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Henkel and 4JET have partnered to launch a revolutionary process for producing silent tires, specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional methods for creating these tires involve logistical complexities and high manufacturing costs. The new LASER-FIT process simplifies production, reduces waste, and enhances tire performance. This breakthrough represents a major advancement in acoustic foam technology, improving the driving experience in EVs by minimizing road noise.
Key Highlights:
- Challenge: Silent tires reduce noise in EVs but are expensive and complex to produce.
- Solution: Henkel and 4JET’s LASER-FIT process creates acoustic foam directly inside the tire, eliminating logistical issues.
- Benefits:
- Cuts down manufacturing costs by up to 25%.
- Reduces foam waste significantly.
- Customizes foam shape and size to tire specifications.
- Improves sound absorption using laser activation.
The shift toward silent tires has gained importance as EVs lack the masking noise of traditional engines, making tire sounds more prominent. Traditional silent tires use acoustic polyurethane foam but involve costly and intricate logistics. This has been a pain point for manufacturers, increasing costs and generating excess waste from foam off-cuts.
Henkel and 4JET’s LASER-FIT process addresses these issues by forming tailor-made acoustic foam directly inside the tire using liquid starting materials. This eliminates the need for complex transportation and storage of foam. The foam is activated through a laser process, forming a protective skin that enhances sound absorption.
Dr. Rainer Schönfeld emphasized the innovation’s ability to absorb tire noise efficiently: “Without 4JET’s laser activation process, the majority of sound waves would be reflected off the foam surface instead of being absorbed.”
This process not only improves performance but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of tire manufacturers.
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