Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook has updated its ‘sound absorber’ technology, which is already being fitted as OE on high-end SUVs and sport coupés, the Korean tire maker announced 7 Sept.
Acoustic foam used in the tire is no longer being fixed in place with a full-surface coating of the company's Sealguard material.
This updated adhesion process in conjunction with the newly developed and advanced lighter-weight acoustic foam, allows a “considerable weight optimisation,” Hankook said.
“This means a labour-intensive manufacturing process is no longer necessary, thus allowing larger production volumes to be achieved through fully automated production,” the company added.
As a result, Hankook said its ‘sound absorber’ tires would not be limited to luxury and premium class vehicles in the future; they will also become increasingly viable options for upper medium-class models.
Hankook’s patented sound-absorption technology can “significantly reduce system-related cavity vibrations which, at certain speeds, are audible inside the car,” the company stated.
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