When choosing new wheels for your vehicle, there are several fundamental questions you should ask yourself. For instance, do you want forged or cast wheels, and will one-, two- or three-piece wheels be the best option for my vehicle? So, what are 3 piece wheels and why are they so popular? Given the numerous wheel design and style options out there, it helps to understand the different types of wheels and speed up your search for the ideal wheel.
What are 3 Piece Wheels
This article outlines what 3-piece wheels are, and how they differ from other types of wheels out there. It highlights how they’re made and why they’re a popular option compared to other types of wheels.
The Difference Between Cast and Forged Wheels
Cast wheels are manufactured by adding aluminum alloy or molten magnesium into a mold where it cools and takes shape. Once the wheel cools down, it’s then trimmed and drilled. Unfortunately, tiny pockets of air form during the cooling process, reducing the structural integrity of cast wheels.
Manufacturers counter this flaw by designing cast wheels with greater tolerances, resulting in heavier, thicker wheels. However, cast wheels are still generally cheaper than forged wheels.
Forged Wheels
Forged wheels are made from a solid block of alloy which is heated and then subjected to immense pressure to create the form and shape of the wheel before being finished on milling and CNC machines. The high pressure generates an enormous amount of energy within the alloy, altering its molecular grain and giving it extreme strength.
3-Piece Wheels
Also referred to as split rims, 3-piece rims are made of three separate components that are assembled to form the final product. The ease of customization makes them a popular choice among high-performance car owners.
The three-piece wheel starts life as a forged aluminum center, a spun inner barrel and a spun aluminum outer barrel (the lip). These three pieces are then sealed together to form a 3-piece wheel.
Advantages of Three-Piece Wheels
The most significant advantage of a 3-piece wheel is fitment. Because they’re typically custom made, the wheels are often built to the vehicle’s exact specifications allowing for factors such as bigger brakes, a lowered suspension and any other modifications that might make fitting a wheel difficult to be taken into consideration during the production process. As such, three-piece wheels rarely need hub centric spacers or rings.
Another significant advantage is the finish possibilities. Because they’re made from three different pieces, they open the door for nearly limitless finishes. The wheels can be made with a custom color on the lip, a two-tone finish on the face, a contrasting color on the bolts, etc.
Bottom Line
So, what are 3 piece wheels? Three-piece wheels are made up of three separate components that are assembled to form the final product. If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, then 3-piece wheels are a great option. They come in different sizes and finishes, and the forged aluminum from which they’re made makes them lighter than cast wheels. If you have any questions, the pros here at Element Wheels are ready to help you select the best tires and wheels for your vehicle.