Abstract: This invention relates generally to a mould segment used in the production of premoulded and precured tyre thread in a flat moulding process wherein the mould segment (1) is provided with an indexing means to align adjacent mould segments to avoid discontinuity in thread pattern. In this invention the indexing means is provided on the opposing transverse edges (14, 15) of the mould segment (1). Various embodiments of the indexing means are described. The invention also relates to a method of aligning mould segments in a mould matrix using indexing means on the opposing transverse edges (14, 15) of the mould segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of strengthening a mould manufactured from aluminium or its alloys. One method of strengthening a mould having mould body and mould walls as an integral unit is to include at least one insert into each of the mould walls. These inserts are of stronger material or materials as compared to the mould material. Each of these inserts is of the same height as that of the mould wall at the position where it is located. Another method uses reinforced walls which are separate units, with the reinforced walls made of a higher strength material or materials than that of the mould body. The reinforced walls are coupled to the mould body either by fasteners or by welding or bonding or by any other suitable means. The invention also relates to moulds including strengthening according to one or more of these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of strengthening a mould manufactured from aluminium or its alloys. One method of strengthening a mould having mould body and mould walls as an integral unit is to include at least one insert into each of the mould walls. These inserts are of stronger material or materials as compared to the mould material. Each of these inserts is of the same height as that of the mould wall at the position where it is located. Another method uses reinforced walls which are separate units, with the reinforced walls made of a higher strength material or materials than that of the mould body. The reinforced walls are coupled to the mould body either by fasteners or by welding or bonding or by any other suitable means. The invention also relates to moulds including strengthening according to one or more of these methods.