GREENVILLE, S.C. — Oliver Rubber recently introduced a new envelope spreader for use in the retreading process, which is intended to help mechanically facilitate enveloping prior to curing, according to a statement from the company.

With a push of the foot pedal, Oliver Rubber states that its 1137 Envelope Expander uses pre-set adjustments to mechanically stretch the envelope to the optimum diameter, thus “reliably” minimizing envelope stretch, and in turn increasing envelope life. The new Oliver spreader was developed and manufactured by the company’s Salisbury Machinery Division in Salisbury, N.C.

“This robust, reliable machine should extend envelope life, improve throughput, and help lighten the load on the operator,” said Bill Guzick, president of Oliver Rubber Company. “We fully expect this new spreader to help make our customers to be more productive, allowing them to finish more retreads in less time. The response we’ve gotten so far has been overwhelmingly positive.”

According to Oliver Rubber, the new spreader features:

·         installs under the monorail;

·         robust frame and mechanism;

·         synchronized arm movement;

·         manually adjustable height and tilt;

·         single cylinder actuation;

·         double-sided envelope fingers and dual foot valves for easy access and operation from either side;

·         easily removed doors for cylinder and mechanism maintenance;

·         manually selected, quick adjust, five-position stretcher arm design;

·         operation diameter range from 16” minimum (fully retracted), to 58” maximum (fully expanded).