Laser-etched Tires

[Mojo S2R]

Would these even be safe?  A new avenue for modding I guess.  I would think they would probably only be used for trailer queens unless it can be proven that they actually provide any improvements.  I'm guessing no.  But what do I know.

http://www.core77.com/blog/technology/tired_of_the_same_old_tires_try_laser-etching_for_grip_15654.asp

[Artful]

I wouldn't buy that that particular pattern adds any grip, but I think what the article is getting at is that laser engraving would make a viable, more controllable method of sculpting precise grooves for tire design. I would disagree with that when it came to large scale production because laser engraving isn't an extremely fast process as it stands, but I'm sure could be adapted to this purpose if it seemed viable.

Regardless I think it's time to flirt with a laser manufacturer for R&D testing in our production center...

[Slide Panda]

I wouldn't buy that that particular pattern adds any grip, but I think what the article is getting at is that laser engraving would make a viable, more controllable method of sculpting precise grooves for tire design. I would disagree with that when it came to large scale production because laser engraving isn't an extremely fast process as it stands, but I'm sure could be adapted to this purpose if it seemed viable.

What he said. Those are just show pieces. But adding new possibilities for better tires is a  . Might not be so practical at this point in time, but that's the good ting about tech, it's always getting better/faster. We've seen lots of good tech coming to other production methods (like the engine case castings) so bring it on for tires

[GAAN]

Would these even be safe?  A new avenue for modding I guess.

Safe?

do you mean groving tires in a different fashion than the factory design

or

that particular design?



they have been using these for years, I don't see why a laser would create a safety issue?

[Slide Panda]

they have been using these for years, I don't see why a laser would create a safety issue?

Yeah - if you watch dirt oval races (car not bike) you'll see the crews busting out tire groove cutters like that pretty often if the conditions get wet or loose.

[zooom]

Yeah - if you watch dirt oval races (car not bike) you'll see the crews busting out tire groove cutters like that pretty often if the conditions get wet or loose.

so do the dirt trackers on bikes!

[mitt]

check out siping tires - has been done for over 50 years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siping_(rubber)


mitt

[Mojo S2R]

Cool.  Didn't know all that.  In that case, this would definitely be a more precise way of doing the same thing.  Bring it on.

[Latinbalar]

Its an off road thing, if the track is loose they cut slits or sipes into the tires.  Your current all weather tires have them as well, all those thin lines are sipes.

[IZ]

My Metzlers have a Carbon fiber pattern on the walls.  Pretty cool

[JEFF_H]

I knew a guy that painted the inside of his treads orange....

hey was kinda a weird dude tho.

[Vindingo]

I knew a guy that painted the inside of his treads orange....

hey was kinda a weird dude tho.

I heard it took him hours too!

[Rameses]

Yeah, tire siping has been common in the off-roading world for quite a long time.

On-road it's been done a lot for snow tires for improved traction as well.

It's just a difference in the tool of choice.

A laser as opposed to a hot siping iron.

Not that big of a deal.