What is the Difference Between Flow Forming and Forging?
1 Answers
Flow-formed wheels and forged wheels differ in terms of cost, appearance, and performance. Wheels manufactured using the flow-forming method to complete the casting process are referred to as flow-formed cast wheels. Forged wheels are produced through the forging process. The differences between the two are as follows: Cost: Flow-forming technology is relatively simpler, suitable for mass production, and has lower costs. Forged wheel technology is more complex, with higher costs but superior performance. Since the forging process involves significantly more steps than low-pressure casting, individual mechanical performance indicators for forged wheels are generally 30%–50% higher, with some metrics being several times better. As a result, forged wheels of the same model are typically much more expensive than low-pressure cast wheels. Appearance: While the two types of wheels are difficult to distinguish visually, they differ significantly in metal properties. Forged wheels exhibit better fatigue resistance, impact resistance, and strength compared to flow-formed wheels. In terms of weight, flow-formed wheels are generally about 20% heavier than forged wheels. Performance: Flow-formed wheels are cast under low pressure, which ensures good mold filling, reduced shrinkage porosity, and high density due to pressurized filling and solidification. Forged wheels, on the other hand, have grain flow aligned with the stress direction, resulting in higher strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance.
