Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled answers to some questions typical to our company's services. Perhaps you'll find your question addressed below. If you don't however, please Contact Us with your specific needs.

Q - How does tooling affect a project?
A – Tooling is an important part of every project; it is generally unique to each part it services and the equipment used.  Customers purchase the new tooling that is then owned and maintained by Automated Wheel.

Q – What is the largest size wheel that Automated Wheel can accommodate?
A – Automated Wheel currently finishes wheels for commercial trucks and automobiles up to 24.5” in diameter, but larger sizes may be possible upon management review.

Q – How much aluminum is removed during the polishing and buffing process?
A – Typically no more than 1/32” of aluminum is removed from the wheel’s surface.

Q – Does Automated Wheel have warehousing capabilities?
A – Yes, Automated Wheel has resources to store your wheels.  Ask your salesperson for details.

Q – What volume are the wheel programs that Automated Wheel typically handles?
A – Automated Wheel’s unique plant layouts, equipment, and flow design can accommodate both small specialty wheel programs along with high-volume wheel programs. 

Q - What is filiform corrosion?
A – Filiform corrosion is a worm-like corrosion that occurs between the coating and the substrate.  It takes on the appearance of a fine filament that emanates from one or multiple sources on the aluminum surface.  These sources are typically areas in which the aluminum substrate is exposed because of damage to the coating.   At these exposed sources the corrosion tunnels in semi-random directions, causing the coating to bulge and crack. 

Q - Are there any advantages to clear coating a wheel over chrome plating it?
A - Both finishes have advantages.  Whichever finish is chosen is determined by what the end user is looking for:  chrome plating is the high-end version and is considered the elite-looking finish, whereas a polished, buffed and clear coated wheel is an aesthetically attractive and cost effective alternative. 

Q – Will the clear coat discolor?
A – No - the acrylic clear coat is formulated with UV absorbers and stabilizers to maintain its clarity.  Once cured, the coating does not absorb contaminants that could potentially discolor or cloud the coating.

Q – How durable is the acrylic coating?
A – Our acrylic coating is very durable and should last the life of the product with only minor cosmetic blemishes due to normal road wear and weathering.  The coating is able to handle material thermal expansion due to environmental changes and is resistant to most cleaners,
light solvents and gasoline.   Note:  It is not recommended to use abrasive materials such as metal brushes, sandpapers, and/or abrasive pads, or to hit it directly with a sharp object or harder material, as these may damage the clear coating, exposing the aluminum to environmental elements. Visit our Tech Center

Q - What are the inspection and testing capabilities at Automated Wheel? 
A – Automated Wheel visually inspects 100% of the wheels at various checkpoints throughout the polishing, buffing, clear coating and painting processes.  Currently the Automated Wheel testing lab can conduct the majority of physical testing required by various customer specifications.  Due to the duration of some of the testing methods, test frequency will vary. Visit our Tech Center.

Q – What condition does incoming material need to be in?
A - The condition of incoming wheels has an affect on the cost of processing and possibly the look, fit, and performance specifications of the finished product.  This topic will be discussed during product development.

Q – Is dunnage/packaging provided?
A – Appropriate dunnage/packaging will be discussed during project development.  Customers are to provide all dunnage/packaging along with a detailed description or photo of how the packaging should look as it leaves our facility. 

Q - How do I go about becoming an Automated Wheel customer?
A – Submit a Request for Quote (RFQ), credit references from three of your vendors and your bank, and a signed purchase order based on our quotation.