| 1 | Dimensional compatibility | Rim diameter, rim width, center bore, bolt-hole pattern, offset, and mounting face must match the equipment drawing. Critical dimensions should normally be controlled within ±0.5 mm unless the original specification requires tighter tolerances. | Check the supplier drawing against the machine manual. Measure samples with calibrated vernier calipers, bore gauges, and a coordinate measuring machine where necessary. | 25% | Reject any wheel with an incorrect bolt pattern, bore, offset, or interference risk, even if the price is attractive. |
| 2 | Rated load capacity | The marked or documented wheel load rating should exceed the maximum static and dynamic load per wheel. A practical purchasing margin is at least 15% above the calculated maximum operating load. | Request a load-rating document and compare it with axle load, operating speed, terrain, tire pressure, and application duty cycle. | 20% | Do not use vehicle gross weight alone; divide the worst-case axle load by the number of load-carrying wheels and account for uneven loading. |
| 3 | Cast alloy and material traceability | The casting alloy, heat-treatment condition, and material standard should be clearly identified. Each production lot should be traceable to a melt or batch record. | Review the material certificate, chemical-composition report, heat-treatment record, and lot identification stamped or linked to the inspection report. | 15% | Avoid products described only as “high-strength alloy” without a grade, test result, or traceable batch information. |
| 4 | Casting integrity | No visible cracks, cold shuts, exposed porosity, major inclusions, or incomplete filling in load-bearing areas. Repair welding should be prohibited unless specifically approved by the design authority. | Perform 100% visual inspection. Use dye penetrant or other suitable non-destructive testing for critical areas; review radiographic or sectional evidence when required by the application. | 15% | Prioritize consistent casting quality over cosmetic appearance. Surface grinding must not reduce the designed wall thickness. |
| 5 | Runout and balance | Radial and lateral runout should be defined on the drawing. For high-speed or vibration-sensitive applications, the supplier should provide a balancing requirement based on ISO 21940 principles or the equipment maker’s specification. | Measure the assembled wheel on a calibrated balancing machine and check radial/lateral runout with a dial indicator. | 10% | For low-speed off-road use, fit and structural integrity may be more important than premium balancing; for road use, balancing requirements should be stricter. |
| 6 | Surface protection | The coating system should be suitable for moisture, salt, mud, fertilizer, and cleaning chemicals encountered in service. Coating thickness and adhesion should be specified rather than described only as “painted.” | Check coating thickness, adhesion, curing, edge coverage, and corrosion-test evidence when required. Confirm that machined mounting surfaces remain free of excess coating. | 8% | Select a coating compatible with the operating environment; protect the hub bore, bolt seats, and tire bead seat from coating buildup. |
| 7 | Inspection and documentation | A complete inspection package should include a dimensional report, material certificate, load or strength test evidence, surface inspection record, and packing-list traceability. | Review sample reports before placing the order and confirm that the reports identify the same drawing revision and production lot as the supplied wheels. | 4% | Documentation quality is a useful indicator of process control, but it must not replace physical inspection of samples. |
| 8 | Packaging and logistics | Packaging should prevent rim deformation, coating damage, moisture exposure, and part-to-part contact during inland and overseas transport. | Approve a packaging drawing or packing sample. Check corrosion protection, separators, lifting points, carton or pallet strength, and container loading stability. | 3% | A lower unit price is not economical if transport damage causes field delays or replacement freight. |