BBS has been flow-forming wheels for more than 20 years. Flow forming is a procedure that uses a continuous rotational motion with three hydraulic rollers and immense pressure at high temperatures to “form” the inner rim area of the wheel. This method changes the mechanical properties of the cast rim area to increase strength, stiffness, and impact values closer to that of a forged rim. It also helps reduce the weight up to 15 percent in comparison to a standard cast wheel. The result is a very good “stiffness to weight ratio” that delivers a high level of performance at a cost that is much lower than a forged wheel.
BBS supplies cast flow-formed wheels for many high-performance OEM manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche. What’s more, a number of factory racing programs from BMW, Ford, and Ferrari have also selected BBS cast flow-formed products specifically for track use. One of the current BBS aftermarket wheel designs that benefit from the advantages of the “Flow Forming” process is the CC-R wheel.
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The CC-R performance wheel boasts modern designs with the potential to become a classic. It spotlights a distinctive three-dimensional appearance with a visual depth that stems from five graphite-colored spokes overlaid by five diamond-cut Y-shaped spokes. It’s a filigree, light, and dynamic wheel that does not stray from BBS’ reputation for high-quality, high-strength, and high-performance products. The replaceable stainless steel rim protector and the diamond cut spokes make the CC-R wheel a real eye-catcher. What’s more, it features a laser-engraved BBS logo, KBA number, as well as a “Made in Germany” stamp.
The CC-R wheel certainly doesn’t lack any technical finesse either. As a result of the back-milled spokes and flow forming process, the CC-R is an absolute lightweight performance wheel that proves ideal for a wide range of vehicle applications. Milling the spokes allows BBS to achieve the perfect balance between wheel weight and stability. A special multi-axis CNC milling process is used so that the area of the spokes that do not contribute to its stability can be removed.
Like every BBS wheel, the CC-R wheel undergoes rigorous testing in the company’s own test facility. A computer simulation of the wheel type is subjected to several test cycles using various spoke configurations to ensure the correct balance is achieved during the construction phase. This special machining technology was first used on BBS’ Formula 1 wheels and is now being used to improve the performance of many of its wheel series.
In addition, the CC-R wheel fulfills all other BBS quality promises too. These include die casting, heat treatment, FEM analysis, and x-ray inspection. In order to produce a truly perfect and long-lasting wheel, BBS starts with a top-quality casting blank. It then uses a low-pressure casting method to manufacture them. This process involves pressing the aluminum alloy in a multi-part mold with up to 1 or 2 bars of pressure. After cooling it down to about 400 degrees Centigrade, the mold is opened and the casting blank is ready for the next steps.
Unlike other companies on the market, BBS cast (light alloy) wheels are heat treated. This is crucial for the stability of the aluminum and ensures first-rate quality and durability. With FEM analysis, done according to the “finite element method”, the structural behavior characteristics of any new wheel model can be determined via computer and optimized during the construction phase. Using FEM analysis, BBS can simulate the behavior of a wheel model like the CC-R under real operating conditions and stress.
X-ray inspection ensures that nothing is left to chance. After low-pressure casting, all rim blanks are carefully examined by an x-ray to make sure there are no surface defects or potential air pockets. BBS does not tolerate any mistakes, so not a single wheel leaves the company’s premises without being x-rayed.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Vivid Racing team. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.
View the Full BBS CC-R Wheel Application List Here.
