Material Industry Applications and Precision Machining Processes of Wheel Hub Flanges

Wheel hub flanges mainly use high-strength alloy steel to improve load-bearing and anti-fatigue performance:

1. Bearing Steel (GCr15SiMn): The mainstream material, refined grain size through heat treatment, balancing strength and toughness.

2. Low-Carbon Alloy Steel: Added chromium and molybdenum elements to enhance wear resistance, suitable for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

3. Stainless Steel: Used in corrosive environments (such as coastal areas), but at a higher cost.

Core applications in the automotive manufacturing field:

• Passenger Cars/New Energy Vehicles: The core component of the third-generation wheel hub bearing unit, integrating ABS sensors to support suspension system loads.

• Commercial Vehicles: Strengthens flange rigidity to withstand high-frequency torque and impact loads.

• Extended Fields: Rotating load-bearing components for rail transit and construction machinery.

The core process is "closed die forging + CNC precision turning":

1. Precision Forging: Medium frequency heating to above 1150°C, closed die forging forming, fluorine/silicon-based release agent improves mold life.

2. Heat Treatment: Residual heat normalizing (690-710℃) + low-temperature tempering, eliminates stress and refines grain size.

3. Strengthening Treatment: S-460/S-390 steel shot double shot peening to improve surface rigidity and anti-micro-crack ability.

4. CNC Precision Machining: Five-axis lathe processing of inner circular surfaces and bolt holes, accuracy ≤0.05mm, ensuring interference fit with the wheel hub bearing.