Steel or Aluminum Rims?
Well, it’s that time of year again. The time of year we all look forward to from Cedar Springs to Grand Rapids, MI. The beauty of the snow stuck to the tree branches. The fresh blanket of snow across the yard that the children are playing in, and let’s not forget……… POTHOLES!
That’s right…Michigan driving at its worst. As one of the leading Cedar Springs-Grand Rapids auto parts suppliers, we are here to assist you in not only your used auto parts needs, but also used auto parts education. Today, we will lay out the pros and cons between steel and aluminum rims when it comes to winter driving.
The Pros And Cons Of Forged Steel Wheels Vs. Cast Iron Wheels
Posted on: August 2, 2023
Categories: Caster Wheels , Featured Casters
When comparing Forged Steel Wheels and Cast Iron Wheels, each has advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll cover in this blog. One thing to note when comparing these two types of wheels is the manufacturing processes each undergoes, which affect costs, bonding ability, and strength.
Forged Steel Wheels, as the name implies, are manufactured in a forging operation. Forging is the term for shaping metal by using localized compressive forces. Forging can be done in a cold operation or a hot operation. For industrial wheels, a hot forging operation is used.
After the weight of the part is determined, a slug of steel round of appropriate diameter is cut and pre-heated to red hot. The steel is then drop forged, shaping the slug through repetitive impacts. The flash is sheared before the steel can cool. The part is then placed on a conveyor for a slow cooling process.
PROS AND CONS OF FORGED STEEL WHEELS INCLUDE:
Can support 30% greater loads than Grey Iron
Are more costly to the machine than the final dimensions
It is not a good bonding surface due to the density of the molecular structure
Excellent for applications with a significant risk of shock loading
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Generally, it is 30-50% more expensive than a grey iron wheel.
Cast Iron Wheels are manufactured by melting pig iron while adding substantial quantities of scrap iron and steel scrap. Undesirable contaminants (e.g., phosphorus and sulfur) are removed at various steps that affect the material’s overall strength.
The melting process is done in a blast furnace known as a cupola or electric induction furnace. The material is wholly liquefied and then carefully poured into a sand mold. The casting is then removed from the sand mold, and final cooling occurs. The final grade of the grey iron is determined by the absolute tensile strength (Grade 30 is 30,000 lbs. tensile strength).
The microscopic structure of the two materials is significantly different and impacts the overall strength of the material/product. During the forging process, the molecular structure is in alignment and never disrupted during the forging process. Hence, the power in the virgin material is never lost. However, the original design needs to be maintained in casting, and a new facility with very little continuity is created, resulting in an insignificant reduction in strength.
PROS AND CONS OF CAST IRON WHEELS INCLUDE:
Can support a significant amount of weight
Machine very easily
Make an excellent bonding surface for a urethane tire
Cannot withstand shocking loading without risk of cracking or failing
Do not make suitable welding surfaces
Cannot be heat treated to change hardness
Considered a cheap alternative in an industrial application.
When choosing between a Forged Steel Wheel and a Cast Iron Wheel, there are many factors to consider. However, getting the correct wheel the first time will minimize long-term costs by reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The experienced engineering group at Caster Concepts, Inc. can help you determine the best industrial caster for your application.
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