Cordiant Introduces 3D Printing for New Tire Prototyping
The new capability has been deployed at the Yaroslavl Tire Plant.
Cordiant has introduced a 3D printer at the Intire Research and Technology Center, based at the Yaroslavl Tire Plant, to produce full-scale tire prototypes during new product development. The technology enables engineers to visualize new tread designs and more quickly identify the most effective design parameters.
The 3D printer has a build volume of 350 × 350 × 350 millimeters, allowing it to produce full-scale models of tread components. It prints with materials including PETG, PLA, and TPU, a flexible polymer that combines high wear resistance with strong impact durability. TPU's elasticity also makes it possible to simulate how tread patterns behave under mechanical loads.
“The introduction of this technology will shorten the development cycle from concept to tire production while paving the way for smarter and more specialized products,” the Cordiant press office said.
