Tire uniformity prediction using curve fitting

Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation (radial, lateral, or tangential) for a production tire operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using a prediction curve with parameters which are determined for the production tire by collecting measurement data for the production tire using a factory floor tire uniformity machine operated at a plurality of intermediate test speeds, and then fitting the prediction curve to the measurement data, preferably using a least squares curve fitting process. Higher speed measurements are optionally given greater weight in the curve fitting process as compared to lower speed measurements. The prediction curve is preferably a parabolic curve type. The plurality of intermediate test speeds (preferably at least 3) are between and including a lower test speed (preferably at least 60 rpm) and a highest reasonable test speed. Most preferably, the lower test speed is at least approximately 200 rpm, and the highest reasonable test speed is at least approximately 200 rpm higher than the lower test speed. Preferably, the individual values of the plurality of intermediate test speeds are spaced at approximately regular intervals between and including the lower test speed and the highest reasonable test speed.