The grand opening of Arctic Falls’ new Indoor Flex facility, which will offer new tire and vehicle testing possibilities, is scheduled for the end of June.
“Projects within the tire and vehicle industries are becoming more and more complex while developers are also coming under increasing pressure to shorten cycles. Indoor Flex will help companies meet these challenges, and meets their need for flexible and varied year-round winter testing in a controlled environment,” Arctic Falls CEO Jonas Jalar explains.
The open plan construction of Indoor Flex makes it possible to arrange a wide variety of test scenarios, such as circle configurations, handling tracks and NVH test setups.
“The design and flexibility of the test hall make Indoor Flex highly interesting for both tire and vehicle testing, we believe. The facility also offers electric vehicle charging, with additional infrastructure for fast charging planned, too. To increase our availability and enhance the level of service we provide to our customers, we are also building dedicated offices and workshops adjacent to the facility,” adds Jalar.
Snow and ice research carried out at the new base will cover evaluation of surfaces and various impact factors, with the goal of being able to create and accurately replicate precise and repeatable testing surfaces.
Jalar explains, “Gaining greater insight into how various parameters affect the properties of surfaces and consequently the test results, is something highly sought after by tire producers. Increased knowledge about which tracks and structures provide the best conditions for tire testing, and knowledge on how best to prepare testing environments, is invaluable.
“For example, Indoor Flex will be the first tire and vehicle proving ground in the world to utilize snow cannons, which enable preparation of a snowy surface and replication of this over and over.”
The new Indoor Flex testing hall will be built as an extension to the current indoor hall, providing a total space of 16,000m2 (172,220ft2) and the potential for customization as the facilities will be usable separately and together. The ability to combine indoor winter testing with regular tire analysis in a cool summer climate means increased efficiency and flexibility throughout the testing period.
“The goal of Arctic Falls is and has always been to offer our customers completely customized, comprehensive solutions and services. With Indoor Flex we will be able to offer an all-encompassing, dynamic year-round platform for tire and vehicle testing,” Jalar concludes.
