Forged Aluminum Wheels

[Streetwerkz]

I know I've done them be for.
However I just had potential client ask if Powder Coating forged aluminum will hurt the metal as the aluminum is aged at 325*, and powder needs to cure at 400*.

Anyone have a clear answer, as I have not found a definitive YES or NO

thanks

[Guest]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

I powder coated the forged aluminum BBS wheel's off my Subaru STi and have had no issues. I use the wheel's when I autocross and lap the car.

Mike

[Guest]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

I've never had any issues.

[wiseguyz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

Powder coating temperatures for the relatively short cure time needed for the powder will not have any significant negative effect on the strength or temper of the alloy. If it would make you feel better, you could always cure at 350 for a longer time. PBTP can supply you with conversion charts for lower temp & cure time adjustments.

[Streetwerkz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

What I'm finding is it's not recomended... looks like it's time for yet another disclaimer lol

I just got a call from a chemical rep who says..
"The Army core of engineers states in relation to powder coating forged aluminum, unless it's part of the original aging cycle it is not recommended.
That even going back to the 325* after aging is not advisable."

Still open to any other's thought's on this... never have to much info

[redlinecustomsms]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

the problem is it continues to age the aluminum. but for most alloys they are aged for several hours minimum at the specified temp, some longer. so 10-20 minutes isn't going to add enough to the overall aging time to affect the part. do any of you use disclaimers?

FWIW I contacted centerline about coating some of they're forged wheels and they told me i would have to get to around 800f to hurt anything.

[Guest]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

There has to be a book or website or something that lists temperatures and how and when it effects different metals.Actual cure times might not bother them but what about when you have problems or just outgassing.That can go from 10-15 minutes cure time to a total time of more than an hour. I think factory wheels are sufficiently engineered to last even if they were effected by the heat .But what about custom rims especially MC wheels. Some of them look like they would break if you hit a speed bump,at any speed!And what about triple trees?those things are super thin and you don't know if the guy you're coating them for is'nt putting them on his home made chopper with a 65 degree rake! I would really like to know for sure that bake temps have absolutely no effect. There are enough rumors about the heat from pcing on aluminum,to make a widows lawyer look your way when the curved 1/4" 3spoke wheels on her OL' mans 800Lb. harley finally let go!Sorry for the rant.too much coffee too little sleep. Oh, yeah and then there's chromoly race frames! Hardened steel tools, heat treated ,stress relieved ,welded,...My head hurts.need more coffee.

[Streetwerkz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

[quote="shawn"] I would really like to know for sure that bake temps have absolutely no effect. There are enough rumors about the heat from pcing on aluminum,to make a widows lawyer look your way when the curved 1/4" 3spoke wheels on her OL' mans 800Lb. Harley quote]

Agreed, widows lawyer, We've worked to hard to just give it all away
I emailed Alcoa, maybe they can give some insight.

Disclaimers are your best Friend when doing restoration werk, even if you followed the directions to the letter the unforeseen, or just plain weird can not be accounted for.
As long as I do the werk I said I would, and meet the spec's of the project, then I did my job and should not be penalized.

Although most times I still fix it for free, my ego won't let it go out the door jacked up.

[Streetwerkz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

Reply from Alcoa on this topic

"Joshua,

After getting with the engineering department our wheels should not be
heated to a temperature above 300*. Any temp above that will compromise
the wheels integrity. I hope this is what you were looking for. If you
have any further questions let me know."

Makes me think I need to be calling alot of wheel manufactures and asking them the same question

[redlinecustomsms]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

most will tell you not to do it, just like trampoline makers will tell you not to do a flip on one, atv makers tell you it's not safe to carry a passenger, auto makers tell you not to race they're cars!! lol

[Streetwerkz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

I think thats all I'm going to do is add "aluminum not recommended for powder coating Streetwerkz is not responsible" blah blah blah to my work orders, and have the customer sign off on it.

another forum I spend time on is called Metalmeet.com, and this was said

"Aluminum alloys can be heated to certain temperatures for certain lengths of time without significant loss of strength.
Alcoa's aluminum handbook has a chart giving alloys, and permissible temperatures/times.
2000, 6000, 7000 series can be raised to 400F for varying lengths of time, none more than 30 minutes, with a loss of strength less than 5% .
So, if the powder coating can be done in less than 30 minutes the strength won't be affected much.

Doug"

I ordered the Alcoa book, if possible I'll scan and post the chart

[BigJayDee]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

only problem I see with your statement about wheels being done in 30 minutes is alot of wheels take 45-60 mins to reach cure temp.

[Guest]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

During the 45 to 60 min to cure time the wheels are not at 375 or 400 yet. Is my thinking right When they hit 400 then you set the time. Some powders say 10 to 15 min and some say 20 min? I would try to stay away from the 20 min ones for wheels for sure. I sure do like using my clamp on temp prob that is tied into my alarm it makes like so much easier?

only problem I see with your statement about wheels being done in 30 minutes is alot of wheels take 45-60 mins to reach cure temp.

[Guest]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

Hey Big Jay Dee. Question for you? I went to your site looking around (Nice site by the way) I saw the Nitrous Bottles you had done. Now I know you are not to do scuba tanks unless you have a real low cure powder but those tanks have a lot of pressure in them. What about the Nitrous Bottles? Are they steel or aluminum and how much pressure is in them? Just like to know.

[Streetwerkz]

Re: Forged Aluminum Wheels

NOS brand bottles are powder coated from the factory
they are aluminum