Page 55 - 《橡塑技术与装备》英文版2026年3期

THEORY AND RESEARCH

Theoretical research and practical application of electric heating and
steam heating technology for vulcanization machines

Ding Zhentang, Zhao Yanpeng, Ji Fugao, Zhang Weiyi
(Qingdao MESNAC Electromechanical Engineering Co. LTD., Qingdao 266200, Shandong, China)
Abstract: This paper addresses the problems of heat loss, uneven temperature distribution, and high
investment and maintenance costs in the traditional steam heating of tire vulcanizing machines. It conducts a
comparative analysis of the heat calculation, cost consumption and social benefits between electric heating
and steam heating for vulcanizing machines, and elaborates on the power configuration and component
structure design scheme of the electric heating technology developed by Qingdao Mesnac. This technology
can achieve significant energy conservation and cost reduction, and shorten the plant construction cycle.
Though there are still limitations in temperature control at the current stage, the technology has become
mature and been applied in actual production. In line with the development direction of clean energy, it
boasts broad application prospects in the future.
Key words: curing press; electric heating; hot plate; mold sleeve; external temperature steam; internal
temperature steam
Classification number: TQ330.47 Article number: 1009-797X(2026)03-0009-09
Document code: B DOI:10.13520/j.cnki.rpte.2026.03.003

1 R&D background abroad is mostly steam. The problems of heat loss, leakage,
Tire curing is the final process in the tire production and uneven internal/external temperature during steam heating
process and one of the processes that determine the quality have been plaguing host machine manufacturers and end users,
of finished tires. Various tire machinery manufacturers are and the investment in equipment manufacturing and production
competing to develop tire vulcanizing presses with good use is also relatively large. Steam is produced by boiler heating,
performance and reliability. Especially in the past 30 years, and tire factories need to calculate the construction investment
the development and production of domestic tire vulcanizing of boilers, pipeline installation, and material investment at the
presses have embarked on a rapid development path. Since initial stage of factory construction. At the same time, because
the introduction of vulcanizing press technology in China in steam is easily condensed into water, causing heat loss, a
the 1980s, domestic vulcanizing press manufacturers have large amount of insulation measures need to be preset, which
fully mastered technical aspects such as structure and process, is a major investment in tire factory construction projects.
driving the advancement of vulcanizing press technology. During the vulcanization production process, high-temperature
However, from a comprehensive perspective, mechanical steam has a significant impact on pipelines, valves, seals, etc.
or hydraulic vulcanizing presses are all improvements Maintenance departments need to prepare a large number of
aimed at equipment power and vulcanization pressure. spare parts, and the replacement process is extremely laborious
As for temperature, one of the three essential elements of
vulcanization, it has been influencing and determining the Biography: Ding Zhentang (1969-), male, is a senior engineer and
an expert scholar in the plastics industry, tire industry, and curing press
development of tire vulcanizing presses, and steam heating has industry. He is a member of the China Polymer Materials Expert Committee
been used continuously until now. Currently, the medium used and a researcher at the High-Performance Polymers Research Institute of
to provide temperature for vulcanizing presses at home and Qingdao University of Science and Technology. He is primarily engaged in
research and management related to rubber curing.

Vol.52，2026 ·9·