Tyre Asia Tyre Asia April/May 2018April/May 2018 9393
A Press-on-band tyre is typically made from a single rubber
compound that’s bonded to a steel band which is pressed
as interference fit onto a wheel. Press-on tyres equipped
machines are popular due to their ability to handle higher
load with greater stability compared to a similar sized resilient
or pneumatic tyre. These Press-on tyres are widely used in
airport ground support equipment. Passenger boarding bridges
are common devices placed in every airport and they are
mostly comprised of press-on tyres. These boarding bridges
are movable connectors that extend from an airport gate to
an airplane. Therefore, the tyres which are used in boarding
bridges require high load and high strain bearing capability.
hence, specially formulated rubber compounds are used in the
manufacture of these tyres.
The cured-on tyre is molded or vulcanized directly to the wheel
casing, forming an integral unit which is attached to the axle.
When a cured-on tyre is worn out, the entire wheel must be
replaced. cured-on tyres are used for the free-rolling wheels and
normally do not have a tread pattern.
non-marking tyre is one of the most technically specified
tyres made in Sri Lanka and it is available all three categories
in white or gray or green colors. The non-marking tyres does
not makes marks on the grounds and suitable for hygienic
indoor application such pharmaceutical, food, paper, textile
manufacturing facilities. Further, non-marking tyres have no
anti-static properties meaning that when being used close to
flammable materials or explosives they need to be fitted with
earthing straps. Although it can be observed as a limitation
in non-marking tyres but one of the leading Sri Lankan tyre
manufacturer comes with a fantastic innovation to eliminate
the limitation. It helps them to maintain the competitiveness
leading towards both expand existing market and capture the
new avenues.
Specially engineered aperture tyre is another revolutionary
product in Sri Lankan Solid tyre industry and the tyre provides
the same ride & comport as that of a pneumatic tyre and offer an
excellent cushioning effect with zero down time. The aperture
tyres are less in material consumption compared to conventional
solid tyres and light weight tyres influence positive performance
on the vehicle. It is economically superior product.SWOT Analysis in Solid Tyre Industry in
Sri Lanka
Strengths Weaknesses- • • • • • • • • •
established Industry in Sri
Lanka
Availability of natural Rubber
Trained and well committed
workforce with high literacy
rate
Incentives to attract foreign
investment
compliance with labor
standards and ethical
practices
The excellent and cost
effective freight from
colombo
Availability of world
recognized Universities
and Technical institutes
in Polymer science and
engineering
non-profit earning
association to support the
rubber products sector by
addressing the sector related
issues and training the work
force.
Development of
infrastructure like express
ways, ports, star class
accommodation etc.
Location of country
(between the Far east and
the West geographically)
Unavailability of raw
materials other than
natural rubber and price
fluctuation
Unavailability of
international level of testing
lab and certification
high cost of energy
high cost of machinery and
technology transferOpportunity ThreatsInvesting world leading tyre
manufacturers in Sri Lanka
Increasing demand of
Material handling and
construction field
north American and eU
economic recoverycountervailing tax from
USA
Industrial growth in far east
Asian countriesHemantha Wattegedara is Director – Product
Development, at Camso Loadstar Pvt Ltd, Sri LankaFIG. NO 02: Cross section of Press-On Tyre
FIG. NO 03: Non-marking Tyres
FIG. NO 04: Aperture Tyre on a Vehicle