An Innovation for Product Differentiation
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products invented the forged aluminum wheel in 1948 and we haven’t stopped improving on it since. Alcoa continues to lead the way in wheel advancements and is proud to introduce a new wheel surface innovation to the marketplace.
For years, automobile manufacturers and vehicle owners have looked for ways to differentiate their vehicles. Wheel GrafFX™ by Alcoa is a proprietary new wheel surface innovation that allows custom artwork to be applied directly to an aluminum wheel. The innovation provides options for visual wheel differentiation allowing artwork to be applied directly to the wheel surface. The result offers exceptional image clarity (300 dpi image resolution) and artwork that contours to the wheel surface to “wrap” around curves, spokes and other features of the wheel.
Design, Testing & Durability
Alcoa began development and testing of Wheel GrafFX™ over five years ago. The process starts with a specially prepared aluminum wheel and treats the surface with a proprietary procedure whereby the custom artwork pattern is transferred directly to the wheel. The wheel is then cured and sealed with a UV protective treatment available with bright or matte appearance options. Alcoa can also finish the wheel with phosphorescent dies that light up for additional appearance effects. Wheel GrafFX™ is durable in normal driving conditions and withstands peeling, fading and corrosion. It also exceeds all durability requirements including OEM standards and environmental testing.
Wheel Differentiation Options for Customers
Wheel GrafFX™ provides an alternative option for a wheel to complement the appearance and shape of the vehicle. Art and image patterns can be used to add high visual impact or be subtle and subdued to fit the audience and buyer profile. Patterns can include shadows, morphing or color transitions that appear to change the shape of the wheel or compliment the overall appearance of the vehicle. This new innovation can also accentuate design, colors or styling cues from the vehicle body for a cohesive appearance impact linking the wheel directly to the vehicle that it is fitted. Since the process includes minimal set-up costs, even low volume production runs are possible. Therefore, consider Wheel GrafFX™ even for limited edition or special vehicle appearance packages to strengthen vehicle lifecycle management.
|
Chrysler publicly debuted Wheel GrafFX™ on the Storm Trooper Avenger at the 2007 SEMA Show to gauge customer reaction. Note how the pearlescent white paint and single window pinstripe compliments the aggressive appearance of this special Avenger.
Several other OEM customers are currently experimenting with patterns, designs and art elements to offer product differentiation and additional customer choice.
To Learn More
Contact Alcoa directly for more information on Wheel GrafFX™, including how the Alcoa Wheels product development and graphic design departments can help you manage a custom artwork wheel program to further differentiate your vehicles.
As the Official Wheel of the Baja Protruck Off Road Race Series, Alcoa prepares for another grueling season of head-to-head off-road competition as teams compete in points-based events for bragging rights and the Protruck Driver’s title.
This month, teams are gearing up for the Baja 500 in Ensenada, Mexico. Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and the entire field of Protruck drivers will look to the strength, durability and lightweight benefits of Alcoa forged aluminum wheels while they tackle the extreme conditions of Baja on May 30th through June 1st. Look for Protrucks competing on Alcoa forged aluminum wheels at the Baja 500, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Baja 1000 and other regional off road courses throughout the season. Visit www.protruck.com for full details and a complete event schedule.
Alcoa is proud to be working with Ivan “Ironman” Stewart on the launch of a specialty vehicle program to select Toyota dealerships starting this summer. A limited number of Ivan Stewart Signature Series packages will be available for the Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma and Sequoia. Upgrades will include Alcoa wheels, performance tires, tuned exhaust, shocks & suspension, a custom shifter and unique limited edition badges.
As one of the most famous off-road racers of all time, Stewart knows what it takes to build a vehicle for ultimate on and off-road performance. He looked to Alcoa for a 17 inch and 20 inch, one-piece forged aluminum wheels with a unique design, legendary durability and lightweight benefits to compliment the performance and appearance of each vehicle. Look for Ivan Stewart Signature Series package vehicles available later this summer at select Toyota dealerships.
