The management of used tires requires accurate inspections, reduced processing times, and evaluation criteria that are as objective as possible.
Manual inspection slows down the classification and data-entry process, while also introducing variations in evaluation among operators.
To address these needs, Specialvideo has developed a 3D scanner for used tires, designed to capture the three-dimensional information printed on the tire sidewall and support the automation of classification, inventory management, and photography for online product sales.
Read the full case history on the 3D scanner for sorting used tires.
Why Use a 3D Scanner for Used Tires
A used tire can exhibit very different characteristics depending on the model, conditions of use, and type of wear. Among the most important elements to analyze are:
- DOT comprising the Week Code
- dimensions and specifications
- remaining tread depth
A manual assessment is time-consuming and can depend on the operator’s experience. A 3D scanner, on the other hand, allows for the acquisition of measurable and repeatable data, creating a digital representation of the analyzed surface.
The result is a standardized classification system that can be easily integrated into a warehouse for resale operations or an automated tire sorting system.
How 3D Tire Scanning Works
The system combines computer vision technologies to capture the tire’s three-dimensional profile with artificial intelligence to interpret the information.
During the scan, the sensor detects the shape of the surface and generates a 3D map composed of points, each associated with height data. This representation allows the software to analyze the tread geometry and derive measurements.
Unlike a traditional camera, which primarily records variations in brightness and color, a 3D system captures geometric information. This feature is particularly useful in tire inspection, given that tires are characterized by:
- dark surfaces
- non-uniform surface conditions
- different tread patterns
- a wide variety of possible sidewall prints.
Data processing transforms the scan into information that can be used by the automation system.
Automatic tread measurement
One of the scanner’s main applications is the automatic measurement of the tread.
The software can analyze the acquired profile and determine the depth of the grooves at various points on the tire. Taking multiple measurements across a large sampling area provides a more comprehensive assessment than a typical manual inspection, which involves only a few isolated spot measurements.
The analysis compares the measured values with the set thresholds and returns a pass/fail result.
The thresholds and classification rules depend on the production process and can be customized according to customer specifications.
The results can be used to automatically classify the tire or to provide the operator with quantitative information to support decision-making.
Integration with warehouses and automated lines
The 3D scanner can be integrated into a larger system dedicated to the management of used tires.
The information obtained during the inspection can be transmitted to the PLC, the management software, or the line’s supervisory system. This makes it possible to link the scan results to subsequent handling and storage activities.
An automated process may include:
- the tire entering the station
- product identification
- acquisition of the 3D profile
- processing of measurements
- classification according to set parameters
- recording of results
- automatic labeling with identification data and the measurements taken
- routing to the correct destination.
The combination of machine vision, automation, and traceability allows for the management of large quantities of tires while maintaining consistent inspection criteria.
Conclusions
A 3D scanner for used tires makes the sorting process faster, more repeatable, and fully integrated with inventory management and online sales.
Three-dimensional scanning enables highly reliable reading of the data printed on the tire and provides objective measurements of the tread.
Specialvideo develops machine vision systems powered by Artificial Intelligence, integrating 3D scanning, software processing, communication with the PLC and the information systems of the client.
Read the full case history on the 3D scanner for sorting used tires.
