Reifenkockformen

09:23 Sep 10, 2017 

Thank you, guys. A confusing topic (not helped by my typo in the heading). Particular thanks to Bjorn for drawing my attention to the various meanings of mould, and hence also Form in German. In fact "Formen" is used in the copy I'm translating in various ways, just to add to the confusion. After quite a lot of research, I now believe that Kochform refers to what I would think of as the skeleton in the tyre, and it is that which is produced by 3D printing. The rubber compound is then added to the Kochform and heat and pressure are applied. "Curing mould" seems to be a common term, so that's what I've opted for. My fingers are crossed...

16:00 Sep 9, 2017 

Here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X1bfXDqsDQ

That's what they're doing. I probably wouldn't use mo(u)ld, though, which can be both the molded object and the cavity in which it is molded (I think that's where the translation error originated).

Best

15:56 Sep 9, 2017 

There is one bit of relevant context still: Every single time "Kochformen" + tyres are mentioned, online articles will include some reference to a certain French business. I think there's been some mistranslation here.

What they actually mean to say is "sidewall":
http://www.coopertire.co.uk/cooper-world/technical-help/tyre...

Just compare with the articles in German about a certain kind of tyre/tire and its "Kochform" or search for the brand name, the model and "sidewall" + tyre/tire--I'm pretty certain you'll find the above confirmed by that.

Best