Yantai, China – Chinese tire manufacturer Linglong Tyre has developed what it describes as ‘China’s first polyurethane tire through 3D printing technology’.
In a 12 July statement, the Yanati-based company said it had achieved “qualifying testing result” for the tire, which was jointly developed and Beijing University of Chemical Technology.
The process uses TPU materials, which are said to have lower heat- and rolling-resistance compared to traditional rubber tread.
“The tire manufactured with polyurethane materials has the features of the simple manufacturing process, safety, endurance, environmental protection and cycle use of waste tires,” Linglong stated.
According to the company, the new tire is an attempt at developing ‘green’ products, using energy-saving and ‘low-carbon’ materials.
Among other such projects, Linglong said it is pursuing dandelion-rubber tires, and graphene-compound tires.
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