TP Tools OY, a Finnish family-owned company with over 30 years of experience in tire mold manufacturing, has taken a significant step to strengthen its market position. By acquiring the FormUp 350 powder bed fusion machine from AddUp, a leader in additive manufacturing, the company is setting new standards in the production of tire sipes.
This strategic investment marks a turning point for TP Tools by bringing the production of tire sipes, a key component in tire mold manufacturing, in-house, making it independent of external suppliers.
The decision to bring production in-house not only reduces costs by eliminating outsourcing, but also significantly increases efficiency. Reducing lead times and optimizing the manufacturing process is in line with TP Tools’ goal of delivering high-quality tire molds while increasing operational efficiency.
The FormUp 350, known for its powder bed fusion technology, offers TP Tools the opportunity to expand its tire molding capabilities. The machine allows 3D printing of metal parts directly on site, accelerating tire tube development and innovation. This technological achievement opens the door to custom and complex geometries that were previously unattainable and enables the creation of innovative tire mold designs.
A special feature of the FormUp 350 is its 350 mm build plate, which allows for efficient production of entire tire mold segments. The machine also features an integrated roller and the use of fine powder, resulting in outstanding surface quality with minimal post-processing. The proven reliability of the FormUp and AddUp technologies ensures consistent quality across different production cycles and machines.
“We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of the FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine from AddUp. This strategic investment will enable us to optimize our manufacturing process, shorten lead times and, most importantly, accelerate new developments in the field of tire molding innovations,” explains Marko Pirhonen, owner of TP Tools OY.
With this investment, TP Tools reaffirms its commitment to quality, safety and performance in tire mold manufacturing and reinforces its position as a reliable partner in the industry.
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