How are cast alloy wheels made?
How cast alloy wheels are made is clear even from their name - they are cast into a ready-made mould. Aluminium-based alloys are used to make cast wheels (which is exactly why they are called aluminium wheels in Europe), or, much more rarely, magnesium-based alloys.
It has to be said that the properties of the finished wheel, including its reliability, impact resistance and strength, depend heavily on a great many factors, from the quality of the alloy and the casting mould right through to the quality of the final machining and paintwork. So you should absolutely not rush into buying the cheapest cast wheels you can find - their quality may well leave a lot to be desired.
What are replica wheels?Replica wheels are usually the name given to copies of the standard alloy wheels of various car makes, repeating not just the design but also the car maker’s badge.
What are forged wheels?Forged wheels are made by industrial hot forging, after which, just like cast ones, they go through a process of heat treatment and artificial ageing.
How do you tell forging from casting?There is no way to say for certain whether you are being offered a forging or a casting without sophisticated tests and equipment.
How are alloy wheels madeA video that clearly shows the manufacturing process of forged and cast alloy wheels.
How do you choose wheels?What criteria should you follow first when choosing alloy wheels for a car?
Forged wheels: a privilege of the rich?What are forged wheels, how do they differ from cast ones, and what are the advantages of forging?
How do you tell forging from casting?There is no way to say for certain whether you are being offered a forging or a casting without sophisticated tests and equipment.
How are alloy wheels madeA video that clearly shows the manufacturing process of forged and cast alloy wheels.
How do you choose wheels?What criteria should you follow first when choosing alloy wheels for a car?
Forged wheels: a privilege of the rich?What are forged wheels, how do they differ from cast ones, and what are the advantages of forging?