How to Double the Value of Used Tires with One Technology

Among the approximately 1.5 billion used tires produced globally each year, the challenge of efficiently and environmentally “turning waste into treasure” has long been a dilemma for the industry. The emergence of tire wire drawing machines not only solves the critical technical bottleneck of separating steel wires from rubber but also serves as an important engine for promoting the circular economy. This article will delve into the technical details, application scenarios, and industry value of this equipment.

I. Technical Analysis: From Principle to Process

Tire wire drawing machines, also known as double-hook wire drawing machines, rely on the synergistic effect of a dual hydraulic drive system and alloy steel hooks. The equipment uses two high-strength alloy steel hooks that simultaneously cut into both the inner and outer sides of the tire bead. Utilizing the powerful pulling force (typically 5-10 tons) provided by the hydraulic system, it completely extracts the steel wires embedded in the rubber. The key aspects of this process include:

• Precise Positioning: The equipment is equipped with photoelectric sensors and mechanical positioning devices to ensure that the steel hooks accurately grasp the wires each time, avoiding damage to the rubber.
• Separation Efficiency: The integrity of the wire drawing is over 98%, with residual rubber content below 2%, laying a foundation of high purity for subsequent rubber powder production.
• Automated Control: The PLC control system enables fully automated processes for feeding, clamping, wire drawing, and unloading. Only one operator is needed to manage multiple machines.

Technical Parameter Comparison (taking the YX-1200 model as an example):

• Processing capacity: 1,200-1,500 pieces/day (passenger car tire beads)
• Motor power: 100-150 hp
• Hydraulic system pressure: 2,300-3,600 psi
• Steel wire recovery rate: ≥99.5%
• Rubber loss rate: ≤1.5%

Innovations:

• “Progressive wire drawing” technology is adopted, with multi-stage tension adjustment to reduce the risk of wire breakage and increase the length of single wire drawing.
• An “online monitoring system” is equipped to display parameters such as drawing force, speed, and temperature in real-time, facilitating quality control and equipment maintenance.
• An “intelligent mold change system” is developed, allowing mold changes for different bead specifications to be completed within 10 minutes, adapting to diverse raw materials.

II. Application Scenarios: From Single Processing to Full Industrial Chain Integration

Tire wire drawing machines are not only suitable for processing single tire beads but can also form a complete production line with tire crushers, magnetic separators, and rubber grinding machines:

1.Pretreatment Stage
After initial crushing and removal of the tread, used tires form tire rings to be processed. The wire drawing machine achieves “physical separation” at this stage, producing clean steel wires and rubber strips.

2.Post-Processing

◦ Steel wires can be directly returned to the furnace for steelmaking or used to manufacture steel wire products after magnetic separation and cleaning.

◦ Rubber strips, after crushing and grinding, can be used in reclaimed rubber, modified asphalt, plastic filling, and other fields, increasing added value by 3-5 times.

3.Typical Case
A factory processing 100,000 tons of used tires annually, after introducing wire drawing machines:

◦ Recovers approximately 12,000 tons of steel wires annually, valued at about 84 million yuan

◦ Produces approximately 75,000 tons of high-purity rubber powder annually, valued at about 150 million yuan

◦ Reduces landfill area by approximately 50 mu and CO₂ emissions by approximately 18,000 tons

Industrial Chain Extension:

• Steel Wire Deep Processing: Can produce steel wire pellets, steel wool, and other products, increasing added value per ton by 2,000-5,000 yuan.
• High-Value Rubber: Through desulfurization, modification, and other processes, reclaimed rubber meeting ASTM D609 standards is produced for use in high-end products such as tires and conveyor belts.

III. Industry Value: Dual Benefits of Environmental Protection and Economy

From an environmental perspective, wire drawing machines avoid dioxins, heavy metal pollution, and other issues associated with traditional “incineration-smelting” processes while reducing transportation and landfill costs. From an economic perspective, the value chain it creates includes:

• Resource Circulation: For every ton of used tires processed, 0.12 tons of steel wires and 0.75 tons of rubber can be recovered, reducing the extraction of primary resources.
• Industrial Upgrading: Promotes the “recycling-separation-remanufacturing” model and facilitates the application of recycled materials in construction, transportation, agriculture, and other fields.
• Policy Dividends: Aligns with national “circular economy” and “carbon peak” policy orientations, enjoying tax incentives and subsidy support.

Quantified Environmental Benefits:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Recycling one ton of used tires can reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by approximately 0.18 tons.
• Energy savings: Producing one ton of reclaimed rubber saves approximately 2.5 tons of standard coal compared to producing one ton of virgin rubber.
• Soil protection: Avoids heavy metal leaching and mosquito breeding caused by long-term open-air stacking of used tires.

IV. Technological Evolution and Future Trends

Currently, wire drawing machines are developing toward intelligence, large-scale, and energy efficiency:

• AI vision recognition systems are introduced to achieve adaptive processing of different bead specifications.
• “Hydraulic-servo motor” hybrid drives are developed, reducing energy consumption by 15-20%.
• Coupling with pyrolysis technology is explored to achieve full-component recycling of tires (rubber, steel wires, carbon black, oil, gas).

Cutting-Edge Technologies:

• Maglev Wire Drawing Technology: Utilizes electromagnetic force to assist in wire separation, further improving efficiency and reducing wear.
• Nanocoating Technology: Applies ultra-wear-resistant coatings to steel hook surfaces, extending service life by 3-5 times.
• Blockchain Traceability: Through the Internet of Things and blockchain technology, achieves full-process traceability from recycling and processing to reuse.

The tire wire drawing machine is not just a piece of equipment but a bridge connecting “black pollution” with “green resources.” In today’s accelerating global circular economy, its value will become increasingly prominent—allowing every used tire to “break the circle and be reborn,” leaving more green space for the planet.