Abstract: A multiple layered finish for a vehicle wheel surface that includes a first base layer formed from an organic material disposed upon a portion of the wheel surface. The finish also includes a second layer formed form a first inorganic material that covers the base layer and a third layer formed from a second inorganic material disposed over the second layer.

Abstract: A low pressure casting machine having a fill line connected between a thermally insulated chamber and a refractory furnace. A solenoid valve is included in the fill line and is selectively opened to allow gravity to fill the thermally insulated chamber to a predetermined level with molten metal. The thermally insulated chamber is subsequently pressurized to force molten metal from the chamber into a mold cavity to cast a metal component.

Abstract: A one piece cast wheel having a lightener recess formed in the wheel disc which extends axially beneath the wheel outboard tire bead seat. A method of casting such a one piece wheel which utilizes a multi-piece wheel mold having side members which include a plurality of components. A core for forming the lightener cavity is formed integrally with the side member components. The side member components are sequentially moved relative to each other to release the core from the lightener cavity.

Abstract: A one piece commercial highway vehicle wheel cast from a light weight metal in mold having a core insert which forms a circumferential lightener recess in the outboard end of the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for spin forming two partial wheel rims including a mandrel having a first portion for spin forming a first partial wheel rim and second portion for spin forming a second partial wheel rim. The first and second portions of the mandrel have different shapes such that the first and second wheel rims have different shapes. The mandrel is mounted upon a spin forming machine and is utilized to spin form a hoop of metal into a double wheel rim which is split to form the two partial wheel rims.

Abstract: An assembled mold base member for a wheel component includes a universal base support member which is combined with one of a plurality of interchangeable center members to form an assembled mold base. The assembled mold base cooperates with an assembled top core having an interchangeable end member combined with one of a plurality of universal top core members and side members to form the wheel component mold.

Abstract: A mold for gravity casting vehicle wheels having reusable thermally insulative linings attached to the interior of the gate and ball riser cavities. After filling the mold with molten metal, the gate cavity can be pressurized to assure that the mold cavity is completely filled. The ball riser cavity also can be pressurized subsequent to the gate cavity pressurization. The pressure on the gate and ball riser cavities forces molten metal from the cavities into the mold cavity as the metal cools and solidifies.

Abstract: A multi-piece wheel mold defining a mold cavity having a wheel rim cavity and a wheel disc cavity includes a large mass of metal adjacent to the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity and a small mass of metal adjacent to the inboard end of the wheel rim cavity. The mold also includes tapered side segments having a portion adjacent to the inboard end of the wheel rim cavity which is formed from a metal having a first conductivity of heat transfer. The side segments further have a second portion adjacent to the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity which is formed from a second metal having a second conductivity of heat transfer which is greater than the conductivity of heat transfer of the first portion. Molten metal in the mold cavity initially begins to solidify in the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity.

Abstract: A layer of material is thermally sprayed onto a portion of the surface of a vehicle wheel rim drop well with an arc plasma spray gun. Before spraying, the drop well surface is prepared by removing any dirt, oil and oxides. The sprayed layer has a greater density than the metal forming the wheel rim and reduces the porosity of the drop well.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a wheel mold that has a top segment having a plurality of openings formed therethrough. Movable cores are carried in the top segment openings. A mechanism is mounted on the top segment to alternately extend the cores into the mold cavity and retract the cores into the openings. To form a wheel, the movable cores are extended and molten metal is introduced into the mold cavity. The movable cores form recesses in the resulting wheel casting. After casting has cooled sufficiently, the movable cores are retracted from the recesses allowing the top segment to be withdrawn from the wheel casting. The casting is then removed from the mold.