ITEC to make tire failure analysis a focus at show

AKRON — The 2018 International Tire Exhibition & Conference technical program will focus one of its eight tracks on Tire Failure Analysis, with seven speakers slated to talk on the topic.

Their presentations will cover the legal perspective, road hazard impacts and the forensics signs they leave, forensic tire examination, run-flat tire durability and failures, and more.

ITEC is the largest conference and trade show focused on tire manufacturing in North America, drawing an international audience of 1,500 attendees. The 2018 event takes place Sept. 11-13 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.

In addition to Tire Failure Analysis, education tracks scheduled for ITEC include: Materials for Enhanced Tire Performance, Tire Performance Testing, Advances in Tire Manufacturing, Tire Reinforcing Materials, Automation in Tire Manufacturing, Tire and Material Characterizations, and the Future of Tires.

Presenters and topics for the Tire Failure Analysis track are:

• Joseph Ruscak and Chad Mowery, partners in the law firm of Roetzel & Andress, presenting "Tire Data from a Legal Perspective—How to Utilize, Keep Secure and Still Maintain Privacy;"
• Vandy Price, senior technical adviser at Michelin North America, on "Road Hazard Impacts, Their Effect on Radial Tires and the Forensic Signs They Leave Behind;"
• Chris Robertson, sales director and materials expert at Endurica L.L.C., presenting "Rapid Method for Checking Potential for Long-Term Fatigue Performance of Tire Compounds;"
• Matt Bockrath, lead forensic engineer at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., speaking on "Forensic Tire Examination in the Digital Age;"
• Pooya Behroozinia, senior finite element analysis engineer at Maxxis International, presenting "Run Flat Tire Durability and Failures;" and
• Leighton Spadone, president of DAAS Inc., on "Predicting OTR Tire Deflection."

In addition to these sessions, the conference includes 45 additional presentations, a panel discussion and a keynote address by Rich Kramer, chairman, CEO and president of Goodyear.

During the conference, ITEC also will recognize Michelin North America research engineer Stephen Cron with the Harold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Award for his work as co-inventor of the non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination known as the Tweel. Mr. Cron will receive the honor and speak at a breakfast ceremony starting at 8 a.m. Sept. 12 at the John S. Knight Center. To attend, contact Lori DiFrancesco at [email protected].

Along with the educational program, ITEC offers a trade show featuring more than 85 exhibitors and provides lunch each day to all attendees.

For registration information and booth and sponsorship opportunities, visit ITEC-tireshow.com.