High-Pressure Water Inflation Test (Clincher/Tubeless)

At NTP Composites, we prioritize product quality and cycling safety above all else. Tire retention is a critical factor in ensuring our wheels can safely withstand high pressures and accidental impacts. In addition to conducting standard high-pressure air inflation tests on 100% of our road products, we also implement water inflation tests during product development. This method provides more accurate and comprehensive insights into tire retention performance under extreme conditions.

Water inflation tests offer distinct advantages over traditional air pressure tests. The higher pressure and even distribution of forces help us achieve more reliable data on tire retention. This thorough approach enables us to identify potential weaknesses that might be overlooked with air inflation alone. It ensures that the tire interface—especially the rim bed and bead areas—is well-designed, properly cured, and securely laminated, resulting in a safer and more durable wheel.

Test Standard

Unless otherwise specified by our clients, our water inflation tests are conducted at an ultra-high pressure of 200psi. For lighter rim versions, we adjust the pressure downward by 10 psi. Throughout the testing process, we carefully monitor for any abnormal noises or signs of deformation, such as bead damage or rim fractures.

Test Goal

The primary goal of our high-pressure water inflation test is to evaluate the tire retention capability of the rim bed under extreme pressure. The use of water provides more stable pressure and evenly distributed forces, which helps us better understand the overall performance of the rim. This process eliminates potential gaps in the data we might receive from traditional air inflation tests.

Test Equipment

Our water inflation tests are conducted using an isolation chamber equipped with a water inflation facility. The testing setup also requires a bowl of water to facilitate the inflation process. To simulate real-world riding conditions, we use popular tire models that are commonly used by cyclists, including:

Schwalbe Pro One
Maxxis Pursuer
Continental Grand Prix 5000 TR
Continental GP500 S TR

Test Method

Our water inflation test follows a stringent, step-by-step procedure to ensure reliable results and maintain the highest standards of quality:

Step 1: Tire Mounting: The tire is carefully mounted on the rim, with rim tape or strips installed as necessary.

Step 2: Chamber Placement: The sample wheel is placed inside the isolation chamber, and the lid is securely closed.

Step 3: Water Inflation: Water is introduced into the tire, and the air is vented until the tube is fully purged of air. The tire is then inflated to 200psi.

Step 4: Observation: The tire is left to stand for 2 hours while we observe for any abnormal sounds, such as creaks, or visual signs of deformation in the bead or rim.

Step 5: Post-Inflation Inspection: After the test, the water-inflated tire is removed, and a standard air-inflated tire is mounted on the rim. We recheck the tire interface for any unusual sounds or damage.

Sample Test Report

Example Profile

Model	Size	Width	Depth	Weight (Stated)	Measured Weight
R25-52	700c (622-25)	25/30mm	52mm	380g	382g

Test Result

Tire Model	Water Pressure	Air Pressure	Flatness (air inflation)
Maxxis Pursuer 30C	200psi	140psi	0.21mm

During both the water and air inflation tests, no abnormal noises, rim cracks, or other issues were observed. The R25-52 rim maintained excellent tire retention performance, with a flatness measurement of 0.21mm, well within acceptable limits. This confirms the rim's ability to handle high-pressure conditions without compromising safety or reliability.

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What We Offer: OEM vs ODM Service; Open Mold Products; R&D and Technology; Quality Control

Get In Touch: Floor 3, No 19 Baihuyan Road, Xiamen, Fujian 36102, China

Email: koko@ntpcomposites.com
Drop a call: 0086 137 9925 1201
What's app: 0086 156 5978 9571

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NexusTech Prime (NTP) Composites

Established in 2013 initially as an OEM carbon rim contract manuafacturer, NTP composites has grown steadily to be a full-service OEM and ODM service provider, with brilliant quality control, proficient engineering capability, and excellent customer service.

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