The first 12-segment tyre press was installed for the launch of the Logistik 295/80R22.5 commercial vehicle drive axle tyre, in November 2014. Earlier this year, the company released the Logistik Drive 315/70R22.5 and the latest press is enabling Vacu-Lug to meet high demand for this.
Adopting production techniques and technologies used in aircraft and high-performance tyres, the 12-segment press design enables Vacu-Lug to produce a tyre with a significant increase in 'true roundness' which, according to plant manager Brian Barron, means that every mm of tread depth throughout the tyres' rolling circumference is available, resulting in a longer tyre life.
The new press also upgrades curing pressure from +/-200psi to 300psi.
Vacu-Lug also attributes the durability of its Logistik tyre to quality compound blends and the firm is trialling new compounds.
"We are now working on a second generation of the Logistik Supersingle tyre and to facilitate production we will in due course be adding a third 120segment press," adds Barron.