Method and apparatus for molding non-pneumatic wheels

An adjustable molding system for a non-pneumatic wheel, the non-pneumatic wheel including a plurality of tension-transmitting web elements extending between a load support band and a hub, the non-pneumatic wheel defining axial, radial, and circumferential directions, the molding system comprising:

• an upper mold portion having a plurality of upper web forming elements spaced apart around the circumferential direction;
• a lower mold portion having a plurality of lower web forming elements spaced apart around the circumferential direction and configured to receive the upper web forming elements when the molding system is in a closed position to form the tension transmitting web elements during a molding process, wherein the upper mold portion and lower mold portion form an internal cavity when the molding system is in the closed position;
• a first configuration of removable mold elements for positioning within the internal cavity, the first configuration comprising
• a removable bushing positioned onto the lower mold portion;
• an upper mold bowl configured to form a surface of the wheel;
• a lower mold bowl supporting the upper mold bowl and configured to form a surface of the wheel, wherein the lower mold bowl is supported on the bushing when the first configuration is positioned within the internal cavity;
• a second configuration of removable mold elements for positioning within the internal cavity, the second configuration comprising
• a spacer ring;
• and
• a removable bushing positioned onto the lower mold portion and onto which the spacer ring is received when the second configuration is positioned within the internal cavity;
• wherein the first and second configurations are interchangeable within the molding system.