The order book for Curemaster is strong with a surge in orders during the first two months of the year. The executive anticipates continued momentum throughout the year, driven by increasing global demand for advanced, sustainable curing solutions.

FORWARD INTEGRATION

According to Rudman, digitalisation is playing a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of curing presses. “Digitalisation provides real-time visibility into production processes, allowing manufacturers to monitor efficiency and product quality continuously. With a clear overview of operations, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and ensure production targets are met. The HF XPLORE digital portal offers access to critical data at all times. It provides insights into machine health, predictive maintenance alerts and production performance. The system helps track efficiency, detect potential failures and optimise operations by identifying areas for improvement,” he said.

Artificial intelligence is also slated to play a key role in electrical heating, ensuring stable temperature control within the platens. Machine learning is being developed for predictive maintenance, helping to forecast bladder life and detect potential failures before they occur. These technologies are part of the company’s development roadmap, focusing on improving reliability and efficiency in curing press operations.

He also noted that as tyre compounds evolve, curing requirements will change, making electrical curing a more suitable solution. Unlike steam-based systems, where temperature is directly linked to pressure, electrical curing allows independent control of both factors. This flexibility is crucial for processing new materials that may not tolerate traditional curing conditions.

“In steam curing, the relationship between pressure and temperature is fixed. For example, achieving a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius requires increasing the pressure to 20 bar. With electrical curing, temperature and pressure are completely separate, enabling curing at lower temperatures while maintaining the necessary pressure levels. This capability is particularly significant for future materials, which may require curing at 160 degrees Celsius but at much higher pressures,” explained Rudman.

The shift towards electrical curing is expected to gain momentum, particularly for high-end and specialised tyres that demand more advanced curing strategies. While steam curing will continue to be used for lower-segment applications, the upper range of the market, especially where sustainability and material innovations are key factors, will require the precision and adaptability that electrical curing provides.

OVERLAPPING TECHNOLOGIES

There is a clear trend in the market where customers are seeking more customised solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf curing presses. Manufacturers now have unique requirements including features like electrical curing, digitalisation, automated loading and unloading and seamless integration with factory infrastructure and tyre transportation systems. As a result, the demand for tailored solutions is increasing, making flexibility a key factor in the adoption of new curing technologies.

“Curemaster is designed with upgradeability in mind, ensuring that tyre manufacturers do not have to replace entire presses when looking to modernise operations. Even older HF curing presses that have been in service for more than 20 years can be upgraded to electrical curing without altering the mechanical structure. This allows manufacturers to transition to more efficient curing technology while retaining the existing equipment. At the same time, the new Curemaster is available as a fully electric system from the outset, offering a ready-made solution for greenfield projects,” averred Rudman.

Nonetheless, the biggest business potential currently lies in retrofitting existing curing presses rather than selling entirely new equipment. “Many customers prefer upgrade kits that allow them to transition to electrical curing while maintaining current production setup. While greenfield projects present a significant opportunity for new fully electric presses, the greater demand at present is for retrofit solutions, as it provides a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and sustainability without major infrastructure changes,” he added.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Most curing press suppliers have introduced electrical curing solutions. There are two main approaches to electrical heating, which are electromagnetic (induction) heating and resistive heating.

Electromagnetic heating method involves placing a coil outside the tyre to generate heat. However, there are concerns about how this method interacts with the tyre’s internal bead wire and breaker package. Since the long-term impact of electromagnetic fields on tyre integrity has not been fully tested or verified, there are still some uncertainties regarding its effects on tyre quality.

In contrast, resistive heating, which the company employs, places coils directly inside the plate, ensuring controlled and targeted heating. This method eliminates any risk associated with electromagnetic interference and allows precise temperature application only where needed. While both technologies are viable, resistive heating offers greater reliability and consistency in maintaining tyre quality.

“One of the key advantages of electrical curing is its rapid heating and cooling capabilities. The nitrogen used in the process can be heated from 20 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius in less than 20 seconds and cooled back down in the same time frame. This is achieved through continuous nitrogen circulation, where the system directs the flow through either the heater or the cooler as needed. In terms of curing time, electrical heating currently matches steam curing with a typical cycle of 10 minutes per tyre. However, there is significant potential to reduce curing time by 10 to 15 percent as electrical systems can operate at higher temperatures and offer more precise control over the process,” informed Rudman.

Nonetheless, steam curing has a predominant risk of mishaps in the bladder, which could lead to an explosion. The Curemaster is designed with a fully encapsulated dome, ensuring that any pressure build-up remains contained. If a failure occurs, the pressure is released downward instead of sideways, reducing the risk of injury.

The locking system is also unique. Even if there is a total power or hydraulic pressure loss, the press cannot open unintentionally. This containment and locking mechanism ensure a high level of safety during operation.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

According to the executive, the biggest challenge in the curing press business comes from cost competition as lower-cost manufacturers pose a significant pricing challenge. However, from a technological standpoint, the company offers unique features that set it apart from competitors. While competitors may have cost advantages, HF’s focus on advanced technology, automation and digitalisation allows it to capture market share by offering superior functionality and efficiency.

The passenger car and truck segments remain the company’s primary focus owing to the highest growth potential. Additionally, the company sees an emerging opportunity in motorcycle and bicycle tyre curing, particularly with electric heating technology. HF is among the first to introduce electrical curing for these segments, positioning itself as an industry leader.

While HF is active in the passenger and truck segments, it has opted not to enter the off-the-road tyre market due to its relatively small size and intense competition. The segment still relies heavily on traditional mechanical presses, making it less attractive for innovation-driven solutions.

The company continues to refine the Curemaster lineup by introducing new materials, insulation techniques and design concepts. The company is particularly focused on increasing automation to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

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Dunlop (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has secured the first commercial deployment of its SENSING CORE technology in China. The system's ‘tyre load detection’ and ‘tyre air pressure detection’ functions have been adopted by Chongqing Ruichi Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. (Ruichi) for its new electric commercial vehicle model, the Ruichi C5. This marks both the technology's entry into the Chinese market and the global debut of Dunlop's tyre load detection capability.

The load detection function monitors changes in cargo weight and distribution in real time, feeding data to the vehicle's control system. This reduces driving instability during starting, stopping and turning caused by shifting loads, thereby lessening driver burden and enabling more stable cargo transport. The feature is scheduled for implementation in additional Ruichi models going forward.

This development responds to conditions in China's urban areas, where e-commerce growth has fuelled demand for short-distance delivery services while autonomous driving and driver assistance features gain traction. In vehicles equipped with advanced systems, control logic typically operates based on predetermined load parameters. When actual loads deviate from these assumptions, discrepancies arise that affect driver comfort and cargo stability. Commercial vehicles therefore increasingly require smooth acceleration and deceleration control that remains effective regardless of load conditions.

Ruichi selected Dunlop's technology as an effective solution to these challenges. The system requires no additional sensors and can be installed without modifying existing vehicle configurations, offering significant cost advantages. SENSING CORE analyses wheel speed data alongside vehicle control information from the CAN data stream to detect various conditions including tyre pressure, tread wear and load.

On the Ruichi C5, the load detection function assesses total weight on left and right tyres for front and rear axles according to changes in cargo volume and position. This data optimises torque output during acceleration and brake control based on current load conditions, delivering stable ride quality unaffected by load changes during frequent urban deliveries.

Dunlop pursues this work under its SMART TYRE CONCEPT development philosophy, which aims to deliver high safety and environmental performance for CASE and MaaS applications. SENSING CORE anchors these services and is planned as the company's fourth major business pillar alongside tyres, sports and industrial products.

The challenges of frequent starts and stops during urban deliveries and changing load conditions extend beyond China throughout Asia, including Japan. Building on this adoption, Dunlop aims to expand its presence in both domestic and international markets.

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Refurbished tyre-recycling machines are emerging as a practical answer to rising compliance pressure and capital constraints across the sector. As demand grows for faster, lower-cost capacity expansion, Revyre Global’s decision to release a complete, operational processing line highlights how secondary equipment markets are becoming strategically relevant to recyclers.

Refurbished machines are finding renewed demand in the tyre-recycling industry as processors look to expand capacity quickly without the capital burden and long delivery cycles of new equipment.

Against this backdrop, New Zealand-based recycling firm Revyre Global is releasing a suite of previously used, fully operational machinery from its tyre-recycling line, offering other recyclers access to proven processing systems spanning shredding, separation and granulation, along with critical spares to support uninterrupted operations.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively, Chief Executive Officer Shaun Zukor noted, “Demand for refurbished tyre‑recycling equipment is expected to increase as global EPR regulations intensify and scrutiny grows around whole‑bale tyre handling. Many operators are seeking leaner, downsized plant and equipment configurations to meet compliance requirements while reducing capital expenditure. As regulatory pressure mounts, refurbished systems present a practical and cost‑effective solution for meeting mandated recycling obligations.”

The equipment sale aligns with Revyre’s broader strategy to expand capacity and scale into new markets, particularly in roading and water-proofing applications where demand for high‑quality recycled polymer products is growing rapidly. These sectors require higher production volumes and upgrading to next‑generation technology positions the company to fulfil those larger‑scale opportunities.

The line for sale can produce approximately two tonnes per hour of product, which is standard with current smaller operational outputs. The new processing line’s output is highly adaptable and could be rapidly configured to produce a range of materials based on market demand.

“This flexible production capability allowed the system to switch between product types without significant downtime or reconfiguration, enabling throughput levels that aligned competitively with industry standards. The ability to modify production on demand ensured efficient utilisation of capacity under varying operational requirements,” explained Zukor.

The primary target buyers of the company are new market entrants with vertically integrated operations, particularly those managing tyre‑collection networks. Such buyers can benefit from processing tyres earlier in the value chain, improving transport efficiency by reducing bulk volume and lowering the need for extensive pre‑processing at the final facility. This machinery offers an accessible entry point for organisations seeking scalable, cost‑efficient recycling capability.

TURNING THE BLADES

According to Zukor, Revyre’s existing mechanical tyre‑shredding system faced significant operational constraints due to its reliance on multiple moving components, which resulted in frequent breakdowns, high maintenance costs and extensive downtime.

The traditional multi‑stage process viz-a-viz shredding, rasping and grinding required substantial manual supervision and labour input, creating both inefficiencies and higher operating expenditure. These limitations collectively hindered scalability and consistent production performance, prompting the shift to more advanced and efficient technology.

“The next‑generation system offers a markedly more automated process that consolidates material reduction into a single grinding stage. This significantly reduces maintenance requirements, labour dependency and risk of mechanical failure. The improved system delivers higher throughput rates, more consistent and higher‑purity output materials and substantially lower contamination levels. In addition, improved energy efficiency across the system contributes to lower operational costs and a more sustainable processing footprint,” explained Zukor.

While all used equipment carries inherent operational risks, the system on sale recently underwent a repair and replacement of key wear components. “With proper upkeep, the line is expected to deliver at least another 10 years of reliable performance. The sale package includes spare parts and maintenance support to help buyers manage operational continuity and compliance requirements,” added Zukor.

He also noted that providing reliable, industrial‑grade equipment lowers capital barriers and reduces development time for new entrants. Furthermore, by extending the lifecycle of existing machinery, Revyre reinforces the principles of circularity, effectively recycling the recycling equipment, which is aligned with the organisation’s mission and sustainability values.

Currently, the company is actively advancing towards fully automated, digitally controlled recycling systems to reduce human exposure to mechanical processes and improve operational safety.

Increased automation will also reduce labour overheads and enables more consistent, globally competitive production output, supporting its long‑term vision of efficient, technology‑driven resource recovery.

“This upgrade is a major step towards establishing Revyre as a leader in high‑value polymer recovery, enabling production of superior‑grade materials for roading, water-proofing and masterbatch applications. Enhanced quality, scalability and process efficiency will strengthen our circular‑economy partnerships including potential collaborations with tyre manufacturers seeking reliable, high‑performance recycled inputs,” noted Zukor.

Revyre’s equipment sale underlines a broader shift in tyre recycling where affordability, compliance and speed to market matter as much as technology. By extending machinery lifecycles while upgrading its own capability, the company reflects an industry increasingly viewing refurbished systems as both an economic and circular solution.

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Bridgestone has marked a significant advancement in its pursuit of digital mobility solutions with the activation of a cutting-edge driving simulator at its European R&D facility near Rome. The VI-grade DiM500 Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator represents a major step forward in the company’s virtual tyre development capabilities, allowing for the evaluation of tyre performance without the need for physical track testing.

The simulator is built around a large, mobile platform capable of moving up to five metres, enabling it to replicate the dynamic forces experienced in real-world driving. Housed within a carbon-fibre cockpit, the driver is immersed in a hyper-realistic virtual environment, and the system’s extensive range of motion ensures that the forces simulated are comparable to those measured during physical trials. This setup allows for highly accurate assessments of tyre behaviour.

By combining high-fidelity simulation with live driver feedback, historical data and artificial intelligence, Bridgestone can now explore a much wider array of tyre specifications earlier in the design phase. This approach accelerates design decisions and reduces the reliance on physical prototyping. Consequently, traditional track testing can be reserved for the final validation stages. This shift is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, with a projected annual saving of up to 12,000 experimental tyres. It builds on the company’s existing Virtual Tyre Development technology, which has already reduced raw material use and CO2 emissions in the original equipment development phase by as much as 60 percent.

Beyond environmental gains, the technology shortens development timelines by enabling simultaneous tyre and vehicle engineering. This parallel process fosters closer collaboration with automotive manufacturers, allowing Bridgestone to tailor tyres more precisely to the performance characteristics of specific vehicle models. While the simulator is currently focused on dry handling scenarios, its capabilities are being extended to cover a broader spectrum of driving conditions. Supported by continued investment in global research and development, this initiative reinforces Bridgestone’s capacity to adapt to the evolving demands of both manufacturers and drivers.

Mattia Giustiniano, Senior Vice President – R&D, Bridgestone West, said, “Bridgestone is already considered a pioneer in digital tyre development – leveraging Virtual Tyre Development for more than a decade. By integrating the driver into the digital development cycle, this investment adds a crucial new piece to our evolving ecosystem. The simulator’s introduction marks a significant step in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our R&D processes while unlocking unprecedented opportunities to foster innovation.”

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VMI will showcase its latest tyre manufacturing technologies at Tire Technology Expo 2026, scheduled for 3–5 March 2026 in Hannover, Germany. The company will operate from booth 8064 in Hall 21, featuring the return of its Innovations Theater for a second consecutive year.

Specialists from VMI will deliver a series of 15-minute presentations at the theatre, covering recent product developments and technological advancements. Topics include the AMC on MAXX system, new features for the VMI MILEXX and the Batch Off Closed Air Circulation technology. Representatives from the VMI Services team will also discuss offerings such as VPC, VMS+, remote guidance, training programmes and retrofits. No advance registration is required for these sessions.

For conference attendees, Marzieh Salehi will present on the laboratory perspective for tyre and road wear particle (TRWP) collection and detection. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March, at 16:10 in the Five Continents conference room.

VMI, a company with a longstanding focus on tyre industry innovation, develops advanced machinery and services aimed at supporting customer operations and shaping the future of tyre production. Its participation in the expo reflects a commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions designed to meet industry challenges and drive progress in tyre manufacturing.

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