Linglong claims improved competitiveness through new bladder design

Shandong Linglong Tyre reports the successful implementation of new generation curing bladders in its production process. The new bladder, type ZB16E, was developed to address the issues of tyre cavity shoulder channeling, exposed cord in the shoulder and bladder longevity during the production of low profile, high performance tyres. Shandong Linglong reports the ZB16E bladder differs in shape from traditional bladders and utilises an “adopted S-shape design” that reportedly provides a better connection between bladder and tyre cavity.

The new design is said to improve the expansion ratio of different parts of the bladder, the effect of which is reduced shoulder deformation. During a three-month test period, the new bladder replaced older designs in the curing of size 215/35R18, 205/40R17, 205/45R17 and 205/45R16 tyres; Shandong Linglong reports that the use of the ZB16E bladder reduced tyre cavity shoulder channeling and exposed cord in the shoulder by 80 per cent and prolonged bladder service life by 40 per cent.

The Chinese tyre maker has applied for a patent for this new design and says it will increasingly use it during the production of low profile tyres – a measure it says will make Linglong tyres more competitive in the market.