Need A Hand?

Proper casing handling has a strong role to play in protecting the profits of retreaders. Shearography and ultrasonics are important, but who would do without that first hand visual inspection for buffed casings, before they enter the retreading process proper?

However, manhandling a truck tyre is increasingly frowned upon by the Health and Safety Executive. There are pieces of equipment that will lift and position a casing, others that will spread and spin the casing. But, earlier this year, AEP exhibited a new tyre inspection bay in Essen that highlights the company’s ability to provide bespoke handling solutions to the tyre industry.

AEP has over 30 years experience in specialist manufacturing of handling equipment and operates three divisions; factoring of pneumatic tools & components, air compressor sales, installation & service and a solutions division which works with clients to design custom solutions to suit their needs.

Initially, AEP was contacted by a leading UK retreader to develop a method of improving the way the company handled its buffed casings. Casing preparation and repair was a clear bottleneck in production, with tyres being put through four different stations before moving on to be retreaded.

AEP refined this process by developing for the retreader, a one-operator station to inspect and prepare the buffed tyre for retreading. The TM206 case handling unit, allows the operator to load the machine without man-handling or lifting the tyre, raise and lower it to a comfortable working height, spread the casing walls for internal inspection / repair, rotate the casing, a full 360 degrees to bring the work area to the operator and tilt it for sidewall inspection (including further rotation on the horizontal plane). All operations can be undertaken in a single task via foot controls or pushbutton controls.

AEP also manufactures tyre transfer equipment and tyre lifting aids.