Two part light alloy wheel - has rolled rim with horizontal flange to weld onto pressed wheel disc

摘要

The vehicle wheel has the wheel rim profile rolled and the centre disc pressed, using different materials. The wheel rim has an outer flange (10) running nearly horizontal and butt welded onto a similar flange at the outer edge of the wheel disc. This provides max. strength and a simple weld process. The weld can be a friction type process. The wheel rim flange has a weakened section (10) to absorb stresses during running and enable thinner metal to be used. The weld is under the tyre bead support and can be protected by an overlapping lip on one part of the flange.