Optimizing Venting and Squeegee in Tire Molds for Enhanced Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Performance

Naveen Kumar K.; Raghavendra G. Deshpande; H. S. Siddesha

doi:10.48084/etasr.17126

Authors

Naveen Kumar K. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sapthagiri College of Engineering (Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi), Bengaluru, India
Raghavendra G. Deshpande Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India
H. S. Siddesha Department of Mechanical Engineering, ACS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India

Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 34205-34210 | April 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17126

Received: 23 December 2025 | Revised: 5 January 2026, 20 January 2026, and 4 February 2026 | Accepted: 7 February 2026 | Online: 4 April 2026

Corresponding author: Naveen Kumar K.

Abstract

Tire quality directly influences vehicle safety, handling, comfort, and stability in two- and three-wheelers, where limited contact patches and compact geometries amplify performance sensitivity. This study presents the first systematic co-optimization of squeegee cementing (component bonding during tire building) and mold venting, two relatively underexplored manufacturing processes, to reduce defects and enhance tire performance. Using a Resolution IV fractional factorial design with 320 experimental tires, optimal squeegee parameters (2.4 MPa pressure, 33° angle, 28°C temperature, 165 mm/s speed) and venting configuration (0.45 mm diameter vents, 2.2 vents per 100 cm², feature-focused distribution) were identified. Optimized squeegee conditions reduced bonding-related defects by 64.2% (95% CI: 58.7%–69.1%), while optimized venting reduced air-entrapment defects by 71.6% (95% CI: 66.3%–76.2%). Combined optimization achieved a 67.8% overall defect reduction (95% CI: 62.9%–72.3%), outperforming broader quality-improvement approaches (57.8%). Performance enhancements included a 36.5% increase in uniformity, a 12.4% reduction in rolling resistance, a 16.8% increase in wet grip, and a 48.9% increase in tread separation force, while process capability improved substantially (Cp: 0.68 → 1.62; Cpk: 0.52 → 1.48). For an annual production volume of 50,000 tires, total manufacturing costs decreased by 7.2%, corresponding to a payback period of 2.8 months. These results provide manufacturers with experimentally validated process parameters to enhance quality, performance, and economic efficiency in the production of two- and three-wheeler tires.

Keywords:

tire manufacturing, squeegee application, mold venting, defect minimization, two- and three-wheeler tires, process optimization

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