Falken has adopted the NEO-T01 tire manufacturing process to produce its new FK453 high performance run-flat tire. The NEO-T01 manufacturing process developed by Falken’s parent Sumitomo Rubber Industries employs a new assembly method that allows for better quality control.
The process which is controlled by computer could theoretically produce results within a tolerance of just 0.01 mm. The new process as well as improvements in compound and construction has enabled engineers to enhance uniformity at high speed by up to 70 percent while cutting weight by 10 percent compared with conventional run-flat tires.
The new Azenis FK453 run-flat tires features a dimple-sidewall that dissipate heat to allow the tire to drive at least 80km at 80km/h while at zero tire pressure, which means drivers could reach a safe place where it can be replaced. The innovative construction of the sidewall enables the FK453 run-flat to achieve that performance despite being 20 percent more compliant than rivals. During wet conditions, the Azenis FK453’s large, lateral tread grooves improve water dispersion, which means lesser risk of aquaplaning. This allows the run-flat to achieve an ‘A’ rating for wet grip under the EU Tyre Labels. Falken Product Planning Manager Andreas Giese, remarked their new FK453 is not void of the negative features sometimes associated with run-flat tire.
