They are easier to make, so the cost savings are often passed on to the buyer. Disadvantages of Cast Wheels Allowing the molten aluminum to solidify can result in inconsistencies that can cause cracking and oxidation in the wheel. The wheels may be made heavier to compensate for this potential problem. Process of Manufacturing Forged Wheels Forged wheels begin as a solid piece of metal that is then exposed to heat and intense pressure that compresses the material.
This material is forged into different dimensions based on the wheel design. Advantages of Forged Wheels Forged wheels are less porous than cast wheels because of the forging process. The forging process makes these wheels stronger, more durable and more resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Forged wheels tend to have greater overall vehicle performance and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Disadvantages of Forged Wheels Forging is a more time-consuming and precise process. There are also no limits to casting weight and the process makes it much easier to produce complicated parts. Contrary to popular belief, a properly cast wheel can weigh more than a forged wheel and the build quality is more than enough for street and light track use.
When deciding between forged wheels and cast wheels, your vehicle usage, terrain, and price point are all important factors to consider. Please note we are a secondary seller of manufactured OEM wheels. While we carry thousands of OEM wheel options, information on whether a model was forged or cast is not readily available to us. View Main Menu. Who We Are Why Partner? Share this with your friends Contrary to what some enthusiasts will tell you, cast wheels are not terrible.
A properly built cast wheel will weigh more than a forged wheel, but the build quality is typically more than enough for street use and light track use.
A high-quality cast wheel will survive heavy track usage, but the heavier design it not ideal. There are two methods for making forged wheels: machine forging and mold-form forging. Nearly all forged wheels on the market use machine forging. This process takes a chuck of billet aluminum and subjects it to high temperature and tons of pressure which create a compressed structure which is much stronger than the original piece of billet.
The large piece of forged aluminum is machine cut into the desired shape. This is the traditional process for building traditional forged wheels. There are a few companies, most notably Rays Engineering , who use the Mold-Form process of creating forged wheels.
The Mold-Form process is different, in that the shape of the wheel is creating during the forging process. By creating the shape of the wheel during the forging process, the grain of the metal flows with the shape of the wheel, resulting in much greater strength.
After they make the rough forging, a massive machine applies upwards of 10, tons of force to the inner and outer rim to create the desired shape. That strength allows for less material to be used to achieve the desired structural integrity, resulting in a significantly lighter wheel.
This starts with a cast wheel that is purposely made narrower than desired. They then stick the wheel on a machine that spins the wheel while pressing steel roller against the rim area, which compresses and stretches the barrel of the wheel, resulting in forged-like barrel strength and weight. As you may imagine, wheels built using this process fall between the cost of a cast and forged wheel.
This is a great middle ground for anyone who wants something stronger than a cast wheel without paying the price of a forged wheel. Companies like Vorsteiner are very well known for their flow-forged wheels. If you want something as strong as possible, then you should look at a forged wheel, but for most enthusiasts, a flow-forged wheel is the perfect balance between cost and strength.
There is no perfect answer about what kind of wheel is right for you.
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