Published: 12/19/2019

(Akron, Ohio) – December 19, 2019 – Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, has announced an investment in new equipment to measure footprint, load deflection, and inflation pressure loss rate (IPLR) to its Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio.
 
The new footprint and load deflection machine can accommodate passenger, truck, and bus radial tires, including Super Singles. The machine can conduct footprint shape and pressure distribution and offers a second station for longitudinal, lateral, and vertical spring rate testing. It was custom built for the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center to improve testing lead times and support clients’ evolving data requirements.
 
Smithers has also invested in the capability to condition and measure inflation pressure loss rate (IPLR) to most industry standards. The new testing room, which is also located at the test center in Ravenna, is equipped with multiple HVAC systems offering two independent temperature zones for evaluating the rate at which a tire loses air pressure over a given time period. Because proper tire inflation greatly increases safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity, this type of testing is crucial for tire companies looking to ensure the best possible experience for their customers.
 
“Maintaining our long-standing relationships within the tire industry is a top priority for us. Smithers is committed to adding new testing capabilities so we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our valued clients in this vital sector,” said Matt Kent, Technical Director at the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center. “This is another investment in our promise to provide our clients with accurate data, on time, with high touch.”
 
The Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center offers a broad range of testing services for measuring performance, durability, and other characteristics of passenger car, light truck, agricultural, fleet truck, off-the-road (OTR), and specialty tires.
 
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About Smithers:
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life science, packaging, materials, components, consumer, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch, by integrating science, technology, and business expertise, so customers can innovate with confidence.