Uptis, airless and puncture-proof tire thanks to 3D printing

The French tire manufacturer Michelin presented its first prototype tire, supported by additive manufacturing technologies – it is called Uptis (Unique Puncture-proof Tire System) and it is a mounted assembly designed without air to avoid all punctures. The company worked with the American manufacturer General Motors, already a user of 3D printing, to present a 3D printed prototype at the “Movin’On” summit on sustainable mobility in Montreal. With this puncture-proof tire, they hope to reduce the number of tires thrown away due to punctures and ensure better safety for motorists.

In 2017, Michelin introduced its new tire concept, Vision, which was based on four main features: it is a connected, airless system with a 3D printed tread pattern, easily adjustable, and designed with bio-materials. Their new tire Uptis could well equip some cars by 2024. According to the company, about 20% of tires in the world are thrown away because of punctures, which corresponds to 200 million units! This is a striking observation that Michelin and General Motors want to tackle with an airless tire.

Credits: Michelin

Uptis, a future tire possible thanks to 3D printing?

The two partners did not reveal any more information about how this tire was manufactured – it is not known whether it will incorporate a 3D printed tread. However, 3D technologies were used to create the prototype and we can say that Michelin is wanting to follow up on the Vision concept. They explained that they used composite materials for the production of Uptis – materials that are fully compatible with additive manufacturing. Éric Vinesse, Michelin Group Vice President of Research and Development, said: “The Uptis prototype demonstrates Michelin’s capacity for innovation, both in the field of high-tech materials and in the development approach, in close collaboration with GM. This partnership further strengthens our innovation roadmap, based on our Vision concept.”