Method for making a non-metallic, fiber reinforced wheel

摘要

A method for compression molding a composite, fiber reinforced wheel. The strength, stiffness and reliability of the wheel is maximized so as to resist failure under high shear and other mechanical loads by controlling the orientation of non-metallic fibers which run through the wheel. Substantially all of the fibers in an inner bearing housing of the wheel extend circumferentially therearound, substantially all of the fibers in a cylindrical outer attachment flange run in a radial direction with respect to the wheel, and substantially all of the fibers of an intermediate rim run in an axial direction. During compression molding, some of the axial running fibers of the rim are forced towards and interspersed among some of the fibers which run circumferentially around the bearing housing so as to establish a wave-shaped mechanical interlock at the interface therebetween.