Method for producing a variable thickness rim for a vehicle wheel

摘要

An improved method for producing a wheel rim for use in a vehicle wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least two individual flat sheets of material having different thicknesses; (b) securing the two flat sheets of material together by welding to form a rim blank; (c) forming the rim blank into a generally cylindrical hoop having a first discrete section defined by one of the two flat sheets of material and a second discrete section defined by the other one of the two flat sheets of material, the first discrete section of the hoop defining a first outer diameter, extending a first axial length, and including a substantially uniform first thickness throughout the entire first axial length thereof, the second discrete section of the hoop defining a second outer diameter, extending a second axial length, and including a substantially uniform second thickness throughout the second axial length thereof; (d) subjecting the hoop to a series of metal forming operations to produce a finished wheel rim having at least one tire bead seat retaining flange and at least one tire bead seat surface.