But many say the X-ray technology is a vital part of quality assurance. Others inspect only a small percentage, as a way to try to get a scientifically valid sample, such as five of every 100. But in the wake of the Firestone debacle, companies might increase that proportion to provide more consistent quality checks, Gilmore said. Process not new The use of X-rays in tire inspection goes back to at least the 1960s. But the machines only gained wide use in the mid-1970s, when radial tires became popular in the United States.
Radial tires are stiffer and provide longer wear than the old bias ply tires.
An operator sitting at the controls hits a series of buttons to send tires in and out of the machines. The operator studies the images on a screen, looking for unusual images, such as gaps and foreign materials. The company also sells machines with software that can inspect images on its own, without an operator. It is owned by a group of managers and investors. But Yxlon isn't dreaming of sales.