Surprised that the Quad-specific bronze finish All Terrain wheels are not forged, unlike the AT Darks available on lower models

[Bywaysmyways]

Current Quads:

Current Tri:

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[2kwik4u]

That almost has to be a typo on the website. I can't imagine they would actually change the manufacturing process for a finish difference. I've been wrong many times before though.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Just a copywriting editorial error. The only difference is paint finish. And even if it was cast, it's no big deal as long as the manufacturing process is good.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I mean obviously, since they are made from bronze instead of steel. /s

 

[Bywaysmyways]

I am not versed on the specific benefits of forging vs. casting, but do know that generally forging is associated with a higher performing wheel. I don't know how much absolute wheel strength matters on a 20" rim on a 34" tire, but can see strength benefits of sports car wheels with tiny aspect ratio tires.

I'd also be curious about relative weights, because that does have a tangible benefit to an R1.

 

[electruck]

I am not versed on the specific benefits of forging vs. casting, but do know that generally forging is associated with a higher performing wheel. I don't know how much absolute wheel strength matters on a 20" rim on a 34" tire, but can see strength benefits of sports car wheels with tiny aspect ratio tires.

I'd also be curious about relative weights, because that does have a tangible benefit to an R1.

high end cast wheels can approach the strength/weight balance of forged. the biggest advantage forged wheels have over cast, especially for offroad, is that they are more forgiving of damage (ie, they are more likely to bend than break).

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I am not versed on the specific benefits of forging vs. casting, but do know that generally forging is associated with a higher performing wheel. I don't know how much absolute wheel strength matters on a 20" rim on a 34" tire, but can see strength benefits of sports car wheels with tiny aspect ratio tires.

I'd also be curious about relative weights, because that does have a tangible benefit to an R1.

It makes absolutely no sense for Rivian to contract any manufacturer to make same style wheel with two completely different manufacturing processes. Increasing total annual order volume (and splitting them between different paint finishes), is cheaper... because of economy of scale and volume pricing.

Technically, forging is a hybrid of cast and forging. Raw aluminum is first melted and cast into ingots at the metal foundry. They are then sold and bought by wheel manufacturer to heat into a malleable state to be pressed (forged) into a rough shape/profile of a wheel. This step is what packs the alloy molecules tighter, achieving greater density and higher per volume strength. The final features are then formed during machining by removing excess material. Then different stages of paint. What differs between the two wheel finishes, here, is in this stage. Both unfinished wheels are painted completely with black paint. Then select portion of that paint is machined away (aka "diamond cut") to from the raw highlights. Then, final step, coated with black or bronze tinted clear coat.

Casting is just pouring molten alloy into a mould, usually made of compacted sand, yielding a rough shape. Then machining is performed to get to the final features/details. Followed by paint. If the raw materials are of high quality, the casting process is well controlled, and the wheel deign itself is sound and guaranteed to provide sufficient strength per volume of material... this cast wheel is not bad just because it's cast. It's just made with a different/cheaper process.

Here's a video from Japan's Rays Engineering on the forging process:

 

[Megaman0025]

It’s clearly some kind of typo because even the tires are listed as something different but it shows the exact same tires in both photos.

 

[SwampNut]

AI marketing slop.

Also those bronze wheels would look amazing with my wrap.

 

[Dasoss]

I am not versed on the specific benefits of forging vs. casting, but do know that generally forging is associated with a higher performing wheel. I don't know how much absolute wheel strength matters on a 20" rim on a 34" tire, but can see strength benefits of sports car wheels with tiny aspect ratio tires.

I'd also be curious about relative weights, because that does have a tangible benefit to an R1.

Forging works best for more ductile alloys. It's actually cold Forging where a billit is pressed between dies. The result is a highly detailed part that requires fewer additional finishing steps than casting does. Cold forged parts come out smooth and shiny. Because of the restrictions on the material, cold forged parts can be bulkier and heavier than castings with machining. They can be lighter than stamped. Steel.
Lightweight wheels are desirable because unsprung mass of the suspension affects performance. There are implications for traction and handling. On lighweight vehicles, wheel weight (actually, moment of inertia) has an outsized effect on acceleration because it takes significant torque to spin up the wheels. Not so much on a Rivian. The contribution to the overall vehicle mass is also less important.

 

[Mellowyellow]

AI marketing slop.

Also those bronze wheels would look amazing with my wrap.

Wrap your wheels in bronze

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Here's an example of high quality handcrafted casting, from the storied Watanabe Wheels of Japan.

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