Michelin And Fives Collaborate To Enhance Tyre Performance Using 3D Printing

Michelin, the French tyre manufacturing giant, and Fives Additive Solutions have come together to work upon to enhance the performance of tyres with the help of 3D printing.

The Joint Venture between the two companies, called as AddUp, was launched in 2015, and has since established itself in the metal additive manufacturing sector. Now they are using 3D technology to focus on Michelin’s area of expertise. Through this move, Michelin’s aim is to manufacture long lasting tyres that can maintain high levels of grip even at the statutory minimum 1.6 mms’ tread depth.

The company has developed very complex sculptures and mould features which make adherence performance more sustainable. Michelin has also announced at the launch of the Joint Venture that it had been developing its unique in metal additive manufacturing to commercially produce mould parts that are unachievable using traditional methods of production, such as machining and welding for several years.

Michelin believes that this technology can make it possible to develop and sell truck and car tyres with ‘exceptional’ performances. Fives, a supplier of equipment and production systems for industrial companies in various sectors worldwide applies expertise in mechanical engineering, automation and industrial process control as part of the joint venture. Together, both the companies aim to produce fully digitised machines and systems for additive manufacturing and other industrial processes. By achieving this, AddUp hopes to become an important player in the metal additive manufacturing market.

Author: Ankit verma

My need for speed began at a very early age and I realised this as soon as I got my first bicycle at the age of 8. When all the other kids would break downhill I would pedal harder just to go faster and enjoy the thrill. Adding to my interest for speed, I grew engrossed in the working mechanics of two wheelers thanks to my father as he is a hydraulic mechanic and would take me along with him on his repair sessions. Eventually I became familiar with the tools and basic technical concepts of two wheelers.Super sport and sport tourers are more of my liking and the sparks to these flames were ignited the first time I experienced the maddening power of a Yamaha YZF R1. I was just 14 years old at the time and got to ride as a pillion with an older acquaintance. This one short ride influenced my every decision in terms of the bikes I want to own. As of today I’m 26 years old and a proud owner of a Yamaha Fz15 version 2.0 and a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2014 model having clocked a decent 30k Kms only while touring, waiting to clock 1000s more as riding makes me feel whole again after enduring the dismal routines of life. Read more