QR CODES: TIRE TRACKING TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE

The permanent code facilitates tracking throughout the life of the tires

Scannect wins innovation award for laser-applied QR codes.

Thanks to contemporary technologies, today’s tires grip better, shorten stopping distances and stay more supple in all sorts of weather. Now, a cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing tracking and ordering too.
Scannect (a mash-up of Scan and Connect), by 4JET Technologies GmbH, takes tire labelling to the next level by engraving a QR code in the sidewall; the high-contrast result of the laser marking process withstands abrasion to be so permanently visible as to allow the codes to be read by smartphones.
The permanent code facilitates tracking throughout the life of the tires, making it a piece of cake for consumers to select matching spares and order the same tires online with a few clicks. In accepting an innovation award for process optimization at Germany’s REIFEN show this summer, CEO and co-inventor Dr. Armin Kraus called Scannect QR Codes “clearly superior to the standard labelling technologies.”*
The codes can be permanently linked to a web-based CRM database; manufacturers can start the process by registering the codes initially. Shops can organize stock and track usage, and consumers can access information about their tires, as well as find suitable replacements via online platforms. The codes can be embedded at the factory or engraved prior to delivery.

Trackable tires
With more than 2 billion tires made every year, any endeavour that requires accurate tracking—recalls, storage, marketing— has historically been onerous and prone to error. The company’s “new world of tire connectivity” facilitates safer installation by providing information about origin, specs, load and proper pressure.
This technology comes with many applications and benefits:
• Tire recalls are made easier and less expensive as they can be handled by contacting affected customers directly rather than requiring the recall of entire batches.
• Tires for farm equipment can offer information based on weather, soil and plantation.
• Managers of large fleets can prevent theft and track usage.
• Marketing managers can use the information to more accurately target social media and traditional campaigns as well as track ROI results; for example, targeted campaigns can offer warranty extensions in a timely manner.
• Especially in a climate like ours, where many end-users have one set of tires in storage at all times, accurate tracking in storage facilities can be difficult too, but with Scannect, there are no stickers that can fall off and no special hardware is required as with RFID tags.
The same laser technology can also be used to embed logos or serial numbers at the same time as the super-black, highcontrast QR codes.
In addition to Scannect, the 10-year-old 4JET develops and markets laser systems for surface ablation, cleaning, patterning and modification, as well as housing a shop for precision processing of glass, thin films and optoelectronic components.

*translated from German using Google

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GENERAL TIRE INTRODUCES ALTIMAX ARCTIC 12

Opening orders in March. Dealer deliveries in July.

The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 is latest tire in the brand’s winter tire line up, and will replace the current AltiMAX Arctic for passenger cars, minivans, crossovers and compact SUVs.

The studdable winter tire features innovative compound and tread pattern technologies that promise superior traction in low temperatures on wet, snow and/or ice conditions. 

A total of 47 T-rated sizes ranging from 14″ to 19″, all in extra load, will be offered at launch.

“Our General Tire winter line has built a reputation among our dealer network and consumers as a solid winter tire option with impressive performance,” says Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. “The new General AltiMAX Arctic 12 will continue to strengthen that reputation as it takes winter traction and handling to a new level.”

INDUSTRY TRENDS: PUTTING TIRES ON A DIET

Are taller and narrower tires the wave of the future?

Nowadays it seems that everyone, including manufacturers, wants the widest tire with the least amount of sidewall for their vehicles. The trend is wellestablished with no sign of changing.

With total disregard for this trend, however, a new type of tire seems to be making its way into the market and may one day become the new norm. Due to new legislation and green initiatives to make vehicles more efficient, OE manufacturers have shifted their attention to fuel efficiency.

With tires being such an influential part of the equation, it seems logical for tire manufacturers to also focus on advancing fuel efficiency. Enter the “tall narrow tire,” believed to be integral to fuel efficiency.

The science of fuel economy

One way of achieving greater fuel economy is by fitting vehicles with smaller tires to reduce weight. Another involves using tall narrow tires to reduce rolling-resistance, and improve aerodynamics.

Increasing tire diameter (taller) achieves improved rolling-resistance, while reducing section width (narrower) improves aerodynamics. Combine the two and you’re reducing overall weight while reducing heat buildup and delivering better resistance to hydroplaning. As speeds increase, so does this aerodynamic advantage.

Also, tall narrow tires have a more flexible sidewall, so they are better able to conserve energy loss during deflection and rebounding. With the increase in outer diameter, rolling-resistance is improved largely in part by decreasing sidewall deformation.

Mathematically speaking, a one percent increase in overall diameter equates to a one percent decrease in rolling-resistance. Therefore, the tall narrow tire approach results in the largest tire possible, taking into consideration the performance of the tire and vehicle combination. In addition, narrowness improves aerodynamics.

Tall narrow tires are also successful in decreasing road noise. The narrower footprint allows for less road noise because, as the smaller footprint releases from the surface, there is less friction with the road, resulting in a quieter ride.

Overcoming challenges

However, tall narrow tires are not without their challenges. One issue we have to contend with is maintaining proper carrying capacity. As we know, the volume and pressure of air in the tire is what determines carrying capacity. So, the tall narrow tires will have to maintain the same volume of air as the equivalent smaller tire, or have a higher pressure rating.

As tire manufacturers juggle the probative value of producing tall narrow tires for fuel efficiency, against tires featuring small sidewalls for aesthetics or high performance purposes, it is clear that acceptance of the former (tall and narrow) is slow. The only exception is the electric and hybrid vehicle segment, which have adopted tall narrow tires as the solution to providing greater fuel efficiency. This seems to be the reason why the demand for these tires is on the rise.

It is expected that this trend will continue to permeate into other segments of the consumer tire industry, with increasing demand from Europe due to regulations. However, it is unlikely that this trend will extend into the ultra-high performance tire market, as tires used in this application require a different set of performance parameters.

So, while it is likely that we will see tall narrow tires in the market become more common, there will always be consumers dedicated to the aesthetic appeal of “ridin’ on blades.”