A highlight of the Mesnac booth at Tire Technology Expo 2017 is the Dynamic Footprint Machine (DFPM) developed by Akron-based subsidiary, TMSI.
The first such machine is nearing completion and due to be delivered to its customer around the end of May this year. Director of sales and marketing, John Jobe, reported that the DFPM is attracting the interest of independent labs and tire companies for its flexibility: the device is able to handle PCR tires right up to small OTR tires. The development of a larger, OTR-specific version is also being considered.
Interest has been further boosted by machine’s shortlisting in the Tire Technology of the Year category in the Tire Technology International Awards, which are being presented this evening (15 February).
A variety of measurements can be performed on the 16m-long machine, including the use of 36 Pottinger-style probes to accurately measure the ‘shear energy’ expended at each point on the tread, and video analysis of the footprint at high slip angles. There’s also a six-axis load cell on the spindle for load and deflection testing at ±30 degrees of slip.
Visitors can learn more about DFPM by visiting Stand 3056. Tire Technology Expo is open until Thursday, 16 February.
