A method of inspecting a tread , the method comprising the steps of: providing a tread , comprising a demolded tread , having a length, a width, and a thickness bounded by a top side and a bottom side, one of the top and bottom sides including a tread feature extending into the thickness of the tread ; bending mechanically a transverse extent of the tread relative the tread thickness along a portion of the tread to be inspected about a bending member to form a bent portion of the tread , where the portion of the tread to be inspected includes the tread feature, such that the step of bending expands the tread feature to further expose a depth, in a direction of the length, of the tread feature within the thickness of the tread for inspection, where in the step of bending mechanically, the tread feature to be inspected is arranged along a side of the tread opposite the bending member relative the tread thickness; constraining the tread on opposing sides of the portion of the tread to be inspected to maintain the bent portion of the tread in a bent arrangement; inspecting the portion of the tread about the bending member; releasing the tread from constraint as achieved in the step of constraining; translating the tread relative the bending member to a second portion of the tread to be inspected where the tread is translated in the step of translating at a first speed or a second speed, the first speed being faster than the second speed to perform a fast transfer of the tread between each portion of the tread to be inspected and where the second portion of the tread includes a second tread feature extending into the thickness of the tread from one of the top and bottom sides; and, repeating the steps of bending and constraining in association with the second portion of the tread to be inspected. providing a tread , comprising a demolded tread , having a length, a width, and a thickness bounded by a top side and a bottom side, one of the top and bottom sides including a tread feature extending into the thickness of the tread ; bending mechanically a transverse extent of the tread relative the tread thickness along a portion of the tread to be inspected about a bending member to form a bent portion of the tread , where the portion of the tread to be inspected includes the tread feature, such that the step of bending expands the tread feature to further expose a depth, in a direction of the length, of the tread feature within the thickness of the tread for inspection, where in the step of bending mechanically, the tread feature to be inspected is arranged along a side of the tread opposite the bending member relative the tread thickness; constraining the tread on opposing sides of the portion of the tread to be inspected to maintain the bent portion of the tread in a bent arrangement; inspecting the portion of the tread about the bending member; releasing the tread from constraint as achieved in the step of constraining; translating the tread relative the bending member to a second portion of the tread to be inspected where the tread is translated in the step of translating at a first speed or a second speed, the first speed being faster than the second speed to perform a fast transfer of the tread between each portion of the tread to be inspected and where the second portion of the tread includes a second tread feature extending into the thickness of the tread from one of the top and bottom sides; and, repeating the steps of bending and constraining in association with the second portion of the tread to be inspected. <EOS>