Linglong Develops PU Tire Through 3D Printing

Shandong Linglong Tire Co. Ltd. has developed technology for a 3D-printed polyurethane tire, a first for a Chinese manufacturer, the company claims.

In a July 12 statement, Yantai-based Linglong said it had achieved a "qualifying testing result" for the tire, which was jointly developed with Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

The process uses thermoplastic polyurethane materials, which are said to have lower heat- and rolling-resistance compared to traditional rubber tread.

Linglong said that the tire manufactured with polyurethane materials exhibits high quality standards in the areas of safety, endurance, environmental protection and lifecycle.

The new tire, Linglong said, is part of an effort to development environmentally friendly products using energy-saving, low-carbon materials. Linglong also has invested in several other research and development projects including dandelion rubber tires and graphene compound tires.