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Repairing Rims on a Used Car

As more people choose to purchase used cars for their affordability, so more car dealerships need to maintain and repair damage to sell used cars for a profit. The benefit of knowing how to repair rims on a used car means dealerships no longer need to seek the advice of wheel repair specialists, and buyers are more inclined to purchase as there is little repair work for them to outsource after buying the vehicle. This streamlines the process and ensures that your dealership can maximize your return on investment. In this article, we share everything you need to know about repairing rims on a used car and provide guidance on the machinery necessary to help you do so. 

Understand the Damage

Dealerships must take stock of damages as they receive used cars to determine how best to repair the rim. Physical damage refers to any rim damage that impacts the performance of the vehicle while cosmetic damage refers to rim damage that affects the car’s aesthetic appeal. 

Typical types of physical damage including the following:

  • Curb rashes: scrapes that occur on the outer rim as a result of bumping up against curbs. These rashes begin as small scratches, however, they can quickly become serious physical damage if left unchecked. 
  • Bends: hitting potholes, road hazards, and curbs can cause bent wheels which greatly impact the performance of the vehicle. Bent wheels can be extremely dangerous if left unrepaired as they impact handling and more.
  • Cracks: from small and seemingly invisible hairline cracks to larger, more prominent cracks, this type of structural damage may be manageable short term but can become a more serious safety concern if left unrepaired.

Typical types of cosmetic damage include scratches, scrapes, and baked-on dust that form from casual road incidents over time. These are far less threatening from a safety perspective and more damaging to the visual appeal of one’s vehicle. Resolving cosmetic damage can justify a higher selling price. 

Source the Appropriate Machinery

Car dealerships would greatly benefit from possessing the appropriate machinery to repair physical and cosmetic damage. There are a few necessary workshop machines that dealerships can source for the best prices from reliable manufacturers such as Lenco Holdings LLC. We outline these machines and what types of damage they help repair below:

CNC Lathe

Computer-operated CNC lathes can help your dealership repair cosmetic damage to alloy rims. This tool is used by professionals to smooth out the rims and remove the presence of scratches, scrapes, and chips. The best CNC lathes on the market come in ranges that offer unique specifications particular to your dealership’s requirements, and you can view the range here

Wheel Straightener

The name sums up the purpose of this particular piece of machinery. Wheel straighteners remove bends from rims and help maintain a vehicle’s optimal performance. Wheel straighteners are an extremely important addition to your dealership as one cannot drive away with a used car that is affected by bends. This poses a major safety risk and reduces the value that the car can be sold for. 

Wheel Polisher

Over and above using a CNC lathe, you can give the used car’s rims a brand new look using a wheel polisher. This specific tool incorporates vibratory technology to take dull-looking aluminum and give it a shiny, new look. With a wheel polisher, you can take old-looking rims and make them look as good as new, raising the potential selling value of the cars in your dealership. 

You could also purchase an AC/DC tig welder for more serious jobs, however, these three pieces of machinery are the go-to investments to take your car dealership to the next level. With them, you can quickly and easily repair rims on a used car to sell that car to eager buyers in your area. Having access to these tools means that your dealership can save money traditionally used to seek the assistance of wheel repair specialists. Furthermore, your dealership can offer wheel repairs as a service to improve your portfolio and broaden your consumer base. With a CNC lathe, wheel straightener, and wheel polisher in your arsenal, you will have much better luck finding willing buyers of used cars. 

Outlook for the Motor Vehicle Industry in the USA: Should You Invest in Wheel Repair Equipment?

Outlook for the Motor Vehicle Industry in the USA: Should You Invest in Wheel Repair Equipment?

The US motor vehicle industry took a massive hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and statistics reveal that “vehicle sales were down 38 percent year-on-year” as of March 2020 according to Statista. However, these same statistics note a rise in the sale of light motor vehicles following the ease of stay-at-home protocols and lockdown restrictions. The growth of automobile sales should continue on this upward trajectory as more people return to work, travel the country, and reintroduce daily commuting. As such, the demand for automobile repairs will increase alongside this growth. The need for wheel repair equipment, CNC lathes, and other machinery comes with this demand and wheel repair specialists must be ready to supply the influx of customers.

In this article, we highlight a few prominent pieces of wheel repair equipment that you should invest in to meet the demands of the modern motor vehicle industry.

CNC Lathe

CNC lathes are the cornerstone of efficient repair work in the modern motor vehicle industry. They are also a significant upgrade from lathes as they utilize computer technology to share the workload and free up time for workers in one’s workshop. There are many benefits to the integration of CNC lathes in one’s workshop namely the precision and automation of daily tasks. Sophisticated computer systems allow these lathes to cut, trim, turn, and perform other necessary functions for the shaping of parts. Wheel repair specialists can utilize this machinery to speed up their alloy rim repairs and other activities. This, in turn, gives customers peace of mind about the company’s turnaround time and promotes better customer relationships.

Wheel Straightener

As daily commuting becomes commonplace in the post-Covid vehicle industry, damage to the rims and wheels will become more prominent. Whether it’s as a result of wear and tear, grinding against curbs, or hitting potholes, the damages will require the attention of wheel repair specialists in instances that DIY jobs cannot suffice. Wheel straighteners are a specialist go-to tool to fix rim damage that affects driving performance. Newer models are fast, easy to use, and feature a bead breaker or pump that can be unmounted and moved around quickly. The best machinery manufacturers offer a range of wheel straighteners to suit your specific workshop requirements such as larger machines to cater for bigger rims and wheels.

Wheel Polisher

CNC lathes are incredible pieces of machinery that can smooth out and refurbish alloy rims and wheels, however, a combination of lathes and wheel polishers will deliver the most impressive aesthetic results that are also durable for long-term customer satisfaction. The best wheel polishers on the market utilize vibratory technology along with traditional wheel refurbishing strategies to generate a smooth and superior alloy look at the push of a button. Utilization of these devices in your workshop will free up tons of time typically allocated to post-lathe touchups conducted by one’s staff. The time-saving benefit of a wheel polisher will help you generate greater profits as well as improve customer satisfaction through improved service delivery.

AC/DC Tig Welder

The final piece of equipment to add to your wheel repair workshop’s arsenal is a powerful and well-manufacturer AC/DC tig welder. Offering two units that boast 210 and 250 amps respectively at unbeatable prices, Lenco Holdings LLC. aims to provide workshops with the best AC/DC tig welding solution on the market. The addition of water coolers and torches supports longer duty cycle times and IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) technology allows these welders to have multi-waveforms as well as pulse ability. These benefits go above and beyond the industry standard, helping your business grow and support the increasing demand of customers as a result of the growing motor vehicle industry in the US.

The Bottom Line

Wheel repair specialists should invest in modern, high-tech equipment to set themselves apart from the competition. This is especially true in the current motor vehicle industry as a greater need for vehicle repairs will follow the increase in vehicle sales. From CNC lathes to wheel straighteners, wheel polishers, and AC/DC tig welders, you can leverage the Lenco Holdings LLC. equipment to ensure better wheel repairs for your customers and, thus, drive profitable business growth.

Choosing the Right Machinery for Your Wheel Repair Business

The wheel repair business can be a profitable industry. Everyone with a vehicle will, at some point, require repairs and maintenance, typically for the wheels and rims as these parts of the car are prone to damage from general wear and tear and other road incidents. Anyone with capital and a strong desire to work on automobiles, regardless of whether or not you have a trade diploma, can turn this dream into a reality and reap the financial benefits. That said, not all wheel repair businesses are successful and the quality of one’s machinery plays a crucial role in either contributing to your successes or failures. 

In this article, we will explore the reasons you need to purchase exceptional wheel repair machinery from the start as well as guide you towards making the right decisions regarding this equipment.

Why Choosing the Right Machinery is Important?

The right wheel and rim repair machinery can make a huge impact on your business and determine how easy it is for your wheel repair business to turn a profit every month. The reasons for this include the following;

  • Saving time: no matter the specifics of the job, the right wheel repair machinery will end up saving you time as it contributes to more efficient completion of tasks. This is because quality repair equipment utilizes advanced technology to facilitate streamlined processes as well as a stronger ability to get things done properly the first time. 
  • Less manual labor: the very best wheel repair machinery on the market, through the use of this advanced technology, helps alleviate common and cumbersome tasks that would usually require immense amounts of manual labor. The benefit of reduced manual labor means that you will have more time and energy to focus on other areas of the wheel repair process as well as focus on the success of your business.
  • Reduced long-term costs: one of the key benefits of choosing the right wheel repair machinery is the reduced long-term costs that your business will face after a couple of months or years in operation. This is because quality equipment requires less maintenance than cheaper models and there is less of a chance that the machinery will break and you will have to purchase a new piece of equipment. While expensive in the short-term, the long-term reduction in costs is well worth it.
  • Superior service: the success of your wheel repair business will ultimately boil down to the quality of the service you are offering. The more happy your customers are, the more positive reviews they will spread, and the more business you will bring. Happy customers will also become loyal customers, seeking you out whenever they need a job done. This is why providing exceptional service is at the forefront of the industry and you can do so with the assistance of the right machinery. 

The 2 Key Machines for Straightening, Diamond Cutting, Remanufacturing, and Restoring

In the wheel repair industry, there are two critical machines that you will need to purchase in order to run a successful wheel repair business. These being, a wheel straightening machine and a CNC lathe.

Wheel Straightening Machine: Rim and Wheel Straightening

One of the most common issues drivers have with damages is bent rims and wheels. The issue, caused by accidents, potholes and other road incidents, results in poorer driving performance and most individuals seek specialists to resolve the problem quickly. A wheel straightening machine is the primary piece of equipment you will need to use to respond to the driver’s problems. When choosing a wheel straightening machine, look for options that are new and updated as they align with modern best practices. They will get the job done faster and more accurately than older models. You will also want to consider models that have a level of customization to them. Whether they include bead breakers or pumps that can be shifted around and mounted onto other sides of the machine, the ability to change things up ensures the machine is tailored to your specifications.

CNC Lathe: Diamond Cutting, Remanufacturing, and Restoring

A CNC lathe is one of the most important wheel repair machines as it will give you customization over alloys as well as allow you to ensure the long-term maintenance of all sorts of rims and wheels. The CNC lathe that you choose should have a cast steel frame and include advanced software to operate its computerized components. Using a durable and high-tech CNC lathe will help you get jobs done quicker and to a much higher quality than ever before. 

These are the reasons you need quality wheel repair machinery and some suggestions regarding the two critical pieces of equipment; a wheel straightening machine and a CNC lathe. Using these exceptional tools, you will have your wheel repair business up and running in no time!

The New Lenco M220 CNC Lathe Machine

If you’re searching for a CNC lathe for your rim and wheel repair workshop then look no further! In this article, we examine the brand new Lenco M220 CNC Lathe machine and its ability to provide superior rim refurbishing support.

What is a CNC Lathe?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe is a more advanced lathe alternative that works by spinning a workpiece around a main spindle’s axis to cut and shape the material of the workpiece. The use of computer technology allows the CNC lathe to provide more precise cutting and shaping than traditional manually-operated machines. Several types of workpieces can be used in a CNC lathe to achieve a desired shape, with rims and wheels typically requiring a CNC lathe for diamond cutting and other forms of repair and refurbishment. 

What is the Lenco M220 CNC Lathe?

The Lenco M220 CNC Lathe machine is a specifically designed rim and wheel repair lathe that incorporates the latest technology and industrial design to provide a superior refurbishing solution compared to other lathes and CNC lathes on the market. This lathe’s combination of a neatly designed steel frame and advanced Lenco technology ensures that it boasts the ability to offer workers exceptional cutting and shaping potential, also helping improve the efficiency of repairs in the workshop. This increase in the rate of workflow allows wheel repair specialists to save time and money, promoting sustainable business growth in the process. Online support and worldwide distribution mean that your workshop can benefit from the Lenco M220 CNC Lathe’s many features no matter where you are based. 

The Lenco M220 CNC Lathe Features

The following features, as well as new and improved Lenco Holdings software, apply to the Lenco M220 CNC Lathe:

  • Lenco T-400-2000mhz control with 17″ LCD
  • 5 HP spindle energy efficient Motor
  • Max 1750 rpm spindle speed with electrical speed control
  • Hardened and ground precision guideways
  • Zero backlash precision ball screws hardened and ground for high accuracy and long-lasting efficiency
  • Wheel specific main frame built with a small footprint for large wheels and long term reliability
  • Precisely measured for positioning accuracy and repeatability upgrades can be done via our staff in the USA anywhere in the world via the internet as well as troubleshooting
  • 14” Wide bed ways design to provide maximum rigidity and stability
  • Toolbox and tools
  • Coolant system

From the machine’s unique construction to added tools and support systems, a partnership with Lenco allows workshops to benefit from superior CNC lathe operations as well as a network of helpful and beneficial advice.

The Lenco M220 CNC Lathe Dimensions and Chuck

We have outlined the Lenco M220 CNC Lathe’s dimensions and chuck to help guide the placement of this machine within your workshop as well as showcase the size of rims and wheels capable of being repaired in the jaws of this particular lathe.

  • Footprint: 6ft x 4ft x 7 ft high
  • Swing over bed: 762 mm 30 inch
  • Largest wheel in jaws: 26″ standard
  • Weight: 5000 LBS 2,268 KGS
  • Width of bedways: 15″ with aluminum wheel jaws

Does it Have a Warranty?

The Lenco M220 CNC Lathe Machine is backed by a one-year warranty for any defects in materials, factory-installed components, or handling operations. The inclusion of this lengthy warranty covers you and your business in the event of faulty equipment, showcasing the confidence in its ability to meet your requirements and facilitate effective, long-term wheel and rim repairs. 

Should You Buy It?

A CNC lathe is an incredibly beneficial workshop tool as it maintains alloy rims and offers several additional benefits to veteran mechanics and budding automobile repairmen beyond wheel and rim repairs and refurbishments. This particular model includes the latest CNC lathe features – providing precision at every level of the wheel and rim repair process. Built from high-quality materials and utilizing the latest CNC lathe technology, the Lenco M220 CNC Lathe is a top-class machine that comes to the market at an extremely competitive price. You can click here to view the product and contact us if you would like to know more about the machine and its selling price.

Whether your workshop is equipped with a CNC lathe or not, the superior technology of the latest Lenco M220 CNC Lathe will help you provide more effective and efficient wheel and rim repair and refurbishing services – saving you time and money in the long run.

What is a Wheel Straightening Machine?

Alloy rims are not a cheap investment and proper wheel maintenance is essential if you wish to promote the longevity of your wheels. That said, incidents that cause damage to alloys are common and these may hinder the performance and look of your rims and wheels. For this reason, it is important that you have access to the latest tools and equipment to refurbish and repair your wheels as soon as these damages occur. One such crucial tool is a wheel straightening machine, and in this article, we will outline what it is, how it works, and why you should consider purchasing one if you wish to maintain your alloy rims and wheels.

What is a Wheel Straightening Machine?

A wheel straightener is an important alloy rim repair machine used to fix bent rims and wheels. Through various techniques, the straightener is able to bend a rim back into its original shape, thus combatting the potential for further damage and performance loss experienced when one has bent alloys. Wheel straightening machines come in a variety of models, each created to offer distinct benefits and wheel repairing functionality. The best companies on the market offer a thoughtfully considered range of wheel straighteners that target specific areas in the wheel straightening process as well as offer benefits unique to each individual refurbishing specification. For example, some straighteners include bead breaker attachments and are completely mobile while others are heavier with a larger shaft size to cater to vehicles with larger rims. In each case, assess the functionality of the straighteners against your unique preferences and decide from there.

Common Causes and Signs of Wheel Damage

Rim repairs are unavoidable as there are common causes of wheel damage individuals will likely experience at one point or another. That said, we have listed the most common causes of wheel damage below to help you avoid the unfortunate need for maintenance:

  • Driving with a flat tire
  • Driving over, into, or too close to the curb
  • Corrosion from frequently driving on winter roads or in humid locations
  • Driving over broken pavement
  • Hitting a pothole

If you are unaware of any particular incident that may have caused damage then be on the lookout for the following tell-tale signs that your alloys are damaged:

  • Vibration or shaky feeling from the steering wheel or beneath your seat
  • Tires that deflate quickly or are often flat
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Bulging prominent in the sidewalls of tires
  • Reduced steering and brake performance
  • Need to repair or maintain steering and suspension components

With a better understanding of the causes and signs of wheel damage, you can more effectively spring into action and avoid or repair your rims before the damages are too far gone. 

Why Use a Wheel Straightening Machine?

The main reason you would want to consider using a wheel straightener is to ensure that possible damages don’t lead to more serious issues later down the line. A bent rim can hinder a car’s performance and put drivers in potentially harmful situations, meaning maintenance through wheel straightening is imperative especially during the early stages of damage. The fact that alloy rims are more susceptible to damage than traditional steel rims is, even more, the reason to consider using a wheel straightening machine. These systems will help you efficiently repair bent rims and ensure that your next drive is smooth and safe.

Should You Buy an Alloy Wheel Straightener?

Wheel straighteners are more common than you think and many of the current models are relatively easy to grow accustomed to and use on a regular basis. The fact that so many new products are mobile makes them even more effective at getting the job done on the fly. It’s worth considering a purchase as the repairs both prevent harmful situations and promote the longevity of one’s alloys, thus saving you time and money in the event of bent wheels. Furthermore, many wheel repair specialists offer these nifty automobile gadgets for extremely affordable prices. Needless to say, you could have an effective repair shop set up in no time with a wheel straightener being a key piece of equipment in your workshop.

How Do Diamond Cutting Lathes Work

When it comes to repairing and refurbishing alloy rims and wheels, diamond cutting lathes are experiencing a rise in popularity. Furthermore, diamond-cut finish alloys are becoming more popular as pre-fitted or purchased rim solutions. This is because diamond-cut alloys offer several benefits to vehicle owners, from personalization to performance. In this article, we will take a look at how diamond cutting lathes work and showcase the benefits of diamond-cut alloy rims to give you a clearer idea of the process and what you can expect from these unique rims and wheels.

How Do Diamond Cutting Lathes Work?

Lathes are a common workshop tool you will find in wood-turning, metalworking, metal-spinning, thermal-spraying, and glass-working factories. Lathes are responsible for rotating a workpiece on an axis around a stationary tool to cut, sand, drill, face, etc. the workpiece symmetrically. 

When it comes to diamond cutting lathes, this refers to the process of using lathes to strip a thin layer off the surface of an alloy rim to give it a smoother and shinier look. The precise and fine process is difficult as it requires meticulous attention to detail while using the lathe to trim just the right amount of aluminum off the alloy rims and wheels. Removing too much could result in damages or limit the lifespan of an alloy rim, making diamond cutting specialists sought-after for their scrupulous expertise. 

The Benefits of Diamond-Cut Rims and Wheels

Alloy rims have surpassed steel rims as the go-to rim and wheel solutions because they offer better personalization and performance than their traditional counterparts. This is also true of diamond-cut alloys, with these options offering several additional benefits to vehicle owners. Below, we explore the benefits of choosing alloy rims, specifically diamond-cut rims and wheels, or repairing your damaged rims with a reputable wheel repair specialist that has experience in using diamond cutting lathes for refurbishing purposes. 

Lighter than Steel

Diamond-cut alloy rims, like their uncut counterparts, are much lighter than traditional steel wheels. This is because the modern aluminum used to produce alloys does not weigh as much as the common steel rim. The weight reduction has several performance-boosting advantages such as improved car responsiveness, better acceleration, and more effective fuel economy. 

Better Brake Clearance

More space, or clearance, between the diamond-cut alloys and brake mechanisms is allowed through the installation of quality cut alloys, making braking more precise and much smoother. This is another superior advantage of sourcing high-end diamond cutting lathe services from trusted wheel repair specialists. 

Smoother Acceleration

The key performance-boosting advantage of diamond-cut alloy rims is their ability to improve acceleration as well as support smoother acceleration. Due to their lightweight footprint, diamond-cut alloys are more efficiently rotated by the car’s engine, helping it increase speed exceptionally compared to steel rims and wheels.

Rim and Wheel Longevity

Aluminum is stronger than steel, making diamond-cut alloys a long-term solution. Furthermore, alloys dissipate heat more efficiently, minimizing the impact of cracks and bends forming over time. This increase in heat performance may also support brake and tire reactions.

Custom Personalization

One of the main reasons individuals go for alloys is their ability to elevate a car’s look, with diamond-cut alloys offering even more attractive personalization options. There is a wide range of designs and patterns created through the cutting process as well as a variety of colors and finishes to give your car a distinct look. 

How to Tell if Your Rims and Wheels are Diamond-Cut?

Whether you are purchasing a new car or repairing your rims and wheels through diamond cutting lathes, there are ways to determine if the rims are diamond-cut alloys. If you were to look very closely at the rims and wheels, you will perceive fine lines created during the cutting process. From far, these lines are inconceivable and the rims appear extremely smooth and shiny, however, the appearance of these small details indicates that the car’s wheels have undergone diamond cutting. Bear in mind that not all wheels can be diamond-cut as the process requires rims and wheels of a certain profile. In saying so, it is best to contact a wheel repair specialist if you wish to know if your current rims can be cut.

With more knowledge on the benefits of diamond-cut alloy rims and wheels as well as a better understanding of how diamond cutting lathes work, you can make smarter rim purchases when you are looking for a new vehicle or set of wheels, or would like to send in your alloys for repair.

Starting Your Own Wheel Repair Business

Rim and wheel repairs are part of vehicle maintenance that most car owners will, at some point or another, need to consider if they wish to keep their car looking fresh and their performance at its best. As such, entering the wheel repair business may be a lucrative option for car enthusiasts, amateur mechanics, or anyone deciding to venture into their own entrepreneurial business. Whether you’re actively pursuing your own wheel repair business or considering the possibility of taking advantage of this service offering, here’s our guide to get you going!

Everyone Will Need Their Wheels Refurbished

As already mentioned, car owners will require rim and wheel repairs sometime after purchasing their vehicles. Because people are constantly purchasing vehicles throughout the year, there is always the possibility of finding work in the wheel refurbishing business as owners search for specialists to repair damages to their rims year in and year out. It doesn’t matter how often an individual cares for their wheels or how intently they practice rim maintenance, there will come a time they will need assistance from wheel repair specialists and you could leverage this need with your own business. 

Choose Your Specialisation

There are two primary parts to a wheel repair specialist that you should be aware of before creating your own business; rim repairs focusing on fixing damage that affects car performance and rim repairs that clean up knicks and scratches affecting the appearance of the rims. You can choose to specialize in one or the other or offer both services in a holistic refurbishing package. Cleaning up scratches will require less effort and fewer intensive repair equipment while fixing damages affecting performance will require meticulous attention to detail and high-tech equipment to get the job done properly. It may be wise to start with appearance repairs and build to a point where you can make more of an impact on performance-enhancing repairs.

No Experience? No Worries!

The beauty of working in the wheel repair business is that you do not necessarily need an education in the industry or any experience with a reputable wheel repair specialist. All you will need is the determination, dedication, budget, and business know-how to get the ball rolling. That said, customers may wish to know what projects you have worked on before or require some evidence of professionalism in order to build trust. As a result, beginners will likely need to work with close friends and family to gather great testimonials or hire a young professional who has a small existing clientele to build up a positive reputation. 

Source Your Equipment

With your business goals in mind, you can begin gathering the equipment you will need to complete rim and wheel repair jobs. We have listed a few of the most important pieces of equipment below, as well as provided some guidance on whether to operate a fixed or mobile workshop

  • Rim straightener: a tool used to straighten steel, aluminum, and alloy rims by pushing against damaged parts of the rim
  • Lathe or CNC lathe: a machine that rotates a workpiece around a fixed axis and cuts, shapes, and removes excess metal to smooth the rim and repair damages

These are the two most prominent pieces of equipment needed to get your business started, however, you should also consider purchasing a welder and polisher for further reparations. 

Both a fixed and mobile workshop will require investment, however, a fixed workshop provides the most long-term benefits. While a mobile workshop will allow you to move to where the customer is and offer them this as a convenience, a fixed workshop will provide maximum physical area for expansion and the purchase of new, better machinery. Bear in mind that you will also need to consider office furniture, reception areas, customer seating, and much more as you develop your workshop further. 

Branding and Marketing Your Business

The final step to creating your business is finalizing your branding and considering marketing avenues to get your name out there. You may wish to work with a branding specialist to help you craft a logo and a marketing guru to help you develop a business plan. Once you have your logo and business plan, you may consider looking at creating a website and establishing a digital presence through Facebook and other social media platforms which you can advertise on. As your business grows and develops, you can hire more people to help with jobs or invest in CNC equipment to make your operations more efficient. 

What is a CNC Lathe?

In the world of cars, particularly in reference to rims and wheels, the term lathe will come up in most conversations about repairs. A lathe is a key tool in a rim repairman’s workshop and helps to speed up reparations as well as provide superior results in comparison with other mechanical systems. Alas, alloy rim and wheel repairs can be even more efficient with the assistance of a CNC lathe, a more modern and sophisticated iteration of the common workshop tool. In this article, we will differentiate the two and showcase the benefits of using CNC lathes for repairing alloy rims.

What is a Lathe?

A lathe is primarily responsible for removing metal from a workpiece to give it the desired shape. Lathes are used in alloy rim repairs by stripping layers where damages are present in order to maintain a clean look and improve wheel performance. The machine works by rotating a workpiece around a fixed axis and applying a cutting or shaping tool to remove excess material from the workpiece. 

How Does a CNC Lathe Differ?

The difference between a CNC lathe and a regular workshop lathe is not in the specific tool itself but in the process of operating it. CNC is an acronym for computerized numerically controlled, meaning the CNC component provides additional software-operated technology to assist the lathe cutting process. 

What is the Function of a CNC Lathe?

Much like its lathe counterpart, a CNC lathe is responsible for shaping a workpiece by cutting away excess materials and metal. The three primary functions of a CNC lathe include facing, turning, and boring. 

  • Facing: removing excess metal from a cylindrical workpiece to create a smooth surface
  • Turning: creating grooves, indents, and ridges by applying a turning tool to the CNC lathe
  • Boring: enlarging existing holes through drilling, molding, casting, or forging

The Benefits of Using CNC Lathes for Repairing Alloy Rims

In the process of repairing alloy rims and wheels, a CNC lathe may offer several benefits compared to a regular lathe. Wheel repair specialists that utilize the CNC technology may assist your wheel and rim repairs in the following ways:

Quicker Turnaround Time

The primary benefit of using computer technology to assist rim and wheel repairs is its efficiency in getting the job done. Without needing hands-on assistance, a CNC lathe is capable of repairing damaged rims at a much quicker rate. The shortened turnaround time means the process of rims getting from the workshop to the customer is much quicker. This both benefits the client and the workshop as job turnaround time directly affects a workshop’s ability to manage projects.

More Accurate Repairs

Another key benefit to utilizing CNC lathes as opposed to traditional lathes is the ability to get a more accurate repair. With high-quality technology driving the reparations, CNC lathes are able to hone in on details much more effectively than a worker responsible for turning the workpiece manually on the lathe. More accurate repairs mean longer-lasting rims and a reduced risk of other damages popping up.

Smoother Solution

In a similar way to providing accurate repairs, CNC lathes allow wheel repair specialists to offer smoother solutions for their clients. Alloy rims are highly regarded for their clean and attractive look, meaning a smoother cut ensures repaired alloys look as close to new as possible. Where a traditional lathe operation may result in tiny ridges and indents forming, a CNC lathe can provide a much cleaner look.

Longer Lifespan

A thin layer of metal is stripped from alloy rims and wheels during repairs and lathes operated manually are not always able to provide a consistent and clean strip. This means that your wheels and rims may be at risk of inconsistencies that could lead to further damage in the future. A CNC lathe is much more reliable in providing meticulous damage removal by accurately stipping a very fine layer. This improves the lifespan of the rim, helping customers save money in the long run.

Through the use of CNC lathes, wheel repair specialists can more effectively and efficiently fix your damaged rims and wheels. From a quicker turnaround time to more accurate repairs and a smoother solution to a longer lifespan, you can harness the benefits of a CNC lathe when opting to work with these expert wheel repair specialists.