When we think of tires, the image that usually comes to mind is that of a piece of vulcanized rubber. However, there is much more to discover behind the construction of a tire. For those who look closely, a tremendous business opportunity can arise from the amount of steel hidden inside each tire, which makes steel recycling a vital process for the full utilization of these materials.
The History and Evolution of Tires
Tires, as we know them today, began to be developed in 1845, thanks to the work of the American Charles Goodyear. Since then, they have undergone several evolutions, and a significant part of these innovations involved the incorporation of steel into their structure. A striking example is the truck tire, which can contain up to 22 steel cords. These cords play a crucial role in the functionality and safety of the tire, and are components that cannot be ignored when considering steel recycling and the reuse of materials.
The Presence of Steel in Tires
Steel is a fundamental element in the construction of tires, present mainly in two forms: in the wires that make up the bead and in the belts that provide stability to the tire. The belts are circumferential and inextensible bands that give the tire the stability necessary to withstand loads and driving conditions. The steel used in tires is high-strength, generally AISI 1070 and AISI 1080 types, which undergo drawing processes to achieve the ideal diameter. This significant presence of steel is what makes steel recycling a crucial step in the management of waste generated by tires.
Different Types of Tires and the Application of Steel
There are several types of tires on the market, each with its own specific use of steel. In bias tires, steel is used in smaller quantities, present only in the bead, which is made up of high-strength wires coated in rubber. In radial tires, the presence of steel is much more significant. These tires have plies that follow the radius of the tire, and the steel belts under the tread ensure constant contact with the ground, providing greater stability and safety.
Radial car tires account for approximately 23% of their weight in metal elements. This figure rises to around 25% for radial truck and bus tires, which require greater strength due to the heavy loads they carry. This metal structure, especially the steel belts, is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the tire and ensuring that it can withstand the internal pressures and total weight of the vehicle. Recycling steel from these tires is therefore an efficient way of reusing this robust material.
The Importance of Steel in the Structure of Tires
The presence of steel in the structure of tires is not limited to stability and safety. This material is essential for the strength of tires, especially in situations where internal pressure needs to be maintained to support the weight of the vehicle. In radial tires, steel belts play a vital role in maintaining tire contact with the ground, which not only improves handling but also extends the life of the tire, resulting in more even wear.
Furthermore, the manufacturing process of steel for tires involves advanced technologies, such as the drawing of steel wires, which are later transformed into cables or ropes, depending on the application. These steel cables are then used to create fabrics that, after being rubberized, form the belts or even the casing canvas, especially in truck tires. All this reinforces the importance of steel recycling when tires reach the end of their useful life.
The Tire Recycling Process and the Reuse of Steel
Recycling steel from tires is a process that has become increasingly important, both from an environmental and economic perspective. The physical-mechanical method is one of the most common, in which tires are shredded and ground, separating their components for reuse. The steel, which is separated by electromagnets after grinding, is then sent to steel mills, where it is recycled and reintegrated into the production process.
This steel recycling cycle is crucial for sustainability and waste reduction. Steel removed from tires can be reused in a variety of ways, contributing to the circular economy and minimizing the environmental impact of improper tire disposal. In addition, steel recycling from tires is a significant source of material for the steel industry, which can reuse it to make new products, including more steel for future tires.
Tire Parts and Their Functions
Understanding the structure of a tire is essential to understanding the importance of steel and its recycling. The tread, for example, is the part of the tire that has direct contact with the ground. It is composed of a mixture of rubber and chemical agents that provide resistance to wear. In addition, the designs on the tread are designed to provide traction, stability and safety to the vehicle.
The belts, which are made of steel, have the function of stabilizing the casing, while the canvas casing, formed by nylon or polyester cords, is the resistant part of the tire. This casing retains the air under pressure, which supports the total weight of the vehicle. The bead, also made of high-resistance steel wires, keeps the tire firmly attached to the rim, preventing unwanted movements. The sidewalls, in turn, are made of flexible rubber and protect the casing from external damage.
The Value of Recycling Steel into Tires
Recycling steel from tires is an essential practice for both environmental preservation and the economy. Each tire contains a significant amount of steel, and taking advantage of this material through recycling not only helps reduce the amount of waste, but also provides valuable raw material for the industry.
Recycling steel from tires is a business opportunity that benefits both the environment and the market. As awareness of the importance of recycling grows, practices like this are becoming increasingly essential. So when thinking about tires, don’t forget the hidden value that the steel inside them represents. Steel recycling is a key part of building a more sustainable and responsible future.
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SRS. We have been operating in the recyclable products market for over 15 years. We have great partners in this area of industrial waste. Not long ago, we had a major project to collect, shred, and dispose of unusable tires in an environmentally friendly manner. However, we were very poorly served by the group created by ANIP, RECICLANIP, which treated us very badly, making it very clear that RECICLANIP does not want to know about tires being thrown into the environment. I questioned them, telling them that there were a large amount of tires on the side of the roads and tires being stored irregularly in many cities. Their response was: WE HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS. I would like to express my indignation with this organization called RECICLANIP.
Dear Paulo, after reading your comment, I am quite disappointed with Reciclanip, since I have a project to implement a tire recycling plant and its other components, but what I can tell you is that we must do our part, regardless of any organizations that act in this way and do not do what they proclaim. A big hug
André Belleza, Campina Grande, PB
Hello André or Paulo, I saw your comments about Reciclanip, I'm thinking about opening a tire recycling company but I don't know where to buy machinery, I wanted to start in a very simple way and I wanted more information about the process, where to sell, what to sell, etc...
I thank
my email is [email protected]
Silvio
We have been working with tire recycling for many years and I tried to form a partnership with Reciclanip in Alagoas to use the tires collected in Alagoas.
We were not successful in making contact.
They didn't even respond to our emails and unanswered calls.
The Reciclanip representative did not authorize our visit to Maceio to attempt a partnership.
Unfortunately I am unable to get tires to work and reducing our recycling.
What organization is this that is monopolizing the market?
I don't think that's how the market works.
Good morning Ricardo.
Do you have any idea what we can do with tire wire?
I implement sustainable, environmentally friendly systems, including:
Solar oven, redirection of solar rays to the interior of moldy places, reuse of rainwater, homemade biodiesel and biogas plants, vehicle engines and generators powered by water (hydrogen), wind energy, water pump without electricity (hydraulic ram), etc.
I'm studying how to use tire wires now.
I am looking for “PARTNERSHIPS”. My Whatsapp 11 954757646 Daniel.