The VMI MILEXX truck tire building machine delivers much higher output and efficiency from day one, compared to other systems, while providing a platform for continuous development and improvement into the future. The MILEXX is developed in line with VMI MAXX technology principles and features several technical enhancements resulting in less operator interference, a higher automation level and an improved tire quality. This will of course allow you to obtain higher revenues.

Elaborate time studies on the different process steps and motions have made it possible to further optimize cycle times. This, combined with the technical enhancements on the machine, has led the way to the unrivalled high capacity of the system: close to 700 tires per day with a reduced number of operators.

The basic system comprises several modules. The tire assembly module is the front end of the machine where the tire is assembled in three parallel processes: building the carcass package at carcass side, building the belt & tread package at belt & tread side and shaping the carcass plus consolidating the belt & tread package with the shaped carcass in the shaping area in the center of the machine.

The carcass component servicer applies the carcass components onto the carcass drum. The servicer consists of a body ply let-off station, an inner liner let-off station and a side wall let-off station. In the body ply let-off station, the stock material is centered mechanically. The side wall components are electronically positioned and the inner liner features electronical centering.

The automatic belt servicer applies the steel belts onto the belt & tread building drum. The servicer consists of four belt let-off stations from which the belt component will be guided onto the timing belt conveyors. The belts are cut to length by heated cutters. These cutters have a variable angle and can be set for tire constructions for both left hand as well as right hand steered trucks. Before application onto the belt & tread building drum, the belts will be centered by VMI’s Pixxel vision system.

The tread servicer is located in front of the tire assembly module. The operator manually places the pre-cut tread onto the tread table. On the tread table, the tread is automatically transported towards the applicator. Optionally available is a full automatic tread feeding and application from the backside of the machine, loading the tread component from a multi storage container.

The shaping unit consists of two Synchrodrums that rotate. In a simultaneous process the carcass package is transferred and shaped and the belt & tread package is transferred to the carcass package by means of a transfer ring. Advanced stitching technologies are applied for consolidating the packages.

The green tire removal unit is also located in front of the tire assembly module. The vertical traverse moves inside the machine to pick up the ready green tire by means of a pick-up arm. The green tire is placed on a horizontal traverse before being transferred onto an internal transport system.