With the cost of fuel only going one way, how tyres are managed is becoming increasingly more important. That’s why RL Automotive was showing its TAC-Scan laser-based tyre wear diagnostic equipment at April’s CV Show. According to the company, tyre wear diagnostic equipment has been left behind in the tide of new technology as it is largely still done manually, which not only effects accuracy but also makes readings subjective.
Snap-on Equipment has introduced an updated version of its popular wheel alignment guide. The guide aims to simplify the complex subject of wheel alignment, aiming to put jargon, such as “toe-in” and “toe-out” into plain English and introducing the latest alignment technology with detailed information and illustrations.
Snap-on Incorporated has won three innovation awards at this year’s Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) Innovation Awards. The US publication selected Snap-on for this distinction in the hand tools category for its 10-piece, 1/4-inch drive metric low profile ratchet/socket set, the tool storage category for its KEW-Series LED light assembly system for tool storage units and the equipment category for the Quadriga automatic tyre changer.
Snap-on Equipment has reported a successful Brityrex International exhibition, held recently in Manchester. The garage equipment manufacturer showcased a comprehensive range, including tyre changers, wheel balancers and advanced full 3D alignment systems. Chris Behan, Snap-on Equipment’s general manager, said that the “on-stand equipment demonstrations proved to be highly effective, resulting in firm orders for the Hofmann Quadriga 1 fully automatic tyre changer, among many others.”
Vehicles, like people, sometimes find it hard to get a grip – but at least our wheeled counterparts have Continental helping them out. The German automotive supplier has entered into partnerships with other firms to develop a new approach to sensor fusion, and Conti says the new system it has come up with can give drivers advance warning about low grip. The system was within the “Friction” project as part of the 6th Framework Programme, co-funded by the European Commission.
TRW Automotive Holdings reports the use of its new design LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for tyre pressure monitoring systems results in “significantly lowered costs for the system.” TPMS units featuring the LCCI are scheduled to be introduced in 2011 model year vehicles in the US.
Tecalemit has added the GTR 400 four laser truck wheel alignment system to its wheel alignment range. The GTR 400 HD is suitable for wheel sizes from 300mm up to 890mm. And, according to the company, its precision engineered components, high resolution class B laser and simultaneous dual axis measurements generate accurate measurements and a one degree resolution.
Conservative estimates from Supertracker place the daily number of wheel alignments carried out using its equipment at around 18,000. Therefore the company has no doubt that training in the correct and most efficient use of the machinery has never been so important for the industry.
At the beginning of November, the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation, IFF, Magdeburg in Germany and the Ascona Company, Meckenbeuren, invited leading wheel industry representative to the launch of a new touchless alloy wheel measuring machine. What’s different about the new equipment it that the new 3D laser wheel measuring machine makes possible for the first time the contactless measuring of light metal wheels directly in the production sequence.
German company cleanLASER has developed a new system for cleaning tyre moulds utilising a combination of handheld and automated laser tools. The system’s design consists of two laser optic tools that utilise laser light to clean the moulds. One tool is manually operated, while the second is automated. The system includes a beam-switch to enable the operator to select either a handheld cleaning tool for optimal versatility or a robotically mounted optic for repetitive high-speed treatments.
Corghi has released the passenger car tyre changer it hopes will “widen the success of the Artiglio 50,” the Artiglio 500. The new model has been improved on the basis of feedback from the market, resulting in what Corghi hopes will be received as “an even higher performance product.” It will be demonstrated by Apaseal at Brityrex on the 5-7 October, 2010, and will be available from February. The company will continue to provide its “Blue Light” system for wheel balancing.
Two new Crowsfoot Wrench sets have been added to the Laser Tools range. Both sets are manufactured from Chrome Molybdenum for strength and supplied in blow moulded case for storage. The 1/2"D set offers 14 pieces ranging from 27mm to 50mm for around £159.90. The 3/8"D set offers 10 pieces and ranges from 10mm to 18mm (Part No 4757). For these you can expect to pay around £34.99.
According to Kumho, its prominent position in a ‘major hall’ at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show demonstrates the seriousness with which the Korean tyre maker takes its increasing role in the European motor industry.
The arduous task of indicating hazardous areas in workshops and garages is significantly easier today, thanks to the release of a new Floor Tape Applicator from Laser Tools. Applying hazard warning tape is an essential requirement of tyre-related workplaces for health and safety reasons, and the applicator – according to Laser Tools – makes this job quicker and easily. The company also supplies rolls of tape separately.
Kumho has been exhibiting examples of its brand new laser etching process at the Frankfurt Motor Show (15-27 September). In the future Kumho plans to avoid compromising functionality and aesthetics, as every tyre maker has had to do up till now, by producing tyres in two stages. The idea is to produce functional requirement by moulding in the normal way. However, any additional attributes or design features will then be etched onto the surface as required, making an attractive design, without compromising on functionality.
Said Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho’s Birmingham-based European Technical Centre: “The new laser technology will allow us far more freedom at the design stage and the ability to experiment with any number of patterns and surface finishes. In the future, the process could also provide production tyres with a variety of short-term gains – such as special surfaces for use in motorsport or driving on low friction surfaces etc.”
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