Catching the eye on Güdel’s exhibition stand is a brand new Green Tire Tray that enables these delicate items to be handled quickly and efficiently. The key innovation is a staged separation of the green tire from the carrier thanks to inserts that lift slightly from the body of the tray when the tire is lifted off. The 45°-sloped tray’s non-adhesive PE material further contributes to a 50% reduction in the force required to lift the tire from the tray, according to Güdel’s senior proposal engineer, Jeff Hunt. The result is less deflection of the green tire and reduced damage to the bead area.
Other features on the Green Tire Tray are designed to smooth its introduction to the production process. The trays are stackable and slots on the side will accommodate a barcode or RFID tag. They can be carried on existing full-width conveyors, or on two new, cheaper, narrow strip conveyors that support each side of the tray. Stiffening ribs provide durability and holes beneath can be used to locate the tray precisely at a station. The maximum payload is upwards of 30kg.
Güdel has completed its prototype testing of the Green Tire Tray and the newcomer has entered production. It will go into service with its first customers later in 2015.
Tire Technology Expo is open until Thursday, February 12 in Hall 11.1 at Koeln Messe, Cologne, Germany. For more information go to www.tiretechnology-expo.com.
