Reifenbau

Reifenbau, or tire manufacturing, is the industrial process for designing and producing tires for road vehicles. It combines natural and synthetic rubber, reinforcing materials, fillers and tread compounds to create a flexible, durable component capable of supporting loads, transmitting forces and providing grip. It encompasses material science, production, testing and quality control.

Core materials include natural rubber and synthetic rubbers such as SBR and BR; fillers like carbon black and silica; steel cords and fabric reinforcements; bead wires; and tread compounds. The composition is adjusted for properties such as wear resistance, grip, rolling resistance and heat buildup.

The manufacturing sequence begins with compounding and mixing of raw rubbers and additives, followed by calendering and extrusion to form plies, belts and tread elements. Components are assembled on a tire-building machine to create a green tire, which is then cured in a mold where vulcanization sets the tread pattern and sidewall. Modern plants automate much of this process and monitor temperature, pressure and cure time.

Radial tires are the dominant construction today, featuring layers of ply cords at right angles to the circumference and steel belts beneath the tread. Bias-ply tires are still used in specialty or classic applications. Tires are subjected to extensive testing, including uniformity, dynamic balance, aging, wet grip and abrasion to meet safety standards.

Environmental aspects include recycling and retreading of truck tires, material recovery, and energy-efficient manufacturing. Regulation and certification bodies, such as ISO and regional authorities, establish performance and safety standards for tires, with ongoing research driving improvements in durability and rolling resistance.