Here at Manchester Powder Coating, we like to give our customers many options when it comes to having their alloy wheels refurbished. In today’s blog, we are going to talk about Diamond-Cut alloy wheels and some benefits and negatives about them.
1: They look fantastic
The number one reason people decide on diamond-cut alloy wheels for their cars is that they simply look brilliant. They are strikingly shiny – they look impressive no matter the car. Many high-end car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes fit their vehicles with diamond-cut alloys as standard due to their esteemed look.
They’re also easy to keep looking brilliant too. Due to the cuts in the alloys, they require little polishing and buffing, and staying sparkling and shiny with little interference, truly standing out from the tyres on your wheels.
2: They improve acceleration and braking
Diamond Cut alloys aren’t just pretty to look at! Since diamond-cut alloy wheels weigh less than traditional steel-cut alloys, you get an improvement in acceleration and braking. Almost all diamond-cut owners say that driving is easier and smoother due to the reduction in weight. The composition of a diamond alloy also allows for a more fluid movement.
3: Diamond Cut alloys are more prone to damage
Although they look fantastic, they are more delicate than traditional steel alloys. They are more prone to cracks and stone chips which can lead to erosion, meaning if you do a lot of off-road driving down gravel tracks or cross-country lanes, diamond-cut alloys probably are not the best choice for you.
Diamond-cut alloys are only fit with one layer of lacquer protection, which means water can easily seep underneath, causing corrosion to the rest of the alloy. So again, if you live somewhere out of the city, it may be worth considering whether a diamond-cut refurbishment is for you.
4: They’re more expensive than standard wheel refurbishment
Due to the complicated process of creating diamond-cut alloy wheels, they are a more expensive choice when it comes to your alloys. In turn, repairs cost more too.
In some places, the price varies on the make and model of your car, and the size of your alloys, however here at MPC we have a set price on Diamond Cut alloys up to a 22” wheel. Price only changes if you have a 23” or above. You will find though most cars come within our standard pricing. So if you decide to get diamond-cut alloys, be prepared to pay a bit more for them. That being said, many people believe it is worth every penny.
5: The production of Diamond Cutting is not straightforward
Producing diamond-cut alloys for your vehicle is a long, highly mechanised process which takes between 2 & 3 full working days to complete. As opposed to standard wheel refurbishment which takes between 1 & 2 days to complete.
It cannot be done without a Computer Numerical Controlled lathe, which is where the diamond cut gets its name – the machine’s lathe uses a diamond tip. Here is a step-by-step process for creating diamond-cut alloys:
- First, the wheel is powder coated in the desired colour, gloss black or metallic anthracite for example and left to dry completely.
- The wheel is mounted in the machine. The machine takes precise measurements of what needs to be taken away using a laser. It is vital that this is as accurate as possible to ensure the shine.
- The wheel then spins at a high speed whilst the diamond tip strips an extremely thin layer of the painted alloy. The part which is stripped now looks shiny and two-tone in contrast to the unstripped part, but due to the high precision, there is no visible dent or groove in the alloy.
- A lacquer is applied to the wheel to lock in the paint and preserve the shininess of the wheel. As this process takes material away from the wheel, it can only usually be done up to twice on each alloy. This means if you damage your alloy by hitting a curb or a pothole, you can repair the alloy but after the second time, In most cases, you’ll have to buy a new alloy or revert to having your wheel powder coated in a standard colour without the diamond cut finish.
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We trust this blog helps in your decision about getting your alloy wheels diamond cut or a standard alloy wheel refurbishment.
For more information or to get booked please don’t hesitate to contact us at 0161 641 3117 or via email at [email protected] alternatively you can use our free quote form.
