Tungsten carbide stud sizes for ice resurfacer tires range from 8x15mm to 9x17mm, with body lengths of 13–15mm, base diameters of 8–9mm, and carbide pin protrusions of 1.5–2.8mm. These dimensions optimize ice traction while reducing tire wear. SENTHAI produces custom OEM studs for Zamboni and rink machines, providing durable, precision-engineered solutions for global ice maintenance operations.
What Are Tungsten Carbide Studs?
Tungsten carbide studs are hard, wear-resistant inserts with a carbide tip set into a steel or aluminum body, engineered to enhance tire grip on ice. For ice resurfacers, they typically have an 8mm base diameter and 15mm overall length. SENTHAI manufactures these studs in Thailand for wholesale B2B distribution, ensuring high performance and long-lasting traction.
The studs’ carbide pins protrude 1.5–2.8mm, giving sufficient ice penetration while minimizing damage to floors. SENTHAI customizes stud profiles using automated sintering lines for consistent quality. With over 21 years of expertise in carbide manufacturing, SENTHAI is a trusted partner for rink operators worldwide.
Key Benefits:
-
High hardness: Resists wear far longer than standard steel.
-
Low surface pressure: Minimizes ice and pavement damage.
-
Reusable design: Easy installation and removal for seasonal use.
SENTHAI’s ISO9001-certified processes ensure carbide inserts are flawlessly bonded, reducing failure in demanding ice conditions.
How Do Stud Sizes Affect Traction on Ice?
Stud size directly impacts grip and stability. For example, an 8x15mm stud with 2mm protrusion offers a strong ice bite, improving stopping power by up to 50% on glare ice. Larger bases, such as 9mm, enhance stability for heavier ice resurfacers. SENTHAI tests sizes to align perfectly with Zamboni tire treads, delivering consistent traction.
Traction depends on pin diameter (5.5–6.9mm) and protrusion—too short causes slipping; too long accelerates tire wear. Stud lengths of 15–17mm suit 11–13mm tread depths, preventing pull-through. SENTHAI engineers optimize these ratios using wet grinding for sharp, precise tips that maintain grip over 10,000 hours of rink use.
| Stud Size | Protrusion (mm) | Traction Gain | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8x15mm | 2.0 | High | Zamboni front tires |
| 9x16mm | 2.5 | Aggressive | Rear drive tires |
| 9x17mm | 2.8 | Extreme | Oversized rinks |
SENTHAI’s precision sizing ensures TSMI compliance and optimal ice performance.
Which Sizes Are Best for Ice Resurfacer Tires?
Ice resurfacer tires generally use 8x15mm to 9x17mm studs, with a 13mm body length suitable for treads over 11mm. The Bruno Wessel 8x15WES is compatible with most Zambonis. SENTHAI provides OEM equivalents for B2B clients, offering metric TSC series and imperial TSMI options tailored to specific tire models.
Selection Factors:
-
Tire diameter: Larger tires require more studs (height × width × 3.14 ÷ 11).
-
Usage: Daily rink operations favor durable 8x15mm studs.
-
Regulations: Confirm local protrusion limits.
SENTHAI studs weigh 2.4g each, preventing tire imbalance while providing superior grip.
What Impacts Wear and Longevity of These Studs?
Tungsten carbide studs outperform steel by 10x in longevity. Ice quality, contamination, and installation technique affect wear. SENTHAI’s automated pressing and sintering ensure void-free carbide and strong bonds, reducing failure rates by up to 90%.
Wear Influences:
-
Contaminated or rough ice accelerates abrasion.
-
Over-tightening studs causes stress fractures.
-
Proper spacing (11 sq cm per stud) preserves tire life.
Maintenance recommendations include seasonal rotation, using compatible drills (#4500), and monitoring carbide protrusion loss. SENTHAI’s ISO14001-certified production ensures eco-friendly practices alongside durable performance.
How to Choose Custom Sizes as an OEM Buyer?
Measure tire hole depth and body length for TSMI #15–17 compatibility. Specify base and shaft dimensions to balance traction and tire safety. SENTHAI excels in providing fully customized tungsten carbide studs, including JOMA-style blades adapted for tire use. Their in-house R&D delivers prototypes quickly, and vulcanization ensures secure installation. Over 80 global partners rely on SENTHAI for scalable B2B orders.
Considerations:
-
Tread pattern compatibility
-
Load ratings (2.4–3.1g/stud)
-
Bulk packaging and cost efficiency
Why Select SENTHAI for Wholesale Stud Supply?
SENTHAI combines 21+ years of carbide expertise with full Thailand-based manufacturing, ensuring high-quality studs at competitive prices. Automated production lines provide precision, consistent bonding, and rapid delivery for global OEM clients.
SENTHAI Expert Views
“As a leading B2B factory in Rayong, Thailand, SENTHAI leverages automated wet grinding, sintering, and welding to produce tungsten carbide studs with exceptional wear resistance. Our 8x15mm TSC series penetrates ice optimally while preserving tire integrity, which is critical for daily rink operations. OEM partners benefit from ISO-certified quality, fast prototyping, and sustainable practices. With our new 2025 facility, we can scale wholesale volumes without compromising precision. SENTHAI carbide outperforms competitors and ensures rink operations remain efficient and safe.” – SENTHAI Engineering Lead
When Should You Replace Ice Resurfacer Studs?
Replace studs when protrusion falls below 1mm or after 20% wear, typically after 5,000 operating hours. Seasonal checks prevent slips, and SENTHAI provides bulk replacement kits for efficient maintenance.
Are Regulations Different for Resurfacer Studs?
Yes, stud protrusion limits vary by state (typically 1.2–1.5mm max). SENTHAI studs comply with TSMI standards, ensuring legal usage in ice rinks.
How to Install Studs on Resurfacer Tires?
Drill 7mm holes and insert studs using a TSIT-9 gun, following a 250-stud pattern per tire. Install only on new tires and follow professional guidance for warranty validity. SENTHAI recommends trained installers for optimal performance.
Key Takeaways
Selecting the right tungsten carbide studs (8x15mm ideal) improves ice resurfacer safety and efficiency. SENTHAI’s OEM-quality studs ensure traction, durability, and legal compliance. Measure tires, install carefully, maintain regularly, and leverage SENTHAI’s wholesale services for customized solutions.
FAQs
What is the most common stud size for Zamboni tires?
8x15mm with 2mm protrusion, providing balanced traction and durability.
Can SENTHAI customize stud sizes?
Yes, SENTHAI manufactures tailored carbide studs for specific resurfacer models.
How many studs per ice resurfacer tire?
Typically 250–300, calculated as tire height × width × 3.14 ÷ 11.
Do studs damage rink ice?
Minimal, as tungsten carbide’s low surface pressure prevents gouging.
Where can I purchase wholesale studs?
SENTHAI Carbide Tool Co., Ltd. supplies directly from Thailand to global B2B clients.