VMI looks for game-changer with VMI UNIXX Belt Maker

HANOVER, Germany—Machinery maker VMI Group made a big splash at this week's Tire Technology Expo 2023 in Hanover with the launching of its new VMI UNIXX Belt Maker.

The new offering produces high-quality endless steel belts using an "innovative and accurately controlled extrusion process that can handle a wide range of compounds," according to the Epe, Netherlands-based VMI.

The firm said in a news release that tire manufacturers will benefit from using the UNIXX Belt Maker in "hands-off, eyes-off production." The process will reduce scrap and waste from angle and compound changes because the width of the extruded strip is limited.

The VMI UNIXX Belt Maker is part of the VMI UNIXX technology platform, which is aimed at integrated tire building that will add value to existing processes, VMI said, "by simplifying, reducing energy resources and energy use and improving quality."

This, in turn, will allow customers to be more flexible in its manufacturing, producing even more specialized tires.

"The highly efficient extrusion and cutting process, reduced waste and scrap, lower energy consumption and minimum operator involvement, result in a lower overall cost per produced square meter steel belt compared to the conventional belt making process," VMI said.

In addition, the new process allows for tire makers to produce thinner belts that will reduce waste and rolling resistance, but without compromising tire performance, yielding lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels.

VMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of technology company TKH Group N.V. VMI employs more than 1,600 people, and has global technical support centers in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the U.S., Brazil, China, Malaysia and Thailand.