METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BUILDING TYRES FOR VEHICLE WHEELS

At least one component of a tyre (2) is formed on a forming drum (12a, 12b) by depositing strip-like elements (B) parallel next to one another and arranged one after the other on a deposition surface (S) extending along a circumferential development direction of the forming drum (12a, 12b) in a radially outer position with respect to the latter. The deposition of each strip-like element (B) takes place with the aid of at least one pressure roller (23) comprising a helical spring (26) operating in radial thrust relation along a contact area extending transversally on the respective strip-like element (B) arranged against the deposition surface (S). During the deposition, the pressure roller (23) translates along a longitudinal direction of the strip-like element (B) and is elastically deformed against said strip-like element (B) to take, at least along said contact area, a profile in radial section shaped according to said deposition surface (S), so as to distribute said radial thrust on an entire width of the strip-like element (B).