Forged wheels are manufactured through a forging process in which metal material is heated to a specific temperature and subjected to pressing or hammering to induce plastic deformation, thereby forming the wheel rim. Specifically, forged wheels are created by applying high pressure to aluminum ingots using a press with a capacity of over 10,000 tons, causing plastic deformation, followed by precision machining. This process results in a tighter arrangement of metal molecules-yielding a density 15%–20% higher than that of cast wheels-and creates a "metal fiber-like" structure that significantly enhances the material's mechanical properties. The fundamental difference from cast wheels lies in the production method: forging involves high-pressure forming from a solid billet, whereas casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold.
Forged wheels can be identified via a tapping test: they produce a crisp, pleasant resonance when struck, whereas cast wheels emit a duller, lower-pitched sound. Additionally, forged wheels typically bear a "FORGED" marking on the back, a feature absent on cast wheels. Visually, forged wheels often feature two-piece or three-piece designs where the rim and spokes are joined by rivets or welding, sometimes incorporating contrasting color schemes; their surface finish is highly refined, maintaining a smooth, glossy appearance and uniform metallic luster on both the front and back.
