Mark Lisnyansky, president of Magnesium Inc., notes that “wheel weight is very important for overall performance, as it is a key component in the mass of a vehicle“ without suspension ”. As a rule, the accepted rule for the thumb to predict the effectiveness of benefits from sprung vs. un, the spring mass reduction is approximately 4: 1. For every kilogram of incompressible mass, a fourfold advantage in the characteristics of the vehicle is excluded. For example, large diameter forged magnesium wheels (20 "-22") increase the weight advantage over aluminum, excluding on average 70-75 pounds of weight without a spring, which would provide the same acceleration and braking advantage, which eliminates 250-300 pounds from the engine , chassis or passenger compartment of the car ". Mr. Lisnyansky continues to say: “Thanks to these lighter wheels, forged wheels are at least 20% lighter, maintaining equal loads with better performance, which is always easier on a car and its suspension. Lighter wheels also give a shorter break distance, which saves life, reduces acceleration and reduces fuel consumption. ”
The process of making forged aluminum and magnesium wheels is crucial for the strength of the wheel. They are manufactured by applying extremely high forces to the base material in the contained die. Forged wheel blanks or “preforms” undergo very beneficial changes in the structure of the metallurgical grain during this process. The more random grain structure found in standard cast wheels becomes a more organized and aligned grain structure when the wheels are faked. More importantly, the forged metallurgical microstructure of the wheels in both aluminum and magnesium can be further oriented during the forging process to ensure maximum material strength precisely where the wheels see the greatest load from the dangers of the road surface or from the side and other loads created own inertia of vehicles. Going further, modern modern computer modeling techniques allow the wheel manufacturer and automakers to collaborate in optimizing a particular wheel geometry and design for maximum durability and safety on the vehicle.
SMW Engineering, a division of Magnesium.com is a leader in the development of magnesium wheels. Engineers at Magneisum.com recognize another important feature of forged wheels over low-pressure cast wheels — surface integrity that is achievable. Most of the latest models of wheels and finishing combinations are enhanced by the density and uniformity of cosmetic surfaces on forged wheels. This is especially important for more expensive vehicles where bright trimming of wheels is required, but chrome plating is not an alternative due to massive, cost and environmental considerations. Forged, shiny polished wheels, of course, significantly improve the appearance and aesthetics of vehicles.
While the cost of machining forging is higher than the standard low-pressure casting technology used on wheels, which are supplied as original equipment on many cars, even the most economical car manufacturers install forged wheels on their most efficient vehicles. By optimizing the strength of the wheels through the choice of technological processes and materials, many of the advantages in overall car performance will make forged magnesium wheels one of the key stages in the upcoming modernization, improved performance and safety.
The technology of forging magnesium wheels is always moving forward. With new technologies, new applications are emerging in forging and coating. SMW Engineering and Magnesium.com regularly research and test new design methods. In the racing world, the automotive industry and motorcycle, magnesium wheels have been adopted for some time as effective tools for losing weight, better handling and improved performance. Luxury manufacturers of automobiles and bicycles are now in the interests of consumers and require not only high-performance magnesium wheels, but also exclusively designed and coated with magnesium wheels.
Magnesium.com recently announced the release of solid forged magnesium wheels for outdoor use in North America. Wheels are 20–30% lighter than forged aluminum, and provide enhanced safety and performance.
“The wheel drive market in the US is rather formidable, and we intend to supply a smaller, but very important segment of the 100 million car wheels used in North America,” said Mark Lishnyansky, President of Magnesium.com. “We will provide best-in-class wheels that automakers can offer as an option on new cars, and consumers can add to their current cars.”
Magnesium alloy wheels are initially available in 20 and 22-inch sizes and are machined with a high-tech anti-corrosion coating. The company will also develop wheels of various sizes and formulations for specific North American applications.
“Steel wheels are becoming almost obsolete, and the prevailing trend is associated with cast aluminum wheels. While most people are not familiar with forged wheels, automotive enthusiasts know that forged wheels have significant advantages and forged magnesium wheels, which are lighter and much stronger than their aluminum counterparts, are the next logical step in optimizing car performance. ”
Magnesium wheels offer consumers increased safety, reducing braking distances and providing higher acceleration speeds, as well as improving gas mileage. There is also a moisturizing factor of magnesium, which allows you to more effectively absorb vibrations caused by road imperfections.
Mr. Lisnyansky added that, along with safety aspects, “forged magnesium wheels will also have a noticeable impact on vehicle performance by reducing weight without a spring, which is an important factor of efficiency.”
Using specialized equipment for the aviation industry, the company for many years produces disks Superbike and Formula One. The wheels are forged in Russia by a subsidiary, and then processed and completed in Italy.
Why not build a finish line in Russia? “Prospective customers, primarily manufacturers of automotive original equipment, often require a comfortable level of availability of wheels of suppliers made on site, even if the forging itself comes from Russia,” said Lisnyansky.
Magnesium.com recently held a “Best New Wheel Design” competition and is in talks with several major distributors to set up a joint venture for machining and finishing in the USA. The company is considering acquiring or a joint venture with a local wheel company with an existing high level of market presence and brand recognition.
