GKN tests wheels with and without tyres, on electronically controlled, purpose-built test rigs, to ensure the durability of both the rim and the disc. Computers are used to measure strains caused by complex load combinations so that designs can be optimised.
Only when GKN Wheels is completely satisfied with test results does volume manufacturing begin. Total Quality Management techniques ensure that every wheel matches the requirements of the original specification once designs go into production. The company is approved to ISO 9001.
GKN Wheels has invested heavily in testing equipment and all products are fully validated using GKN Wheels’ world class facilities in Europe and North America. These provide some of the most advanced testing processes in the industry, which include:
- Rim rolling
- Disc bending
- Field testing
- Strain analysis
- FEA
- Life expectancy testing – all as a key service to its customers
Successful innovations deliver clear improvements to customer value resulting in:
- Acceptable new product risk
- Faster new product introduction
- Improved product performance
- Reduced total cost