Optimized Cryogenic Gas Solutions for Tire Curing

Why is Nitrogen a Better Choice for Curing?

Curing is used to give a tire its final shape and tread pattern. It involves the chemical cross-linking of rubber and vulcanizing agents, resulting in an elastomer. In the past, steam was typically used to create the heat and pressure needed for curing. Steam has a number of disadvantages, however, including the high price of steam energy, handling difficulties, high maintenance effort, lack of flexibility in setting individual parameters, the need for additional protective antioxidants in some cases, and the risk of quality impairment as a result of local overheating following condensation.

In order to overcome these disadvantages, steam can be replaced with nitrogen (N₂) as the heating and pressurizing agent. This flexible and inert gas keeps the system pressure at the desired level. In addition, operators of nitrogen-based tire presses can select the system pressure independently of the curing temperature. The elimination of steam reduces the risk of local overheating, and less steam can condense in subsequent stages of the curing process.

To ensure the optimum supply system, process parameters and safety precautions for your individual needs, our application engineers would be delighted to assist with in-house trials and help you to efficiently optimize your process.