Cast Aluminum Wheels for OEM Passenger Car Applications

Aluminum alloy wheels offer a relatively inexpensive means of differentiating between car models. As a result, their use on Ford vehicles has expanded in the past three years. Because experience has demonstrated their reliability, 6061 aluminum forgings were chosen as the desirable approach in the beginning of the aluminum wheel program. Design flexibility, however, was not available in forgings at reasonable cost. Basic work was done in developing high-elongation, high yield and ultimate tensile strength castings that would perform as well or better than forgings. The results of a two-year program have met the original objectives, allowing expanded use of the high-elongation cast wheels on all car lines.