The Development of Processing Methods and Materials Used for Non-Pneumatic Tires: A Review

Non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) have garnered significant attention due to their advantages, such as energy efficiency, safety, versatile applications, and superior performance, compared to traditional rubber-based pneumatic tires (PTs). This mini review provides a concise overview of NPTs, beginning with their definition, structural design, and classification based on structural variations. The review then examines recent advancements in the materials used for NPTs, including those for the tread, elastic support structure, skeleton, and adhesives, with a focus on their specific properties. Furthermore, it summarizes various manufacturing techniques such as compression molding, centrifugal casting, injection molding, 3D printing, and mechanical assembly. Lastly, the review outlines the general manufacturing procedures of NPTs, discusses the challenges currently faced by the technology, and offers insights into future development directions. This mini review aims to support NPT researchers and practitioners, particularly in the fields of process and materials engineering, in advancing their work on NPTs.