Hutchinson Wheels - Aluminum vs. Steel
Mine Blast Survivability
Hutchinson’s aluminum wheel and countermine runflat fared best compared to all other test conditions. Aluminum wheel with Countermine VFI demonstrated 30% less acceleration than the Steel wheel with the Countermine VFI.
Weight Savings
Aluminum:
- Is a lighter material compared to Steel
- Reduces vehicle weight, without reducing axle loading
- Improves fuel economy
- Has Dynamic behavior
Hollow Spoke Design
Corrosion Resistance
- 6000-series aluminum alloy has excellent natural corrosion protection characteristics.
- Self protects through the process of oxidation.
- 30+ years of proven use in harsh corrosion environment for military and commercial applications.
Ballistic Resistance
Aluminum demonstrated better impact absorption capabilities compared to steel, and should be considered better than steel for ballistic/impact resistance. Testing confirmed the ballistic resistance of forged aluminum.