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STMCS -Stationary Laser Tire Mold Cleaning System

Our market leading laser tire mold cleaning technology

The fully automated cleaning machine combines the advantages of a non-abrasive laser-based cleaning process with efficient automation and thus achieves reproducible and best cleaning results, even in all details of a complex mold design.

The short cycle time, the robustness, the automation level as well as the intuitive user and maintenance concepts truly make the STMCS the industry standard for this application.

Automation Reduces Handling Effort

Without disassembly from the container the tire mold is placed on the easy to access cleaning table via crane or forklift. The operator selects the appropriate cleaning recipe and the complete cleaning process runs contactless and fully automatically. The automatic mold centering simplifies the loading of the system and the automatic mold recognition verifies key geometric data of the mold to be cleaned. Together with the mechanical collision detection system, it prevents machine crashes in automatic mode or minimizes resulting damage.

After passing through the cleaning program, the mold is moved out of the cleaning chamber and machines equipped with two tables automatically start cleaning the next mold. Operating times are minimized and the utilization of the system is improved by around 20 %. Typical cleaning times per mold range from 30 minutes for a summer tire mold to 60 minutes for a winter tire mold with complex geometry.

The image shows the housing of the laser cleaning system. There is a loading table on the left and right side. This enables continuous cleaning operation.
Setting bench mark for efficiency: Two loading tables for continous operation

Safe Environment

The cleaning process takes place in a closed system, thus preventing the escape of laser radiation, ensuring the extraction of the cleaning dust produced and reducing the already low noise level of the cleaning process (below 78 dB(A)).

In terms of safety at work, our STMCS sets new standards, especially compared to manual dry ice cleaning or blasting systems, which cause unbearable noise and do not provide any possibility to prevent the dangerous cleaning dust from escaping. Other than manual laser cleaning devices, the system scores with the mandatory Class 1 laser safety, which compares the STMCS to a DVD player in terms of operational risk. This industry-proven machine can be operated without the need for additional personal protection gear and safety installations (e.g. protective rooms or clearing of the working area).

The image shows the interior of the system. A 6-axis cleaning head, which enables processing of intricate mold geometries, is positioned above the tire mold.
6-axis cleaning head for processing of intricate mold design

Reproducible Superior Cleaning Quality

The machine’s 6 axis operating head allows approaching every single spot within the tread and sidewall pattern even for complicated geometries like winter tires with 3D structures. Once defined in a simple teach-in process, a dedicated recipe per mold assures a reproducible and effective cleaning process which makes the application of the STMCS superior to any kind of blasting or manual cleaning.

A cleaning head removes contamination from the tire mold using a bright laser beam.
Contactless laser technology eliminates the need for cleaning media

Robust Solution, Easily to Be Maintained

Installations within the Top Ten Tire Makers on all continents prove the machine’s capability for industrial operation in 24/7 operation. 

The system is easy to maintain and requires almost no consumables. Only electricity and some compressed air are required to run the machine. In addition, the filter unit requires replacement of the filter cartridge. Our service team provides customers with preventive maintenance programs worldwide. Equipment running under service contract typically exceeds 95 % of scheduled uptime by far.