Abstract: A method for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a hub into a lower mold portion, and associating at least one temperature sensor with the lower mold portion. The method further includes placing an upper mold portion onto the lower mold portion and the hub, heating the mold assembly, heating a molding material, and transferring the heated molding material into the interior of the mold assembly. The method further includes heating the mold assembly and molding material until the at least one temperature sensor indicates that the molding material has reached a first temperature, and maintaining the temperature of the molding material at the first temperature for a first predetermined period of time. The method further includes reducing the temperature of the molding material to a second temperature after the first predetermined period of time, and separating the upper mold portion and molded tire from the lower mold portion.

Abstract: A method for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a hub into a lower mold portion, and associating at least one temperature sensor with the lower mold portion. The method further includes placing an upper mold portion onto the lower mold portion and the hub, heating the mold assembly, heating a molding material, and transferring the heated molding material into the interior of the mold assembly. The method further includes heating the mold assembly and molding material until the at least one temperature sensor indicates that the molding material has reached a first temperature, and maintaining the temperature of the molding material at the first temperature for a first predetermined period of time. The method further includes reducing the temperature of the molding material to a second temperature after the first predetermined period of time, and separating the upper mold portion and molded tire from the lower mold portion.

Abstract: A system for separating a molded non-pneumatic tire from a tire mold is disclosed. The tire mold includes a lower mold portion and an upper mold portion configured to be associated with the lower mold portion, such that a hub associated with the non-pneumatic tire is confined between the lower and upper mold portions. The system includes a plurality of actuators associated with at least one of an inner diameter and an outer periphery of at least one of the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion, such that the plurality of actuators are spaced circumferentially about the tire mold. The system further includes a manifold providing flow communication with each of the plurality of actuators, and an operator interface associated with the manifold. The operator interface is configured to facilitate activation of all of the plurality of actuators simultaneously and independently from one another.