Jaw vulcanization is a highly efficient and specialized tread
vulcanization and shaping process in cold retreading
(pre-vulcanized tread retreading) of mining engineering vehicle
tires. Its core principle is to apply uniform lateral pressure and
temperature to the tire carcass with a pre-formed tread using a jaw
vulcanizing machine, completing the cross-linking of the rubber
layers and the shaping of the tread pattern.
Jaw Vulcanizing Machine
I. Core Definition and Principle
Cold Retreading (Pre-vulcanized Retreading):
Using a pre-formed tread (with complete tread pattern) that has
been vulcanized at high temperature, it is bonded to the sanded old
tire carcass through low-temperature vulcanization (110–120℃) and a
special adhesive.
Jaw Curing:
Equipment:
Jaw tread vulcanizing machine (hydraulic drive, jaw pressure plate,
heating plate)Principle:
When closed, the upper and lower jaw plates apply uniform pressure
(0.8–1.2 MPa) from both sides towards the center, combined with
electric/steam heating (110–120℃), ensuring thorough vulcanization
and tight bonding of the buffer rubber/adhesive between the
pre-made tread and the tire carcass.Advantages:
Uniform pressure, precise shaping, high efficiency, suitable for
large-size heavy-duty tires.
II. Applicable Scenarios (Mining Engineering Vehicle Tires)
Applicable to:
Heavy-duty engineering tires for large mining dump trucks, loaders,
bulldozers, etc. (23.5R25, 29.5R25, 35/65R33, etc.) Tires with
intact carcass structure and only tread wear that can be retreaded.
Advantages:
- Uniform pressure distribution: Avoids uneven local pressure in
traditional vulcanizing tanks, reducing air bubbles and
delamination.
- Authentic tread pattern: Pre-fabricated tread pattern is
non-deformable and highly clear.
- High efficiency: Multi-layer mold, automatic push-pull, multiple
tires can be processed in a single batch.
- Minimal carcass damage: Low temperature (110–120℃), lower than hot
retreading (150–180℃), protecting carcass strength.
III. Complete Process Flow (Cold Retreading + Jaw Curing)
- Carcass Inspection and Screening
- Appearance + X-ray / Ultrasonic Testing: No structural damage, no
broken steel wires, no delamination.
- Wear Standard: Remaining tread ≥ 2mm
- Carcass Pretreatment
- Cleaning → Drying → Large Grinding / Fine grinding (exposing fresh
rubber, without damaging the cords)
- Repairing damage (≤3 places, single hole ≤35mm)
- Applying adhesive/mortar → Drying
- Tread bonding
- Applying buffer rubber layer (intermediate pad rubber)
- Centering and bonding pre-cured tread → Roller pressing for
degassing and compaction
- Jaw vulcanization (core)
- Loading into the jaw vulcanizing machine → Closing and pressurizing
(0.8–1.2 MPa)
- Heating to 110–120℃ → Holding vulcanization for 120–180 minutes
- Pressure holding, temperature control, degassing
- Cooling, finishing, quality inspection
- Natural cooling → Deburring, shoulder trimming
- Appearance + uniformity + dynamic balance testing
IV. Key parameters (jaw vulcanization)
- Temperature: 110–120℃ (low temperature, protecting the tire
carcass)
- Pressure: 0.8–1.2 MPa (lateral uniform pressure)
- Time: 120–180 Minutes (larger specifications, longer)
- Environment: Fully vented, no bubbles
V. Comparison: Jaw Vulcanizing vs. Traditional Vulcanizing Tank
| Jaw Vulcanizing | Vulcanizing Tank |
|---|
| Pressure | Laterally uniform | Circumferential, uneven |
| Temperature | 110–120℃ | 115–150℃ |
| Shaping | Precise, clear tread pattern | Moderate, easily deformed |
| Efficiency | High (multi-layer, automated) | Low (single tire/ (Minority) |
| Tire body damage | Minimal | Significant |
| Suitable for | Heavy-duty engineering tires, cold retreading | Small and medium-sized tires, hot retreading |
VI. Quality Key Points
- Tire Carcass Qualified: No hidden damage
- Grinding Properly: Ra50–100μm, no contamination
- Tight Bonding: No air bubbles, accurate centering
- Precise Vulcanization: Strict control of temperature, pressure, and
time
- Finished Product: No air bubbles, no delamination, clear tread
pattern, bonding strength ≥8N/mm
VII. Summary
Jaw vulcanization is the preferred process for cold retreading of
mining engineering vehicle tires. With its uniform pressure,
low-temperature precision, high efficiency, and stability, it
allows retreaded tires to approach the performance of new tires
(lifespan reaching 85%+ of new tires), while costing only 30–40% of
new tires, significantly reducing mining operating costs.
