What kind of machines do they use to make wheels?

[brrymnvette]

Do they CNC make them. Start with a chunk and cut out the rim? How do they do it and what kind of equipment do they use?

[rocco16]

The short answer is "it depends".
Obviously, different type wheels require different processes and machinery. Are you talking about cast, forged, or multi-piece wheels?

Larry

[brrymnvette]

Originally Posted by code5coupe

The short answer is "it depends".
Obviously, different type wheels require different processes and machinery. Are you talking about cast, forged, or multi-piece wheels?

Larry

All 3? Which is the easiest to make? I guess multi would be the fastest because you can use any barrel with any center. What tyoe if machine do they use? Where so they the machines from?

[jfrc]

saws-all, hand drill, and a file

[Allthrottleandsomebottle]

The link below should help explain.....Seems I deal with this type stuff all the time I was looking for some old info & thought some folks would like to read a short article on makin some HRE rims!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=HRE+545

[fcarga]

thanks--an interesting read

[rocco16]

Originally Posted by brrymnvette

All 3? Which is the easiest to make? I guess multi would be the fastest because you can use any barrel with any center. What tyoe if machine do they use? Where so they the machines from?

The easiest, or more correctly the fastest, to manufacture is the cast wheel: cast it in a mould, machine it (drill and lathe?) and paint/polish/clearcoat it.

The forged wheel adds the forging process(using a hammer forge) after the rough casting.

The mulit-piece is the most involved...that's why they cost 3 to 5 times more than cast. The centers are machined (CNC 3- or 5-axis mill)forgings, while the rims are spun on a spinning lathe. That is followed by the paint/polish/anodize/etc finish. Then they have to be assembled and sealed, usually by hand.

Some wheels also go thru some NDT process (non-destructive testing) such as X-ray, fluorescent penetrant, or eddy current, before they are packaged for shippment.

It helps to take a tour through one of the major manufacturers. I am lucky enough to live close to two of them, HRE and Kinesis, and was impressed by both of these and their willingness to 'show me around'.

Larry
code5coupe