Case Study
Fenner Precision Develops a New Tyre Manufacturing Method to Fit Customer’s Needs
Challenge
A leading manufacturer of photocopiers required a high-friction tyre for feeding paper into the machine. Our HCR calendered silicone rubber tyre coated with our high-friction S47 material that we originally supplied for trials satisfied the customer and passed all of their tests. However, due to the lengthy manufacturing process involved, the price was too high. The customer launched their products with a cheap EPDM tyre but experienced problems with misfeeds. As the customer found our product more effective, Fenner Precision was once again approached to discuss the price of the original tyre.
Approach
The Fenner Precision engineering team developed a new manufacturing method to reduce the cost of the finished product. By developing a liquid casting process that used an equivalent liquid silicone rubber with similar properties to the HCR and then coating the tyre, the entire manufacturing process became more efficient and cost-effective.
Results
Thanks to this new manufacturing method, the customer was able to purchase the Fenner Precision tyre for use in its photocopiers. The high friction properties of our tyres eliminated the problem of misfeeds, but this was not the only advantage our tyre had over the EPDM tyres: the coefficient friction of this Fenner Precision tyre stays constant throughout its lifetime; an EPDM tyre wears out. Sales of the tyre have since increased to over twenty times the quantity we originally supplied! Fenner Precision had once again designed to fit your needs. Exactly.
