Production forged wheels very difficult - it uses expensive equipment that has virtually no analogues. That is why in the world you can not find more than 20-30 brands of forged wheels, some of which are almost unknown outside their own country. However, now the production of such automotive components is actively developing in Russia - today there are 6 large plants that perform automated industrial forging of non-ferrous metal products. The reason for this is the presence of unloaded equipment at many manufacturing enterprises that produce products of the military and aerospace industries or dual-use. Forged wheels russian production They are famous all over the world for their durability, reliability and minimal design - previously it was believed that their only drawback is irrelevant design, however, in recent years, a lot of the latest stylish models have appeared.
World leader
The Russian corporation VSMPO, engaged in the production of titanium products, decided to expand its the lineup for sports cars. Initially, they were produced in small batches at a pilot plant, but after a couple of years the concern's products received worldwide recognition. So, some Japanese car manufacturers bought ready-made wheels and blanks from VSMPO for their production - then they could be seen on dynamic cars manufactured by Nissan, Mazda, Honda and other famous brands. However, the best evidence of the quality of VSMPO forged wheels was a contract concluded with Rolls-Royce - according to its provisions, by 2025, the Russian company will supply titanium and alloy products, including rims, worth more than $ 300 million.
Unfortunately, in 2012, the production of forged wheels under the VSMPO brand was officially discontinued - the company decided to focus on direct cooperation with manufacturers, and not on retail sales. However, according to experts, stocks of finished products in warehouses will be enough until 2020, although every year the number of models available to the consumer will decrease. Russian-made forged wheels will be installed on domestic and foreign cars, although it will no longer be possible to find the name of a familiar brand on them.
The VSPMO rims are different - their deformation requires 5–10 times more force than damage to a conventional cast wheel. One of their advantages can be called extremely low weight, for example, forged wheels of the most popular dimension R16 weigh only 5-6 kilograms, depending on the model chosen. Each product is painted using powder technology, and materials for processing are produced by the world famous company Akzo Nobel. The VSMPO model range includes more than 40 types of forged wheels available in various sizes - they are suitable for installation on ordinary passenger cars, SUVs and sports cars. Disks can be equipped with a number of decorative and functional elements:
- Protective pads;
- Central wheel nuts with clamps;
- Coloring the hub and knitting needles.
From the world of motorsport
Back in 1992, the Russian company SLIK decided to start production of rims by purchasing the appropriate equipment. Initially, a small factory focused solely on the needs of racing teams, but over time, forged wheels began to go on sale. Unlike VSMPO, this company does not have its own mining and metallurgical production, so it buys billets from the country's leading metallurgical plants. However, pressing, hot molding, as well as bringing the discs to the desired parameters are fully performed at the facilities of the enterprise located in Togliatti.
Today, under the SLIK trademark, more than 50 types of forged wheels are produced, which differ in dimension and design. Appearance most of them cannot be called outdated or irrelevant - the disks received a number of awards at international and Russian competitions, and were also approved by some car manufacturers. SLIK forged wheels are made of high-strength aluminum alloy containing impurities of magnesium, titanium and other non-ferrous metals - this allows them to achieve excellent strength with minimal weight. All products can be painted in various colors, including golden, white, black, silver. The manufacturer also allows the decoration of discs - for this you need to use special persistent dyes.
One of the best evidence of the quality of forged wheels of a Russian company is their use in the racing series. In addition, they are bought by private racing teams that participate in competitions held at the world's largest racetracks. Unlike VSMPO products, SLIK forged wheels are easy to find on the open market - the company has its representative offices in the largest cities of Russia.
From aviation to cars
The drives of the Stupino Metallurgical Plant, which are sold under the brands of "SMK" and also M&K, have gained very great popularity in many countries of the world. They are produced by one of the most high-tech divisions of the enterprise - QMS Aviatetehnologii, specializing in the production of aircraft components. Forged wheels undergo hot stamping, as well as multi-layer powder coating, which allows them to achieve maximum reliability. An alloy of aluminum with high-strength non-ferrous metals is used as a raw material for production.
Since 1996, such Russian forged wheels have been delivered to conveyors of leading automobile manufacturers in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA, China and many other countries. The use of Russian forged wheels by tuning studios Mansory and IFG speaks about their world recognition. In addition, forged wheels SMK were sold under their brands by OZ Racing, Regamaster, Starkar. The representatives of the plant consider the greatest achievement to be the delivery of their products to Aston Martin and Bentley conveyors. In addition, a special division of the metallurgical plant produces high-strength motorcycle wheels, which are purchased by Aprilia, Bimota, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi and others.
Surveys of Russian motorists show that QMS ratings are second only to VSMPO products, which are gradually leaving the market. However, a significant drawback of the company is an extremely limited lineup, which is significantly inferior to the production program of the two above enterprises. In addition, the QMS of Aviation Technologies focuses more on wholesale sales, therefore, there is a noticeable shortage of its products. The management of the company promises to direct large-scale investments to combat these problems, but we will only be able to see many models of forged wheels of the QMS in retail sales only in a few years.
Number one in the world
Due to the presence of a powerful production base and technological developments from the military and aviation industries, Russia is gradually becoming the world leader in the production of forged wheels. The products of its enterprises are delivered to the conveyor of the largest car manufacturers in the world - from AvtoVAZ to Bentley and. In addition, it is in great demand among racing teams, tuning studios and fans of modifications to their cars. A distinctive feature of Russian forged wheels is their superior durability and reliability, which are combined with a minimum weight.
By popular demand, I decided to make a selection of modern manufacturers of rims and show, in my opinion, their most striking model.
I myself have already tested the Rays TE37 R17 replica, the Vossen VFS2 R17 replica. Now I am waiting for the delivery of the original Konig Lightning R17 kit. After them, I also looked at the Japanese Rays Gram Light 57Gainer R17.
The selection includes disks of western, eastern and domestic manufacturers.
Names are presented alphabetically.
1) 5-zigen
5-zigen was founded in 1987 and currently produces a wide range of products specializing in the aftermarket wheels and exhaust systems. Disks are made in Japan, are distinguished by a larger assortment and excellent Japanese quality.
5Zigen Inperio Sports RS
2) Advan
The Japanese company Yokohama Rubber Co, which produces alloy wheels of famous brands, including Advan, was founded in 1917. Under the Advan brand, some of top drivesthat are time-tested, high-quality and reliable. With these discs, great racers have repeatedly won the competition.
3) Aez
The alloy wheels of the German company AEZ are produced using special technology, have a homogeneous material structure, and with light weight have a very strong thin rim that gives the product an additional style and individuality to the car. AEZ wheels are available in a variety of designs (from classic to exclusive), and are suitable for all vehicles.
4) Alutec
The disks of the German company Alutec among experts are recognized as the most durable. In addition to having an international TUV certificate, the company's products successfully pass various tests, for example, for cyclic load according to the ZWARP method, shock test with a design load exceeding by 60% and others. The range of alloy wheels is diverse and will satisfy the requirements of any motorist. There are also specially designed models for cars of auto giants, such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen.
5) Bbs
German CDs have been known since 1970, when Heinrich Baumgartner and Klaus Brand from the German city of Schiltach organized a company with the first name of their surnames and their city. Now BBS knows absolutely everything, and patterned discs in retro style are the hallmark of BBS.
6) Dotz
Products of the German company Dotz are aimed at lovers of an active driving style. The entire line is dominated by sports notes. For example, the popular Dotz Touge model is specifically designed for drifting fans. If you want discs with a glow effect, then Dotz Touge Blaze is just for you. The fanciful design of the company's alloy wheels does not prevent them from possessing the most important criteria: strength and reliability.
7) Enkei
Japan is the birthplace of many wheel manufacturers, but only a few of them have reached our days. Enkei has existed since 1950 and has established itself as the best producer from the East. They make any wheels: for tuning, for SUVs, for trucks and for cars of the old school of the 1970s and 80s.
8) K&K
K & K was founded in 1991 as a joint Russian-German enterprise at the facilities of the Krasnoyarsk Metallurgical Plant. The basis for the production was immediately selected the production of wheels from aluminum alloys. The technology of injection molding under low pressure, which is widely used in the world, has allowed to increase production and currently the KiK assortment includes more than 60 designs and 400 standard sizes, and production volumes reach more than a million wheels per year. The production of original rims for the Volzhsky and Gorky automobile plants was launched. K&K products have passed state certification of quality and are extremely popular among Russian consumers.
K&K Kalina-sport
9) Konig
Konig is one of the US market leaders in the production of alloy wheels for cars of all classes. The company has been operating since 1983, and since then tirelessly improves not only production technology, but also improves the skills of its employees. Thanks to a responsible approach, the company's products have become popular all over the world, and every motorist knows about its highest quality.
Konig SH18 Afterburner
10) Kosei
Since the beginning of the 50s, the Japanese company Kosei has been active in the aviation industry market. She was able to transfer the accumulated experience to the automotive industry, when she started manufacturing alloy wheels. Japanese quality and reliability characterize the products of this company. Kosei alloy wheels and their high performance were appreciated by the Japanese automotive giant Totota, who took them to the "armament" of their cars from the assembly line.
11) MAK
MAK alloy wheels are distinguished by a number of positive characteristics, among which a stylish, catchy design is worth noting. Italy is famous for its designers, thanks to their ability to generate fresh and relevant ideas, Italian furniture, clothes, perfumes, cosmetics and other types of products are in demand and deserved love of consumers in many countries of the world. Wheels from Italy were no exception: they attract the attention of car owners with their ease combined with reliability and ergonomic design.
12) Oz
Well, of course, the famous company! The Italians Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen (hence the name OZ) have an impeccable sense of style. In addition, since 1971, OZ Racing has supplied wheels to thousands and thousands of sports and racing cars. If you have at least Formula 1, at least Smart Fortwo feel free to contact them - you will find the wheels you need.
OZ Racing SUPERTURISMO GT
13) Rays
The Japanese company Rays produces wheels under several brands at once: Volk Racing (cool forged wheels), Gram Lights (stylish and light alloy wheels), Black Fleet (classic and exclusive forged wheels). In fact, with them you will find a drive for absolutely any car. And it will be cool wheels.
14) Rial
RIAL alloy wheels are the standard of impeccable quality, which always meets the highest safety standards. In the RIAL catalog you will find beautiful designs, a wide range of sizes and guaranteed applicability to most European, American and Asian cars. RIAL rims are made in Germany.
15) Rotiform
These wheels are loved all over the world, and they are equally chic for European tuning, Japanese exotic or Americans in the style of Stance. Companies from California are only 5 years old, but it seems that their drives have already filled the whole world. Say the mass product is no longer cool, but Rotiform wheels are a great exception.
16) Sparco
Sparco alloy wheels are available in a wide variety of styles, and have a wide size range. The reliability and durability of the discs has been repeatedly confirmed at international racing competitions, where cars equipped with Sparco rims took part. Sparco rims are represented in many countries. Motorists appreciate them for their original stylish design and reliability.
