What are rims actually made of?

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I'm looking into getting my rims either powder coated or anodized. I called a few places and they needed some info before they could offer an estimate. I have a '14 3500 SRW Big Horn. I have aluminum alloy rims. Does anyone know what other metal properties are in the rims? The companies I asked all said they need to know cause different metals can change the colors. Weird, I know, but I really want the color I ask for.

 

[Hoefler]

They are BSing you. Most powders cure at or below *400. With the powders I use, I cure between 325*-385*. What they are most likely doing, is burning the powder from too high of temperature. Wheels, especially aluminum, require longer bake time because of the mass that needs to be heated. They are trying to cure on time, not the correct temperature. The time is started after the part/base metal comes up to temp. The bigger or heavier the mass, requires more time to get to Part Metal Temperature. I do cast aluminum pump parts all the time, some parts take 30+ minutes to come up to temp, them you bake for the scheduled time, usually 12-15 minutes. I have one pump bowl that takes almost an hour to come up to temp, before I can start the time.

 

[TJJEEPER]

Anodized will fade! So will improperly applied powder coating but anodized is the worst. Red to Pink, Black to purple/grey, blue to a lighter shade. If it were me I'd stay away from anodized.

Also, a note to Alcoa telling them what you're doing might get you the info you're looking for.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Thanks guys, this is the info I really needed. To clarify a little, it wasn't the powder coater who wanted the rim info it was the anodizer. The powder coater had no problems with doing it. I was asking about anodizing cause I had the rails on one of my snowmobile suspensions anodized years ago and it turned out great. But, if you say they will fade, I will believe you. Thanks again for all the info.

 

[ToddGeisler]

I have had race car parts hard coat anodized and they haven't faded yet, also VERY tough against scratching. Regular anodize can and will fade with UV exposure. Anodize is a chemical process that essentially "stain's" the metal, soaks in to the surface a small amount.

I do not like powder coating for surfaces that get hardware against them (i.e lug nuts). Powder coat will chip as well as scratch.