TP Tools Oy buys Formup 350 for tyre mould production

TP Tools OY, a family-owned business with more than three decades of expertise in tyre mould manufacturing, has bought an AddUp FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine in order to power-up its sipe-mould production capability. TP Tools’ decision to bring tyre sipe production in-house marks a significant shift aimed at reducing costs associated with outsourcing, according to the companies. By streamlining the manufacturing process, the company not only saves on expenses but also shortens lead times, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

With on-site metal 3D printing capabilities, TP Tools is said to be “poised to accelerate developments and innovations within the tyre sipe landscape”.

The FormUp 350 also offers features to support tyre sipe applications for mould production. The 350mm squared build plate enables the production of entire segments of tyre moulds, showcasing its capacity for efficient and comprehensive manufacturing. Additionally, the integration of a roller and fine powder contributes to achieving unparalleled surface roughness as-printed, thereby minimizing the need for post-processing. Lastly, the reliability of the FormUp and AddUp’s technology is successful in industrial operations, demonstrating consistent repeatability across the built plate, from one production cycle to the next, and even across different machines operating with the same parameters.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine from AddUp. This strategic investment allows us to optimize our manufacturing process, shorten lead times, and most importantly, accelerate new developments in tyre mould innovations” explains Marko Pirhonen, owner of TP Tools OY.

TP Tools has been involved in tyre mould production for three decades. Located in Nokia, Finland, as a family business, TP Tools has been involved in manufacturing winter tyre moulds throughout that time.