Differences between monobloc and 3-piece forged wheels
In the tire market, forged wheels are considered the best type of wheel as they provide many styling, strength and performance benefits. There are 2 main variations of custom forged wheels; 3-piece wheels and monobloc wheels. The basic differences between 3-piece and monobloc units are the total number of pieces that make up each rim. This also leads to the unique design and performance benefits for each type.
The manufacturing procedure for both the 3-piece forged rim and the monobloc is very similar. Both types of forged wheels start out as aerospace-grade T6-6061 aluminum blocks. Aluminum blocks are placed inside a forging device where they condense under a large amount of force to create the shape of a wheel. The high strength formulates a solid grain formation without any small imperfections, giving the wheel an incredibly high strength. This powerful composition allows manufacturers to use less metal than other types of wheels, resulting in a lighter standard weight.
Monobloc rims are often referred to as “one-piece” wheels, as they are made from a single piece of T6-6061 aluminum. After the metal unit is forged, it is placed into a CNC milling device where the metal is shaved and the design is cut into the wheel. Due to their one-piece construction and forged aluminum frame, forged monobloc wheels are the lightest of all custom forged wheels. The low weight helps reduce the load on the center of the car’s wheel, which leads to quicker acceleration, superior lateral grip, quicker braking and better fuel efficiency. Their forged structure also makes them reliable and durable, which is why they are often used as racing forged wheels on high-performance vehicles at racing events.
The other well-known wheel type is the 3-piece forged wheels. The manufacturing procedure for this type of wheel is very identical to that of a forged monobloc wheel, except that a 3-piece forged wheel starts with 3 separate units of T6-6061 aluminum blocks. The 3 piece wheel construction makes them the most expensive forged wheels, but they are often the cheapest to repair due to the fact that only dented units need to be replaced. Their 3-piece construction allows them to employ a wide range of widths, finishes, and color combinations to produce a truly perfect fit.
Monobloc wheels provide great strength, weight and performance benefits over rim types, while 3-piece wheels offer superior customization options. Now it’s up to you what kind of wheel you choose for your car!