Method for producing a rim for a vechicle wheel

A method for producing a rim for a vehicle wheel comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a flat sheet of material;
• (b) forming the flat sheet into a generally cylindrical hoop having a first predetermined axial length;
• (c) providing a mandrel defining a shoulder;
• (d) positioning the hoop on the mandrel with one end of the hoop adjacent the shoulder of the mandrel;
• (e) positioning a spinning tool of a flow spinning machine a predetermined distance from the shoulder with an end of the spinning tool in contact with an outer surface of the hoop;
• (f) operating the flow spinning machine whereby the spinning tool is moved in a direction toward the shoulder of the mandrel causing the material to flow in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the spinning tool to axially stretch and thin the hoop to produce a wheel rim preform having a second predetermined axial length greater than the first predetermined axial length, the wheel rim preform included opposed axial ends and a thinned axially extending intermediate portion located between the axial ends;
• and
• (g) subsequent to step (f), subjecting the wheel rim to a series of metal forming operations to produce a finished wheel rim having at least one tire bead seat retaining flange, at least one tire bead seat surface, and a generally axially extending well.