Tire mold manufacturer TP Tools OY has purchased a FormUp 350 metal additive manufacturing machine from AddUp.A
It comes just days after Michelin Molding Solutions purchased its sixth AddUp machine with a second installation of a FormUp 350 machine
TP Tools will use its FormUp 350 machine to position itself “at the forefront of innovation and efficiency” in the production of tire sipes
By installing the FormUp 350 machine, TP Tools is bringing tire sipe production in-house and hopes to reduce costs and shorten turnaround times. The company also hopes to gain greater control over the production of tire sipes, opening the door to highly customized and complex geometries that could lead to more innovative tire mold designs
According to AddUp, the FormUp 350 offers unique features that support tire sipe production, including a 350mm square build plate that can facilitate the production of entire tire mold segments. Additionally, the integration of a roller and fine powder is said to contribute to “unprecedented” surface roughness in the printed state, reducing the need for post-processing
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of the FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine from AddUp,” commented Marko Pirhonen, owner of TP Tools OY. “This strategic investment allows us to optimize our manufacturing process, reduce lead times and, most importantly, accelerate new developments in tire mold innovations.”
