I searched for this, but found little.

Would one of you engineering enlightendd folks take a minute to explain the differences between cast, 1-piece cast, low pressure cast, gravity cast, cast and peened and forged wheels.

I pretty much understand forged (you measure it with your checkbook), but the rest seem to be mostly advertising words. Am I right?

 

Tire rack has a pretty good article designed to explain the basic differences in the manufacturing processes: Tire Rack Wheel Tech

The short of it is that there are differences in the manufacturing process, but there can also be overlap in final product characteristics.

 

OK, one last question -- which, if any, of the OEM wheels are forged?

 

None are forged, cost being the major factor.

Many of the MINI wheels are BBS built and likely not forged but could be made using low pressure casting or flow forming.

BBS flow forming technology.
see
http://www.rimier.com/eshop/item.php...462&cat=490961
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kARgL...eature=related

Video on BBS wheel manufacturing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq1YyzWS5bw

Forged wheels (Rays wheels)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Armx0...eature=related
Cold spinning is similar to flow forming(heat applied)

Custom alloy wheel (CNC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhsJp...eature=related

You pay more for forged wheels and they tend to be stronger for less weight.

There are many levels of forged wheels and you get what you pay for in general.

Cast Alloy is heavy because the molecules are not as dense but cost of production is less although stock MINI wheels are not so cheap.

Info on alloy wheels
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alloy_wheel