Questions about powder coated wheels

Alloy wheels are typically not powder-coated because the heat cycle that is involved can significantly weaken the alloy.

Here's a discussion on the subject:

powder coating wheels pros and cons - 6speedonline.com Forums

 

The powder coating curing temperature depends entirely on the particular powder coat chosen - it might be a low temp powder, in which case it would not affect the wheels - or it might have been a higher temp powder, which required a high enough curing temp that it could have affected the wheel heat treatment.

re the powder coating on the hub face and lug seats of the wheel - absolutely those should be removed. The powder coat plastic is slightly compressible - even retorqued, I wouldn't trust it. I have heard stories of lugs loosening after a while on powder coated wheels when those surfaces had been coated.

 

Had a set of DeTomaso Pantera, factory Campagnolo magnesium wheels powder coated several years ago. Have not had any problems with them at all.

 

I had my OEM 360 wheels powder coated a couple of years back. The did the mating surface also which initially made them pretty damn difficult to get on to the hubs but after a while the coating wore away and they slotted on nice and easy. Suggest you just put them on, torque them up, drive and check intermittently.

 

So, I should have taken some pics. I bought some speedlines for my 355 and they were very inexpensive. The gentleman that sold them to me saidd been powder coated so he thought. And when I received the wheels there were imperfections (light abrasions and scratches) so no big deal I knew this. coating is cracking seems like it happened the minute any weight was put on them. So, all that to ask this. lol What can be done with the wheels now if anything. Thanks.

 

Well first things first all mating surfaces should be clean and flat prior to assembly. In my experiences i have found using a razor blade or sanding disc usually will clean the surfaces. Now for the second question yes powder coating can be removed but it would have to be media blasted and could be time consuming.

 

I saw a guy off on turn one at Lime rock in a Lotus with powder coated wheels because of just this reason. Fortunately he and the car were alright.

Remove it.

 

There was an extensive discussion on this a while back here on Fchat. Those working form what they 'have heard' all say 'no problem' but the scientists and metallurgy people say something different. In fact, the major wheel manufacturers say 'don't do it' and they say the warranty if void if you do because it can weaken the wheel. FYI: even low temp powders are right at the annealing temperature for aluminum and do you believe that the powder coating companies have ovens that are that precise?

 

About 10 years ago, i worked at a company which produced varnishing equipment, from wet varnish aplications to powder painting aplications.

BBS, one of the world most popular wheel producer, ordered equipment for varnishing wheels and we got test rims for the processes more than 1 time, also from other wheel producers.
The steps we offered were a prime coat with powder, the main colour in wet varnish and the clear coat once more in powder.
So the wheel producers also use powder for finishing the rims.

Daniel

 

So, here is a pic of the cracking (not scratching) when load tested. So, I have a good wheel I was just wondering if they can be re-done/used or if I just need to trash them and stert over...thanks
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I do not know if and how many types of power coatings there are.

Ohlins power paints their shock springs because it is flexible,

While they do chip, I have never seen any of the paint crack.