Powered by renewable energy, the Finnish test centre of UTAC CERAM Millbrook has moved its winter testing program indoors.
Indoor winter testing is in full swing for UTAC CERAM Millbrook’s winter test facility in Ivalo, Northern Finland. The winter season has come to a close, so testing has moved indoors and will continue throughout the year. Tyre and vehicle development work is conducted on its 5 indoor test tracks, all of which are powered by 100% renewable wind energy.
Now part of the UTAC CERAM group, Millbrook Test World’s customers gain the benefit of all year testing as the group now boasts an even more comprehensive tyre testing capability. Test World’s year-round snow, ice and asphalt testing will be complemented by the UTAC CERAM Millbrook laboratory tests and soon-to-be opened proving ground in Morocco.
The team has started ice grip testing for the revised European tyre labelling regulation. The new ice grip symbol helps manufacturers to determine the suitability of their tyres in different, more extreme winter conditions. Test World’s expert team can accurately control the track surface and air temperature to ensure stable conditions for this new test.
The winter proving ground recently launched its new ASTM traction truck which enables customers to test winter tyres to the ASTM 1805 test standard. Within its dedicated test lane, Test World uses an all-electric test vehicle to improve the control of the vehicles’ set up.
Jukka Antila, Technical Director at Test World, said: “Using an electric vehicle helps us to control the test better. We are excited to be working with customers on ASTM spin traction and ice grip testing, all whilst ensuring our facility is as safe and sustainable as possible.”
Customers can send tyres directly to Test World, all year round, for the highly experienced team to test on their behalf. This means that tyre manufacturers can continue their development programmes, without necessarily having to visit the facility. Test World offers remote witnessing so customers can see tests being carried out. However, Test World continues to be a safe place to work, and as global travel restrictions have begun to ease, customers can attend the site. Tracks and workshops are hired on an exclusive basis, so contact with others is limited.