Smithers Tire Testing Expert Speaks on Force and Moment Data at Global Tire Tech Forum

SUZHOU, China - July 24, 2018 - PRLog -- Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics, and composites testing, recently provided insight at the Global Tire Tech Forum, which was organized by The Rubber Institute of Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China. Henry He, General Manager at Smithers Rapra's Suzhou Tire and Wheel Testing Laboratory, spoke about the application of force and moment data in relation to tire modeling.

"Our testing services span the globe, and we are proud to have Henry represent our laboratory in China and the advances we have made," said Derek Read, Vice President - Asia Region, Global Development. "Henry has years of expertise, making him an excellent resource when it comes to educating OEMs, tire makers, and suppliers about the integral role of force and moment evaluations."

Mr. He's presentation focused on the history of Force and Moment testing technology and expanded into the importance of the data and measurement techniques. From cornering stiffness to load sensitivity and alignment torque, as well as useful data for tire models required by vehicle OEMs, Mr. He showed how tire development engineers can develop their test plans to meet project goals.

"Tire modeling is heavily dependent on collecting a variety of force and moment data points and different load requirements," said Mr. He. "The tire development process depends more and more on modeling to meet validation requirements and adhere to production timelines, and laboratory testing is growing to support this need."

Smithers is committed to investing in its laboratories worldwide in response to client needs. In North America, the company is in the final weeks of completing a building expansion and the introduction of a new MTS Flat-Trac® CT Plus machine at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio (http://www.smithersrapra.com/testing-services/by-sector/a...), in partnership with six of the industry's leading global tire manufacturers. This expansion will enhance existing force and moment (http://www.smithersrapra.com/testing-services/by-sector/a...) capabilities, which include an MTS Flat-Trac CT and a steady state testing machine by providing higher wheel torque and the ability to test a wider range of tire sizes.

Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe, and Asia, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from material chemistry (http://www.smithersrapra.com/material-testing/chemical-analysis) and product durability testing (http://www.smithersrapra.com/product-testing), to tire, wheel (http://www.smithersrapra.com/industries/tire-and-wheel), and winter testing (http://www.smithersrapra.com/product-testing/winter-proving-grounds). Smithers' global network of ISO 17025 accredited tire test laboratories perform a wide variety of SAE, ASTM, ISO, UNECE and EC tests supporting raw material suppliers, tire manufacturers, and automotive OEMs. For more information about Smithers Rapra, visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About Smithers Rapra

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial and consumer products. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the lifecycle of our clients' products. Please visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About The Smithers Group

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Apex, Smithers Avanza, Smithers Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, Smithers Rapra, and Smithers Viscient. Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market. As a group the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long-term growth. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers goal is to add value throughout the lifecycle of our clients' products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.