Steel cord serves as a pivotal component in tire manufacturing, critical to the tire’s structure and performance. It refers to the high-strength, high-rigidity linear or mesh material embedded within the tire, commonly crafted from high-strength synthetic materials such as polyester and steel wire. The choice of material is based on the tire type, application, and performance requirements.
The primary purposes of steel cord include: supporting the tire’s shape, ensuring it does not deform or twist during high-speed driving or under heavy loads, thereby guaranteeing safe and stable driving; reinforcing tire strength and stiffness, enhancing its ability to withstand road impact and wear, thus prolonging its service life; controlling tire deformation, adapting to different road conditions, reducing deformation and friction losses, improving driving comfort and stability, lowering rolling resistance, and enhancing fuel efficiency;
optimizing the maneuverability, braking performance, and wear resistance of high-performance tires, for example, by placing the cord within the tread groove to reduce noise, increase hardness, and improve drainage performance; protecting the internal rubber of the tire from damage due to excessive stretching or compression, maintaining tire integrity and performance, and ensuring reliable service. Steel cord plays an irreplaceable role in tire manufacturing.