Tread and sidewall extrusions can be no more precise than the dies used to make them. When a new die is cut it should be well-centered, so the Operator has the flexibility to optimize the extruder set-up. After some time in service, die wear can be uneven so that certain areas along the profile get excessive rubber flow. This is a very costly waste of raw materials. Unbalanced flow can also disrupt the symmetry of the tread - a factor that influences cured tire uniformity and balance. The Profilometer was developed as an automated, non-contact measurement system to displace checkingwith hand tools. The Profilometer is used to verify the accuracy of newly-cut dies. Its accuracy and speed helps reduce the number of die trials needed to approve a new die for production. Once in production, the Profilometer is used to check each run for overall quality,and to monitor for die wear. Off-Line Profilometer (OFLP) Fea tures and Specifica tions • Visual display overlays the measurement onto the specified design • Point and gage analysis measures the thickness and width of each breakpoint • Conicity analysis compares the right and left extrusion halves • Regional analysis reports the area and center of gravity for each region • Statistical analysis allows export of data for analysis in spreadsheet applications • Experienced users report that fewer die trials are needed, conserving time and raw materials • Dies can be designed to increasingly tighter tolerances for materials that are more difficult to extrude uniformly Specifications Measurement Parameter Car Tire Model Truck Tire Model Thickness Measurement Range 30mm 60mm Width Measurement Range 600mm 900mm Gage Repeatability on Flat Surfaces