. Fax: (540) 898-5520.
Builder/extruder
AZ Formen-und Mashinenbau GmbH announced the U.S. release of its Extruder-Builder Type CTC-SB I and its stripped down counterpart, the CTC-SB II.
Both builders feature automatic skive filling and use one size of cushion gum feed strip. The CTC-SB II can build up to 80 tires per shift, while the more expensive CTC-SB I model, which also features computer-controlled building, can handle up to 160 tires per shift.
Contact: AZ Formen-und Mashinenbau GmbH, Dept. TB, 830 Sutton Place, Akron, Ohio 44313. Phone: (330) 869-5433. Fax: (330) 869-9553.