DRUM FOR THE APPLICATION OF SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS WITHIN TYRES FOR VEHICLE WHEELS, AND APPLICATION PROCESS WHICH CAN BE IMPLEMENTED WITH SAID DRUM

A drum (1) in sectors (19) is arranged in a contracted condition in which its maximum outer diameter (Dmax) is smaller than a minimum inner diameter (Dmin) of a tyre (3). The drum carrying a semi-finished product (2) applied around the deposition surface (S) thereof is inserted axially inside within the tyre (3) and radially expanded to apply the semi-finished product (2) against a radially inner surface of the tyre (3). In the radially contracted condition, the sectors (19) have respective laminar extensions (22) extending in the circumferential direction and each slidably inserted with a terminal portion (23) thereof through a guide seat (21) carried by one of the circumferentially contiguous sectors (19) in radially inner position with respect to the deposition surface (S). During the radial expansion, the laminar extensions (22) are extracted from the respective guide seats (21) so that the deposition surface (S) maintains a substantially continuous development.