Numerical Control Computer Sciences (NCCS) is rolling into a new market segment with the release of its Tire Mold Applications Library (TMAL).
The TMAL is being released with NCL V9.2 and provides features and processes that facilitate the modeling, assembly and 5-axis machining of tire mold patterns.  

Special Features

• Allows wrapping of 2D geometry onto 3D surfaces.
• Automatically applies draft angles to entities being wrapped.
• Provides a process to automate the creation of 3D models from 2D data.
• Provides a process for automatically applying multi-axis tool paths to multiple pitches and tire sizes.

• Provides a process for automatically assembling 3D IGES data into multiple pitch segments.
• Provides special functions for tread groove machining.
• Provides a process for automatically copying tool path data to produce multiple orientations of the same pitch.
• Provides the ability to apply multiple shrink factors to NC tool paths via the universal postprocessor PostWorks.

The following is a brief profile of a few of the companies that have recently purchased NCL for the purpose of manufacturing tire molds.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, founded in 1914, specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of rubber products for consumers. Products include automobile, truck and motorcycle tires, inner tubes, NVH control systems, automotive sealing, and fluid delivery systems.
A recent addition is the new mold manufacturing facility for production of tire molds in the Findlay, Ohio area. Cooper's overall objective in making the decision to build their own mold facility is to improve customer service by being able to produce critical molds in a significantly shorter time frame. When the new facility was finished, NCL multi-axis machining software was acquired to enhance their 5-axis programming capability.

Ted Cains, programmer at Cooper Tire states, "We currently use NCL for both our tread and engraving. We use it for our 5X swarf and drill cycles. NCL's macros are used for increased automation of tool path generation. We also utilize NCL's parametric tool path generation capabilities."

Quality Mold, Inc.

Quality Mold, Inc., located in Akron, Ohio, is another company that specializes in tread design. From its inception in 1978, Quality Mold has grown through investment in capital equipment and acquisitions to become a premier supplier of tire molds. Quality Mold has the capability to produce thousands of molds per year to service virtually every tire manufacturer in the world. From design engineering through final finishing, all facets of mold building are carried out at their new 80,000 square foot facility.

Quality Mold's Engineering Group translates numerical tire design specifications into computer programs. Experienced in drawing development and programming services, their staff of professionals employ state-of-the-art software. This group is unique among non-captive tire mold manufacturers. "Having acquired NCL, we have the capability to produce aluminum castings for virtually any size two-piece or segmented tire mold. We offer both cut and qualified and full-circle E.D.M. segments. We also have the ability to produce full steel engraved molds for light truck, medium truck, and bus tires."