Tire Tread Measurement with 2D Laser
Why Accurate Tire Tread Measurement Matters
To maximize safety and tire longevity, modern tire manufacturers are adopting 100% tire inspection systems that include tread depth measurement, defect detection, and pattern recognition. Inadequate tire tread depth can lead to reduced traction, poor braking, and potential tire failure. Surface anomalies like blistering, bubbles, or belt overlap may cause runout, road noise, or even catastrophic failure.
With consumer expectations rising and regulatory standards tightening, tire OEMs and testing labs need precise, high-speed tire tread depth measurement tools that support automated quality control.
Problem: The Challenge of Asymmetrical Tire Tread Patterns
Modern all-season tires often feature asymmetrical tread designs that vary across the tire width to optimize dry grip, wet traction, and cornering. For example:
- Outer tread ribs enhance cornering on dry roads.
- Inner tread blocks improve grip under wet or snowy conditions.
A robust inspection system must:
- Measure the entire tread width using non-contact tire tread sensors.
- Capture rotational profiles of the tire as it spins.
- Support real-time analysis without manual intervention.
Solution:The ProTrak G: Laser Tire Tread Depth Gauge and Scanner
MTI Instruments’ ProTrak G is a cutting-edge laser tire tread depth gauge that utilizes 2D laser triangulation to scan the full tread profile. This tire tread measurement tool projects a laser line across the surface, capturing high-resolution data using a CMOS sensor.
Key technical features:
- Non-contact 2D laser measurement — ideal for dynamic targets.
- Measures at up to 4,000 frames per second.
- Supports a measuring range up to 400 mm, suitable for full tire tread width scanning.
- Built-in encoder input allows synchronization with rotating tires, mapping tread geometry from 0° to 360°.
By moving the sensor or tire, the system generates a 3D model of the tread, ideal for advanced quality checks or digital archiving.
ProTrak G™ high-resolution profiling sensor from MTI Instruments provides tread depth, blister, and sidewall profile data for go/no-go tire inspection.
Benefits of Using ProTrak G for Tire Inspection
This laser tire tread scanner delivers several performance benefits:
- No physical contact: Eliminates wear and interference during inspection.
- Automatic intensity control: Adapts to varied rubber reflectivity (wet, dark, worn).
- GigE connectivity: Integrates easily with factory systems.
- OCR capability: Enables barcode and sidewall text reading.
- Reliable tire tread depth readings: Ideal for tread measurement during manufacturing or service inspections.
Whether you’re seeking a tire tread depth measurement tool, a laser tread depth reader, or a 2D laser system for tire inspection, the ProTrak G offers unmatched accuracy and ease of integration.
Measuring tire tread depths. This was done with a MTI PT-G 190/62/145 using red laser.
The 2D laser head encoder inputs can interface to a rotary encoder connected to the tire to keep track of the 0-360 pattern of the tire as its rotated. This will synchronize the thread pattern to the angular position on the tire. Choose a laser head that has sufficient X range to see the whole tire pattern as shown.
Choose sufficient X width for the 2D head or shift the 2D head laterally to image the complete tire over multiple rotations.
Explore the Tire Tread Measurement Solutions
Looking for a laser tyre depth gauge, tire tread sensor, or tread measure tool for high-throughput manufacturing? Contact MTI Instruments for a consultation or request a demo of the ProTrak G today.
