Difference between forged and cast wheels

Process principle

Forged wheels are formed by heating metal billets to a certain temperature at high temperature, and then using mechanical equipment to deform the metal billets under pressure to form the required shape. Cast wheels are formed by heating metal billets to a liquid state, pouring them into molds, and solidifying them.

Process characteristics

Forged wheels have the advantages of high forming accuracy, good mechanical properties, and good surface quality, suitable for the production of high-quality wheel products. Cast wheels have low cost, high production efficiency, and are suitable for the production of large quantities of simple-shaped wheel products.

Product performance

Due to the plastic deformation during the forging process, the metal grains are rearranged, resulting in better mechanical and wear resistance properties for forged wheels. Cast wheels have lower density, coarser grain structure, and inferior mechanical and wear resistance properties compared to forged wheels.

Cost difference

The casting process is relatively simple and has lower costs, while forging is more complex and has higher manufacturing costs. In terms of selling price, the same model of forged wheels is usually much more expensive than cast wheels.

Weight difference

Forged wheels undergo continuous stamping processes to become very dense in molecular structure, making them able to withstand higher pressures. Therefore, in the same size and strength, forged wheels are lighter than cast wheels. In summary, the production process of forged wheels is more precise, while cast wheels are inferior, so high-end vehicles often choose forged wheels.