Of all the methods which are used to manufacture high-quality wheels, flow forming is the latest one. While this technology has been around for some time, not too many major manufacturers have used it.
Then came an announcement from Method Wheels!
It was a simple one: Method had used flow forming to create an entirely new model and had launched it for mass-market consumption across the United States.
The new rim was Method Wheels model 313; they had been launched in just 2 finishes: Matte Black and Glossy Titanium.
This has set the cat among the pigeons, so to speak! There is news that TSW Wheels (which already had a flow formed range) is ramping up its arsenal.
Before we go further, let’s walk you through what flow forming means.
Wheel manufacturing technologies decoded
Casting and forging methods have been the mainstay of the manufacturing processes for many decades. Flow forming can be considered to be a process that takes cues from both casting and forging.
It is currently the most sophisticated manufacturing process in the aftermarket and OEM business; it is hardly surprising that Method Wheels launched the Model 313. This is a company that has always disrupted the markets with its statements on both fronts I.e., style and substance!
Simply put, flow formed rims are lighter than standard cast wheels but are more capable of sustaining heavier weights over longer distances.
In fact, companies like American Truxx Wheels, a company that focuses on larger rims are also taking active interest in adopting this new technology.
Flow forming is when a lot of pressure is applied to the inner barrel of a rim that is spinning at high speeds after it has been cast.
When done properly, it can:
- Increase the rim’s tensile strength because the aluminum is compressed and stretched severely!
- Flow forming uses slightly lower quantities of metal. This is an advantage because the rims thus produced will be around 20% lighter than the average cast rims.
- With increased tensile strength comes the added bonuses of better load-bearing capacities and better shock absorption.
The principal drawback of flow formed models sold by TSW Wheels and other big boys of the aftermarket world is that these rims are extremely costly.
To counter this proven fact, Vision Wheels has laid down 2 advantages. They are:
- Since these are lightweight wheels, they will ensure that your vehicle consumes less fuel than it used to. The ROI in the long run will balance out the higher amount you will have to shell out during purchase.
- Model 313 (and the others that are sure to follow) will be more responsive to sudden acceleration and sudden braking.
You can consider flow formed rims if:
- You own a heavy-duty SUV which you occasionally use for both city commutes and off-roading. A flow formed set of American Truxx Wheels will be effective in both these scenarios.
- You occasionally take part in amateur racing competitions but with lighter vehicles that have smaller engines.
How about other manufacturers of flow formed rims?
While Vision Wheels has just started its journey in manufacturing these rims, some mammoth companies have already been busy with their own flow formed models.
If you are looking for other options, there are plenty.
Some of the best ones are the following:
- Enkei Wheels: The Japanese giant Enkei is, without doubt, one of the most sophisticated manufacturers of advanced rims for both aftermarket uses and also supplies OEM products. It was the first major company which used the now-common Barrel Strengthening Ribs or BSR treatment that made their products even more resilient to damage.
- Konig Wheels: Konig has been trusted as one of the world’s most innovative wheel manufacturers for several decades now. Unlike Vision Wheels, they have several different models that are flow formed and are available in a wide range of sizes and lug-nut variants.
Some of their more popular models that are flow formed include the Freeform, the Ampliform, the Dekagram, and the Hypergram families.
All of these rims have been extremely well-accepted wherever they are sold!
- TSW Wheels: This is a brand that has been in business since 1967, and has numerous records up its sleeves. It was established by a champion racing car driver who had also participated in Formula 1. Over the years, TSW has produced several flow formed wheels which have gained wide admiration across the United States and the world.
Note that TSW calls the process ‘Rotary Forging.’ But the underlying technology is the same!
TSW positions its rims as aftermarket alternatives for premium vehicles. If you own an expensive car which you want to push to its limits, try out the latest models from TSW Wheels!
A few other companies which also use this technology include CWS, Ferrada, and Vossen Wheels.
Finally…
With the 313, Method Wheels is joining the Big Boys’ club.
It is expected to breathe new life into the company’s model catalog and will help reinvent the company in some ways.
If you are someone who is planning to buy a set, ensure you have the right retailer pinned down!
Method Wheels Launches New Flow Formed Model! Here are Some Others You Can Consider
Of all the methods which are used to manufacture high-quality wheels, flow forming is the latest one. While this technology has been around for some time, not too many major manufacturers have used it.
Then came an announcement from Method Wheels!
It was a simple one: Method had used flow forming to create an entirely new model and had launched it for mass-market consumption across the United States.
The new rim was Method Wheels model 313; they had been launched in just 2 finishes: Matte Black and Glossy Titanium.
This has set the cat among the pigeons, so to speak! There is news that TSW Wheels (which already had a flow formed range) is ramping up its arsenal.
Before we go further, let’s walk you through what flow forming means.
Wheel manufacturing technologies decoded
Casting and forging methods have been the mainstay of the manufacturing processes for many decades. Flow forming can be considered to be a process that takes cues from both casting and forging.
It is currently the most sophisticated manufacturing process in the aftermarket and OEM business; it is hardly surprising that Method Wheels launched the Model 313. This is a company that has always disrupted the markets with its statements on both fronts I.e., style and substance!
Simply put, flow formed rims are lighter than standard cast wheels but are more capable of sustaining heavier weights over longer distances.
In fact, companies like American Truxx Wheels, a company that focuses on larger rims are also taking active interest in adopting this new technology.
Flow forming is when a lot of pressure is applied to the inner barrel of a rim that is spinning at high speeds after it has been cast.
When done properly, it can:
- Increase the rim’s tensile strength because the aluminum is compressed and stretched severely!
- Flow forming uses slightly lower quantities of metal. This is an advantage because the rims thus produced will be around 20% lighter than the average cast rims.
- With increased tensile strength comes the added bonuses of better load-bearing capacities and better shock absorption.
The principal drawback of flow formed models sold by TSW Wheels and other big boys of the aftermarket world is that these rims are extremely costly.
To counter this proven fact, Vision Wheels has laid down 2 advantages. They are:
- Since these are lightweight wheels, they will ensure that your vehicle consumes less fuel than it used to. The ROI in the long run will balance out the higher amount you will have to shell out during purchase.
- Model 313 (and the others that are sure to follow) will be more responsive to sudden acceleration and sudden braking.
You can consider flow formed rims if:
- You own a heavy-duty SUV which you occasionally use for both city commutes and off-roading. A flow formed set of American Truxx Wheels will be effective in both these scenarios.
- You occasionally take part in amateur racing competitions but with lighter vehicles that have smaller engines.
How about other manufacturers of flow formed rims?
While Vision Wheels has just started its journey in manufacturing these rims, some mammoth companies have already been busy with their own flow formed models.
If you are looking for other options, there are plenty.
Some of the best ones are the following:
- Enkei Wheels: The Japanese giant Enkei is, without doubt, one of the most sophisticated manufacturers of advanced rims for both aftermarket uses and also supplies OEM products. It was the first major company which used the now-common Barrel Strengthening Ribs or BSR treatment that made their products even more resilient to damage.
- Konig Wheels: Konig has been trusted as one of the world’s most innovative wheel manufacturers for several decades now. Unlike Vision Wheels, they have several different models that are flow formed and are available in a wide range of sizes and lug-nut variants.
Some of their more popular models that are flow formed include the Freeform, the Ampliform, the Dekagram, and the Hypergram families.
All of these rims have been extremely well-accepted wherever they are sold!
- TSW Wheels: This is a brand that has been in business since 1967, and has numerous records up its sleeves. It was established by a champion racing car driver who had also participated in Formula 1. Over the years, TSW has produced several flow formed wheels which have gained wide admiration across the United States and the world.
Note that TSW calls the process ‘Rotary Forging.’ But the underlying technology is the same!
TSW positions its rims as aftermarket alternatives for premium vehicles. If you own an expensive car which you want to push to its limits, try out the latest models from TSW Wheels!
A few other companies which also use this technology include CWS, Ferrada, and Vossen Wheels.
Finally…
With the 313, Method Wheels is joining the Big Boys’ club.
It is expected to breathe new life into the company’s model catalog and will help reinvent the company in some ways.
If you are someone who is planning to buy a set, ensure you have the right retailer pinned down!