The aluminum is heated until it melts and is then poured into a mold to get the desired shape. A stronger metal means less is needed to create a wheel which in turn means a lighter wheel with a lower rotational mass.Ĭast wheels also start out as a block of aluminum alloy. The extreme pressure (think a blacksmith heating and pounding metal) actually changes the molecular structure of the aluminum making it much stronger. Forged wheels start out as a block of aluminum alloy that is heated and placed under tremendous pressure to create the desired shape. Most three-piece wheels are manufactured using the time consuming and expensive forging process although there are a few reputable brands that use a hybrid casting process.
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The strongest, lightest, stiffest, most durable three-piece wheels with low rotational inertia are forged models. Because each piece can be finished before assembly, multiple finishes are routine. Even the style and placement of bolts can be customized. Inner rims and cores can support any kind of spoke and cap design from traditional five spoke, to blades, to floating spokes and more. Outer rims (the lip) can have stepped lips or double stepped lips. Each piece can receive a design element and that means each piece can bring a unique contribution to the total design. Because they are custom made and multiple part, three-piece wheels are ideally suited for unique designs and finishes. However, for many owners of six figure rides, correct fitment is assumed and what really counts is enhancing the appearance of their vehicle with some awesome rims. It doesn’t matter how slick a wheel looks if it doesn’t fit right.
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That’s an important consideration for any vehicle but critical for high-performance rides.įor us, fitment is everything. to ensure the wheel is a perfect fit for a specific vehicle. Because these wheels are almost always custom orders, they can be designed to accommodate any modification to suspension, brake size, bolt pattern etc. So, what’s so special about that? This manufacturing process allows for an almost infinite selection of fitment configurations. These three components are sealed together creating the final product.
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A three-piece wheel consists of three distinct parts, a forged center, spun aluminum inner barrel and a spun aluminum outer barrel (lip).