Tire Profiles Inc. in Chicago and its sister company in the UK, RL Automotive Ltd, have jointly developed the innovative TAC-Scan tire tread and wear scanner.  TAC-Scan will be distributed in North America by Tire Profiles Inc.  TAC-Scan, (Tread-Analysis-Condition-Scan), is patented worldwide.  First production unit deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2009.

New to the market, Tire Profiles introduces laser diode measurement technology to shop and fleet tire diagnostics.  Through a special laser/software combination developed from expertise gained in Formula 1 racing, tire diagnostics are now possible using scientifically derived data.  This laser/software package makes non-contact measurement of tire tread and wear both accurate and reportable.  TAC-Scan provides a totally new method to analyze, diagnose root-cause problems, and trend tire performance.

TAC-Scan has been used in motor racing over the past five years.  TAC-Scan has projected tire performance failure to accuracies of one in a 73-lap race. TAC-Scan capability has been developed in this fast action environment and with continual software development it is able to analyze tread condition and predict tread performance.

Designed with the operator in mind, TAC-Scan is battery powered (rechargeable), lightweight, and portable.  TAC-Scan is easy to use, provides graphic profile report of scanned treads, and archives the data.  This tool allows the operator easy access for the scanning of tires while standing next to a vehicle.  Innovative handle design adjusts to address hard to reach tires such as dual tires on a commercial truck.  The control module is quick to setup for ease of scanning tire tread and recording the data.  The head scans a tire tread in 3 to 5 seconds delivering accuracy of 1/64" (0.4mm) and a resolution of 0.004” (0.01mm).  TAC-Scan is a stand-alone system, with a compatible computer interface via internal blue tooth or a USB memory stick.  Tire Profiles has built TAC-Scan to withstand the rigors of shop and field use by incorporating double strength aluminum and high density impact plastics.  Its laser sensor travels on a polished aluminum rod system which is sealed from dirt and water.  Both the control and sensor head have (NEMA5/IP52 rated) splash resistant seal. 

TAC-Scan, detects tread problems before the human eye can see them.  TAC-Scan is used to monitor tread condition and to trend tread wear; it identifies critical out of spec tires, and recommends suspension alignment improvements.  With current and future scan capability, TAC-Scan can be used for accurate time/wear projection of tire degradation, extension of tread life and to generate fuel savings.

TAC-Scan improves fleet performance, effectively addresses minimum tread depth concerns, and generates customer confidence and repeat business through tire tread profiling capability.  TAC-Scan will generate additional shop work and tire replacement revenues.

TAC-Scan is a consistently accurate tool to measure and analyze tread wear on tires.  Date stamping of tread scans, future scans, time/wear analysis provide, for the first time, a truly accurate way to measure tire performance.  Through Tire Profiles’ technology, tire and fuel cost have become more manageable.

Electronic Press Release and Downloadable Photos available through
www.tac-scan.com/media.htm

Tire Profiles Inc.
333 East Ontario, Suite 4102B,
Chicago, Illinois, 60611,
(312) 337-4100 | www.tireprofile.com

Europe Sales:
RL Automotive Ltd. 
Park 34, Didcot Oxon OX11 7WB UK
+44 1235 835959 | www.rlauto.com