U.S.-based aftermarket wheel manufacturer HRE Wheels has announced the second generation of its 3D-printed titanium wheels. Let us see what is new.
While the original set, launched in the fall of 2018, had six pieces, the new one only has five. The last year’s wheels also weighed 9 to 10.5 kilograms (20 – 23 lbs, depending on the size). The new ones are much lighter at 7.25 to 8.6 kg (16 – 19 lbs).
The rims and spokes are manufactured from titanium powder via electron-beam melting. A computer-based control system sets all the necessary parameters for the process. The constituent parts of the wheels then go through some of the more conventional production stages: CNC machining, polishing, cleaning, and assembly.
HRE Wheels says nothing about any actual mass-market opportunities of the new set.
Photos: HRE Wheels