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| TECHNOLOGY One Piece Wheels The casting of wheels is the process of getting molten aluminium inside a mold to form a wheel. This can be accomplished in many different ways, yet isn´t as simple as it sounds. But with attention to detail can yield great results. This is the most common type of aluminium wheels. Casting This is the process of pouring molten aluminium inside a molt to form a wheel. While some manufacturers simply use Earth´s gravity to pour the molten aluminium, others employ pressure systems to either inject or suck the molten aluminium into a cast. Once the wheel has been molded, it is then removed from the cast and finished. Spun-Rim, Flow-Forming Or Rim Rolling Technology This process begins with a low-pressure type of casting. A special machine then spins the initial casting, heats the outer portion and uses steel rollers pressed against the rim area to pull the rim to its determined width and shape. This process yields a rim area similar in strength to a forged wheel, yet not as costly. Some OEM high-performance or limited production vehicles utilize special wheels with this type of technology, resulting in a light, strong wheel at a reasonable cost. Forged Wheels Forging is the process of forcing a solid billet of aluminium between the forging dies under an extreme amount of pressure. This extracts unwanted elements, making the metal less porous and changes the metal´s grain flow into the shape of the wheel, making it stronger than cast or machined metal parts. It is also very light. However, the process and equipment comes at a high cost. CONSTRUCTION Multi-Piece Wheels These wheels are assembled from two or three components and can be manufactured through different methods. This construction allows the individual pieces to be changed to achieve the required offset and rear (back) spacing. Three-piece Wheels While the centers can be cast in various methods or forged, the rim sections for three-piece wheels are usually spun from disks of aluminium. This enables these wheels to be custom-tailored for special applications that wouldn´t be available otherwise. The rim sections are bolted to the center and normally a sealant is applied in or on the assembly area to seal the wheel. This type of three-piece construction was originally developed for racing in the early 1970s and has been used on cars ever since. Two-piece Wheels The two-piece wheel design isn´t as versatile as a 3-piece wheel, however they are more common in the market, at prices that start well below the average 3-piece wheel. While some two-piece wheels have centers bolted into a cast or cast/spun rim section, other manufacturers press centers into spun rim sections and weld the unit together. Sometimes, manufacturers use special rim-rolling technology to give the rim section weight and strength similar to a forged rim. On the high-end of the two-piece wheel market, you can find wheels using forged rims and forged centers. These are sold in small volume, and due to the high development and production costs associated with the forging process, tend to be on the high end of the price scale. CROSS SECTION OF A ONE-PIECE WHEEL  TECH SYMBOLS Our technical symbols indicate the most important features of each wheel and give a quick overview of its construction, design and technical parameters. CONSTRUCTION Depending on it´s construction, there are one-piece and multi-piece wheels as well as wheels with a multi-piece look..   DESIGN Depending on the shape of the spokes and their connection to rim bed and central area, the following categories apply.    FINISH Rim finishes range from high gloss in various colors to chrome and polished surfaces.    CUSTOM FINISH Options for individualizing your wheels.    TECHNICAL PARAMETERS Depending on the type of vehicle, wheels have to be mounted with a different number of screws.   CAR TYPE Depending on the rim´s construction, wheels are suitable for different loads and vehicle types.    |
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