Abstract: Finite element analysis or thermocouple probes are used to determine the state of cure for each zone of a non-uniform, thick rubber article, such as a large tire or a tread for a tire. From this knowledge of those cure-limiting zones, heat transfer elements are added to the mold to enhance the transfer of heat into these cure-limiting zones and to provide a more optimum cure. The use of heat transfer pins and/or mini-sipes are an efficient and practical means of reducing total cure time in the press and optimizing cure state without substantially affecting the performance of the article such as the tire. Reductions in cure time of 10% or more are demonstrated.

Abstract: A method to cure non-uniform rubber articles uses independently heatable, pin heat transfer elements to provide an efficient and practical means of reducing the total cure time of the article in the mold and optimizing the cure state of the article without substantially changing the function or degrading the performance of the article. Reductions in cure time of 10% or more can be achieved. The method is particularly useful for curing tires and tire treads. Finite element analysis or thermocouple probes can used to determine the state of cure for each part of a tire or a tread for a tire. From this knowledge of the cure-limiting parts, one or more independently heated, pin heat transfer elements are added to the interior surface of a tire or tread mold to transfer heat into the cure-limiting parts and to provide a more uniform state of cure.