The VMI Revolute automatic bead apex assembly system, designed to complement VMI’s existing bead apexing solution, speeds production time per item (almost double that of the next best performing VMI system) and reaches new levels of performance in other ways (higher apex than any other on the market, greater variety of compounds), but its main advantage is the use of automation.

Change-over times are shortened, with much less operator intervention and greater use of recipe driven methods. Waste is reduced, quality is more consistent and processes are made more efficient. Resulting in increased productivity and flexibility as well as improved competitiveness.

A prefabricated bead is automatically unloaded from a carrousel type bead storage and positioned by a robot onto the first position of a four-position turret type bead apex assembly system. The apex strip is supplied from a pin type extruder, transported over a shrinkage conveyor, a cooling unit and a festoon towards the apex handling and assembly system. The apex strip is cut to length and applied flat onto the turn-up drum at the second position of the turret, where the bead is already positioned. After the flat application and splice consolidation, the apex is turned-up and placed onto the bead. At the third turret position the apex is consolidated onto the bead by the bead stitcher. At the fourth turret position the bead apex is automatically unloaded by a robot onto special carriers for use with VMI MAXX tire building systems. The system can be operated by one single operator.