Bridgestone launches tyre sidewall print technology

ERJ staff report (DS)

Tokyo-- Bridgestone Corp.said it has developed a revolutionary new printing technology for tyres that can create printed patterns in bright colours on the sidewall. Bridgestone plans to quickly bring the technology to market.

Bridgestone's advanced tyre printing technology consists of a barrier layer between carcass and print area, to protect the printed region from discoloration; newly developed inks , and a further barrier layer to protect the surface from external damage.

Through this new technology, Bridgestone can allow its designers to be more creative, and highlight tyre features such as energy efficiency, without any additional weight to the tyre.

Bridgestone will continue to explore the many opportunities associated with this new tyre printing technology. As an example, original customer designs or photographs could be printed on tyre sidewalls and later removed or changed if a customer chooses.

Until now, white rubber has been used on the sidewalls of tyres to manufacture white ribbon and white letter tyres. This process requires the use of large amounts of white rubber to prevent discoloration and to also maintain durability. This conventional manufacturing process can also add additional weight to the tyre.

Bridgestone said original customer designs or

photographs could be printed on tyre sidewalls and later

removed or changed if a customer chooses.

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Press release from Bridgestone