SEMA Show, Day Four: making treads on site!

Nov. 10, 2013

Atturo Tire Corp. did more than introduce a tire at the 2013 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show. It also manufactured tire treads!

At its booth (No. 40293) on the Global Tire Expo trade show floor, Atturo used a 3D Systems Pro-Jet Plus Color-Jet 3D printer to create Atturo tire treads. Why? To demonstrate "the rapid prototyping technology used in the development of our new tire designs," according to the company.

Atturo makes use of 3D printing as part of its new product development process. When an initial design is made, a 3D model of the new tread pattern is created to evaluate the appearance and characteristics of the design. These models are used in two ways:

1. internal evaluation, and

2. to demonstrate the upcoming product to tire dealers.

"This method was used for the Trail Blade M/T development and is now being applied to new products in the design phase," adds the company.

A full-range of Atturo SUV/crossover and 4X4 tires, including the new AZ600 all-season touring tire (see "SEMA Show, Day Two: Atturo debuts AZ600"), were displayed at the booth.

For more information on Atturo tires, visit the company's website (Atturo.com), Facebook page (facebook.com/AtturoTires) or Twiiter account (@AtturoTire).

The ProJet 460Plus full-color 3D printer from 3D Systems Inc. features advanced 3-channel, CMY full-color 3D printing. It operates with safe build materials, active dust control and zero liquid waste.