The production cycle is reduced by 70% and the cost is reduced by 50%. The combination of 3D printing and artificial intelligence brings new hope to the production of the tire industry.
On August 23, 2024, it was learned in the resource library that Nexen Tire, the world’s leading tire manufacturer in South Korea, introduced cutting-edge technologies such as explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)-based design process ) and 3D printing in its tire mold production process.
The traditional tire development process typically involves structure and pattern design, mold making, prototype production, and finally vehicle testing to gain approval for the final product. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of this process, Nexen Tire has integrated XAI and 3D printing technology into the development process, successfully simplifying the process and improving product accuracy.
XAI, as an artificial intelligence technology, can deeply analyze and explain the decision-making process of machine learning algorithms. By analyzing multi-dimensional information such as basic design, key design variables, performance contribution and design direction, XAI significantly improves tire design efficiency and provides developers with design solutions and optimized structures.
Using XAI-based design, Nexen Tire was able to create virtual tire models and evaluate product performance in a virtual environment, speeding up the development process and improving accuracy. Recently, the company decided to introduce a driving simulator, a first in the Korean tire industry, and is expected to further advance virtual development technology.
Once the model in the virtual development phase has passed the evaluation, physical prototypes are produced for final testing. This step requires making the mold used to manufacture the tire. Using 3D printing technology, Nexen Tire is able to create prototypes of multiple designs and specifications simultaneously. Because these prototypes are validated during the virtual development phase, final product approval rates are significantly improved.
Traditionally, mold production usually takes two to three months, but with 3D printing technology, this time frame can be reduced.shortened by at least 70%. Additionally, production costs may alsoReduce by at least 50%guaranteeing profitability from the first stages of development.
The application of 3D printing mold technology makes it possible to design innovative tires, including complex and diverse tread patterns and stitching. This is not only crucial for high-performance vehicles but also brings better performance and safety assurance to consumers. A Nexen Tire spokesperson said: “The ultimate goal of our technological innovation is to improve customer satisfaction. By transforming the tire development process, we not only consolidate our market competitiveness, but also protect the environment during the development process and promote future development. of the tire manufacturing industry and lead revolutionary changes in the industry.
Nexen Tire has filed an international patent application for its 3D printing technology. In fact, Michelin and Goodyear are also actively applying 3D printing technology to tire manufacturing. According to previous reports, as early as 2017, Michelin launched its first 3D printed concept tire, the Vision Concept, made of recyclable and biodegradable materials.
In 2019, Michelin cooperated with General Motors to launch the first 3D printed tire prototype, Uptis Prototype based on the Vision concept tire; In 2021, the Uptis airless tire was successfully tested on a wider range of public roads. The same year, at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Munich, Michelin used 3D-printed Uptis tires for family cars for the first time, with the aim of promoting this tire to the passenger car market by 2024.
At the same time, Goodyear has also achieved important milestones in the field of 3D printing technology. In 2018, Goodyear launched the first eco-friendly 3D printed concept tire, Oxygene. In 2019, Goodyear cooperated with Local Motors to install and test Goodyear’s 3D printed non-pneumatic tire – NPT for the latter’s 3D printed Olli electric minibus.
In 2021, Goodyear will expand its testing of non-pneumatic airless tires to high-performance electric vehicles, with a Tesla Model 3 equipped with airless tires successfully completing the test. Goodyear plans to commercialize this airless and maintenance-free tire by 2030.
Now, thanks to AI, 3D printed tires will benefit from a wider imagination. As more tire giants join the industry, we can expect to see true 3D printed airless tires on the road in the near future.
