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Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential new truck tire is taken to this "watch-case" curing mold in which it is baked under high heat and pressure for a long time. The exact time and temperature varies with the type and size of tire. The airbag inside the carcass is filled with live steam during this process so that heat is added from both inside and out. The mold contains the tread pattern, or design, as well as all markings which will appear on sidewall. Under this heat and pressure the rubber turns semi-liquid, and flows into every crevice, completely bonding the rubber processed fabric carcass to the cushion, the cushion to the tread. After this operation it is now one unit--a complete tire. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description