Falken Tire is exploring a noise reduction solution, Silent Core, which it says can lower drive-by noise by up to ten decibels compared to standard tires, Tyres & Accessories reported.
Developed with its parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the solution consists of a double-humped layer of ether-polyurethane foam material.
So far testing has shown Silent Core doesn’t affect a tire’s performance and it lasts for the tire’s entire working life, according to Falken. The product is currently is “undergoing a pilot phase with a well-known automotive manufacturer,” the tiremaker said.
“Silent Core is a very simple yet extremely effective solution to the reduction of drive-by and cabin noise created by the tire,” said Andreas Giese, product planning manager at Falken. “We’ve received a significant amount of interest from automotive manufacturers about this new technology, which is cheaper and easier to implement than electronic technologies. Initial reports from the pilot test are positive and we’re looking forward to seeing the Silent Core technology progress.”
Several tiremakers including Continental, Pirelli and Goodyear have already utilized foam as a noise reduction solution, T&A reported.
