Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) has announced it will start rolling out what it calls “the first self-regenerating retread,” the Michelin XDA Hypersipe.
The tread design and siping technology molds tread features on both the top and bottom of a patented pre-cure tread band. Sipes molded into the bottom of the tread appear as the tire wears to provide improved worn traction over the life of the retread, Michelin said.
The bottom sipes appear at approximately half tread depth and last down to the last usable 32/nd of tread. In addition to improving traction, this allows the tire to be removed from service later in life, Michelin said.
“More miles per retread, better traction—particularly wet, worn traction—as well as better fuel economy all add up to improving the end user’s bottom line through innovation,” said Luc Minguet, COO of Michelin Americas Truck Tires.
The new retread is ready for production at MRT’s tread pressing plant in Covington, GA thanks to an expansion of the facility which will also double the plant’s capacity. The expansion will be completed in July.
For more information, go to www.michelintruck.com
