Anuário da Indústria de Implementos Rodoviários 2020

86 T ire manufacturers, which have leading customers in the implements industry, are no longer the same. Good! They are no longer suppliers of a key component for transport, they have also become developers of technologies that are beginning to be applied in national products or that will reach the market in a few years. Part of the result of this almost mutation in the tire companies could already be seen in the last edition of Fenatran, held last year in São Paulo. The diversity of innovations drew the attention of thousands of visitors who visited the stands of Latin America’s the largest cargo transport event. German-based Continental displayed digital monitoring capabilities on tires fitted with sensors and the Conti Yard Reader. The first allows managers to access pressure conditions for faster corrective action. The second performs automatic tire pressure and temperature reading as soon as the vehicle returns to the fleet yard within a radius of around 20 meters, in addition to creating reports. The company also took advantage of the largest exhibition in the cargo transport sector to introduce, still as a prototype, a real-time monitoring solution that integrates digital tachograph, geolocation, speed information, RPM, tire pressure and temperature. There was, of course, room for Continental to also display its new line product, the Conti HAC 3 mixed-use tire, made in Brazil in the 295 / 80R22.5 size. According to the manufacturer, its casing has reinforced bead and cut-proof steel straps that increase the life of the tire. And the tire industry will soon have more connected news, the big trend in the industry. Bridgestone is already developing a technology that can estimate the wheel axle load and tire wear condition using sensors attached to the tires. Named the Smart Strain Sensor, the system tracks the tire pressure and temperature and measures the change in tension when a tire is in use. An algorithm is applied to convert the collected data into tire load and wear information, which is sent directly to a cloud. Bridgestone had previously launched measurement technology based on acceleration sensors, which require speed to collect data. The new Smart Strain Sensor technology, however, measures the tension regardless of the speed and therefore collects reliable data even with little movement. The device will allow fleet managers to have and be able to review information remotely in real time, such as pressure, as well as metrics related to the load. By monitoring tires and anticipating maintenance problems before they occur, the technology contributes to improving fleet safety and productivity. But other news is already or will soon arrive in the domestic market. Brazil is, for example, the first country in Latin America to be able to enjoy Total Solution, Goodyear’s new package of solutions for fleets based on product, distribution and services. The alternatives for services and technologies available draw attention even more than the huge product offer and the nearly 500 points to serve the truck market. If in the Max Force package experts provide everything that fleet managers need to choose tires. The Max Systems provides analytical and telemetry technology that streamlines work in fleets and provides decision-making based on reliable information, such as Control Max and Tire Scan. The first enables online tire management, with an inspection mobile app integrated via Bluetooth to the tire groove and air pressure measurement equipment. As for the Tire Scan, this is Goodyear’s unique technology which automatically diagnoses air pressure, groove depth, tread wear and gauges the weight on the axles. All it takes is that the truck and implement drive over the equipment, which can be installed at the entrance of the transport company’s garage or at another point of preference. Goodyear also emphasized Marx Services at Fenatran, in fact a program through which, on a monthly basis, the company is responsible for the fleet’s tire supply and management, retreading, services, tools and an online control system. “Each customer has their specific needs, challenges and situations, regardless of size or field of operations,” says Eduardo Gualberto, director at Goodyear Brasil’s commercial tire unit. The fair was also included electrification, with vehicle and system manufacturers showcasing products and technologies that are beginning to gain space on the assembly lines. And electrification is also the subject of efforts in the tire industry. An example is the work developed at Prometeon. The research center of the former Pirelli Industrial, in Santo André (SP), is now dedicated to the launch of the first electric truck tire in Brazil. The product, measuring 235 / 75R17.5, will complement the FR: 01 family. According to the company, the idea is that it will further reduce rolling resistance in order to extend the autonomy of the vehicle’s batteries. While the new tire is not ready for sale, Prometeon nationalized the manufacturing of three tires, previously imported from Egypt. The FG88, TG88 and TQ: 01, measuring 325 / 95R24TL, started to be made in Santo André. The first two to serve mixed-use operations, such as in construction sites and plants, the third is intended for off-road under severe conditions. Last year, the manufacturer also introduced Anteo, its new global truck tire brand. The line includes the Pro-S and Pro-D models for road applications. The Pro-S, for directional or free axles, at 295/80 R 22.5 and 275/80 R 22.5, and the Pro-D, for drive axles, only at 295/80 R22.5. Far beyond rubber Tire manufacturers are investing in technology, products and services for the sake of safety and efficient operations PNEUS | TIRES | NEUMÁTICOS