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One-and
two-piece alloy wheels
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| One-piece
alloy wheels are mainly produced by low -pressure die casting with subsequent
machining. Because of the relatively porous grain structure a given minimum
wall thickness must be maintained in order to guarantee adequate mechanical
strength. |
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| For this reason,
cast alloy wheels carry hardly any weight benefit over conventional steel
wheels. Whereas in the past styling was a major factor in favour of alloy
wheels, weight considerations are today becoming increasingly important.
In recent years, the use of Leifeld Metal Spinning GmbH flow forming technology
has successfully met both requirements. The latest developments with the
goal of still further weight reduction include, for example, a full-face
wheel with formed undercut yielding up to 25% reduction against a conventional
cast wheel. |
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| In the case
of a two-piece wheel, the centre serves as a carrier for the styling effects
in the form of either a casting or forging. The tyre-bearing rim is flow
formed and an internal web for attaching the centre is integral with the
cast blank. |
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| An alternative
is a flow formed rim made from rolled aluminium strip. The spider is attached
by welding and comprises of a pressing which has been spun and flow formed
in the region of the horn. |
