Conti Matador invests in rolling resistance optimisation
In order to meet the global trend towards tyres with a stronger ‘green’ emphasis, Continental Matador Rubber states its factory in Púchov, Slovakia is gearing up for the production of low rolling resistance tyres. This production transition is scheduled to occur in two stages, the first of which is already underway with the gradual introduction of the ContiEcoContact 5 and ContiSportContact 5 into the plant’s production mix. Continental Matador says several sizes are already in serial production at the Púchov plant and further sizes will be introduced throughout the year.
Producing these two products necessitated a number of changes at the Púchov factory, and Continental Matador reports investing an undisclosed sum in “tuning various production processes.” The key to meeting the requirements of low rolling resistance tyres, the tyre maker adds, is a quality compound; thus, before commencing the serial production of the eco products it was necessary to introduce new compounds, including full silicon tread compounds. A new, low oil content curing system has also been implemented.
According to Continental Matador, the second stage in the Púchov plant’s move to producing low rolling resistance tyres involves gradually subjecting the tyre sizes already in production to structural modification to further reduce their rolling resistance. This stage, the manufacturer, continues, will see the introduction of other new tread compounds, the adjustment of extruded profiles and changes in the bead wire used. These second stage changes are currently being prepared and Continental Matador says it is “looking for the most optimal ways for implementation, with minimal impact on production capacity and the quality of serial production.” Stage two is expected to be implemented during the second half of 2011 and the first half of 2012.
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