Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular aluminum barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the central hub portion to free ends, wherein the free ends are fixed to the inner surface of the aluminum barrel. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular fiber-reinforced barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the metal central hub portion. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a wheel assembly consisting of a wheel portion and a cover portion. The method includes handling the wheel portion from dunnage to a work cell with an outboard face of the wheel portion facing away from a supporting surface. Next, determining a planar position and a rotational position of wheel portion and retrieving the cover portion. The method proceeds with applying an adhesive to at least one of the back side of the cover portion and the outboard face of the wheel portion. Then, aligning the cover portion with the wheel portion utilizing the planar position and the rotational position. The next step is engaging the cover portion and the wheel portion with one another and maintaining the wheel portion in engagement with the cover portion for a predetermined amount of time with a predetermined amount of pressure to form the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular aluminum barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the central hub portion to free ends, wherein the free ends are fixed to the inner surface of the aluminum barrel. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular fiber-reinforced barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the metal central hub portion. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a wheel assembly consisting of a wheel portion and a cover portion. The method includes handling the wheel portion from dunnage to a work cell with an outboard face of the wheel portion facing away from a supporting surface. Next, determining a planar position and a rotational position of wheel portion and retrieving the cover portion. The method proceeds with applying an adhesive to at least one of the back side of the cover portion and the outboard face of the wheel portion. Then, aligning the cover portion with the wheel portion utilizing the planar position and the rotational position. The next step is engaging the cover portion and the wheel portion with one another and maintaining the wheel portion in engagement with the cover portion for a predetermined amount of time with a predetermined amount of pressure to form the wheel assembly.