What is the difference between cast and forged wheels?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between the two: Price: Compared to cast wheels, forged wheels have broken grains and forged structures, while cast wheels have dendritic grains and cast structures. In terms of individual mechanical performance indicators, forged wheels generally improve by 30% to 50%, with some indicators being several times higher. Therefore, wheels of the same model that are forged are usually much more expensive than those made by low-pressure casting. Appearance: Whether cast or forged, after various processes, it is generally difficult to distinguish much difference in appearance unless marked. However, forged wheels usually have simpler and more refined spokes. Performance: Low-pressure cast wheels have good filling properties, fewer shrinkage cavities, and higher density because they are filled and solidified under pressure. Forged wheels, on the other hand, have grain flow directions aligned with the stress direction, resulting in higher strength, as well as significantly better toughness and fatigue strength compared to cast wheels.
When I first researched cars, I found significant differences between cast and forged wheels. Casting involves melting metal and pouring it into a mold to solidify, which is simple and inexpensive, but may leave internal air bubbles and result in heavier weight. Forging, on the other hand, uses high-pressure hammering to compress a solid block of metal into shape, resulting in a much denser structure, higher strength, better weight reduction, but at double the cost. Therefore, sports cars or performance vehicles often use forged wheels because they save fuel and improve handling stability due to their lighter weight, while regular family cars mostly use cast wheels for their affordability and cheaper modifications. If you're into car modifications, choosing forged wheels can enhance overall safety, but you'll need a sufficient budget—don't skimp and risk damaging your car. Daily maintenance is also important; cast wheels are prone to deformation over time, so check wheel balance frequently.
