Retreads

The Bandag Retread Process

Initial Inspection

A visual, hands-on inspection from bead to bead, inside and out, is done to find and mark all visible defects.

An electronic inspection designed to find all "through-the-tire" penetrations in the crown and sidewall areas.

An Inspection to determine the conditions within the casing. The casing is subjected to a vacuum while lasers measure surface anomalies (ie: expanding pockets of air). An animated visual of the anomalies aids in determining the casing's condition. At the end of the initial inspection, information like casing condition, casing age and fleet specifications are considered to determine if the tire can be retreaded.

Buffing

The casing is inflated to operational pressure. The process removes the worn tread surface, trues up the roundness and prepares the surface for the new tread.

Repair

Removing all injuries identified during inital inspection and replacing the material with structurally sound materials that will return the casing to a useful life.

Applying Cushion

In a one-step process, an uncured bonding layer is extruded onto the prepared casing surface, all skives are filled, and the shoulders are stripped. The casing is now ready for its new tread.

Building

Automatically applies a new tread so it is straight, centered on the casing, and the end splices match.

Enveloping

Encasing the uncured, built tire in an elastic envelope in preparation for curing.

Curing

An autoclave-type device that applies heat and pressure, and over time, causes the bonding layer in the built tire to cure; permanently adhering the new tread to the prepared casing.