Tyre moulds are one of the most essential tools in the global tire manufacturing industry.

They determine the tread pattern, sidewall design, performance, durability, and overall quality of every tire that enters the market.

Whether it’s a passenger car tire, a heavy truck tire, or a giant mining tire, mould accuracy and materials have a direct impact on safety and product performance.

As tire technology continues to evolve, mould manufacturers must apply advanced engineering, precision CNC machining, and strict quality systems to meet global standards.

Today’s tyre mould industry includes a wide range of mould types: PCR tyre moulds, TBR tyre moulds, OTR tyre moulds, agricultural tyre moulds, motorcycle tyre moulds, ATV tyre moulds, industrial tyre moulds, segmented moulds, two-piece moulds, and fully custom tire moulds.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of each type, including design features, applications, and manufacturing requirements.

1. PCR Tyre Moulds (Passenger Car Radial)

PCR tyre moulds are the most widely used in the market.

They are designed for normal passenger cars, SUVs, MPVs, sedans, crossovers, and light trucks.

These moulds require extremely precise engraving because PCR tires usually carry complex tread patterns involving water drainage channels, noise-reduction blocks, and safety sipes. A high-quality PCR mould must guarantee:

• Accurate tread pattern reproduction

• Smooth segmentation and closing lines

• Stable curing temperature distribution

• Clean sidewall letters and logos

• Long service life with minimal wear

PCR moulds are typically made in both segmented and two-piece formats depending on tire size and performance requirements.

2. TBR Tyre Moulds (Truck and Bus Radial)

TBR tyre moulds are engineered for medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, trailers, buses, and logistics fleets.

These moulds must withstand high curing pressure and produce tires capable of long-distance and heavy-load performance. Key features include:

• High-strength steel materials

• Reinforced segmentation structure

• Deep tread grooves for long mileage

• Precision CNC machining for wear-resistant blocks

• Durable vent design for smooth rubber flow

TBR moulds require higher hardness and durability than PCR moulds due to the heavy working conditions of truck tires.

3. OTR Tyre Moulds (Off-The-Road)

OTR tyre moulds are among the largest and most complex in the tyre moulding industry. They are used for construction machinery, mining trucks, loaders, bulldozers, graders, cranes, and earthmovers. The size and weight of an OTR mould may reach several tons. These moulds require:

• Ultra-thick high-grade steel

• Strong structural stability

• Complex deep-block tread engraving

• Excellent mechanical resistance to deformation

• Precise temperature control during curing

OTR tyres must perform under extreme loads, rough terrain, and harsh environments, so the mould design must be exceptionally strong.

4. Agricultural Tyre Moulds

Agricultural tyre moulds are used for tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment, off-road farm machines, and other agricultural vehicles. These moulds have unique deep tread patterns designed for mud, soil, wet conditions, and grip. Their design features include:

• Deep and wide lugs

• Large block patterns

• High rubber flow control

• Long mould wear life

• Clean pattern release during curing

Agricultural tyres require strong traction, so moulds focus on robust structural design and tread depth accuracy.

5. Motorcycle Tyre Moulds

Motorcycle tyre moulds are smaller and lighter but require high-precision engraving. They are used for scooters, motorcycles, electric bikes, racing bikes, off-road bikes, and high-performance sport models. Good motorcycle tyre moulds ensure:

• Balanced tread design for grip and cornering

• Heat-centered curing for stability

• Smooth mould surface finish

• Accurate sidewall logo details

• Fast heating and cooling cycles

Motorcycle tyre moulds are commonly produced in both two-piece and segmented structures.

6. ATV/UTV Tyre Moulds

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) and UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) tyre moulds have special tread features for extreme off-road environments. These tires are used in sand, mud, grass, snow, and rocky terrain. Their moulds must include:

• Aggressive tread blocks

• Deep lugs and sharp angles

• Open void designs for self-cleaning

• Reinforced mould steel for high impact resistance

• Custom sidewall and pattern engraving

ATV/UTV moulds require strong precision to achieve excellent traction and durability.

7. Industrial Tyre Moulds

Industrial tyres are designed for forklifts, airport vehicles, port machinery, solid tyres, warehouse equipment, and material-handling machines. Industrial tyre moulds must ensure:

• High product hardness

• Strong mould body strength

• Flat tread designs with low heat build-up

• Excellent sidewall resistance

• Consistent curing wave distribution

These moulds must handle high loads and long service hours without deformation.

8. Segmented Tyre Moulds

Segmented moulds are the most commonly used structure in modern tyre manufacturing. They consist of multiple segments that open and close smoothly during molding. Advantages include:

• Easy tire removal

• High pattern precision

• Greater control of high-complexity designs

• Ideal for PCR, TBR, and ATV tyres

• Minimal visible joint lines

Segmented moulds are widely used because they support large production volumes and stable curing performance.

9. Two-Piece Tyre Moulds

Two-piece moulds consist of upper and lower halves. These moulds are typically used for:

• Motorcycle tyres

• Small PCR tyres

• Tube-type tyres

• Bias tyres

Two-piece moulds are simpler than segmented moulds and suitable for smaller tire sizes or specific production styles.

10. Custom Tire Moulds

Custom moulds are designed according to the specific needs of tire manufacturers. Customers can provide:

• Drawings

• Tread patterns

• Sidewall logos

• 3D models

• Physical tire samples

Customization services generally include:

• Tread design optimization (grip, noise, drainage)

• Sidewall lettering design

• 3D engraving

• Reverse engineering

• OEM/ODM branding

• Special compound compatibility

• Pattern simulation and curing analysis

Custom tyre moulds help tire factories create differentiated, high-performance products.

Conclusion

Tyre moulds are the heart of the tire manufacturing process.

Whether producing PCR, TBR, OTR, agricultural, motorcycle, ATV, or industrial tyres, mould quality determines performance, durability, and safety.

Modern tyre mould manufacturers must combine high-quality steel, advanced CNC machining, 3D engraving, simulation technology, and strict inspection to ensure consistent results.

With the rising demand for customized tyre patterns and high-performance tires, segmented, two-piece, and fully custom tyre moulds are becoming more essential in the global market.