RAYS Co., Ltd. (株式会社レイズ, Kabushiki-gaisha Reizu) is a high-end Japanesewheel manufacturer for both motorsport and street use. Their flagship brand, Volk Racing wheels, features a high-tech forging process exclusive to Rays Engineering.[3]
RAYS was founded in 1973. The company opened a Tokyo sales office in 1980.[7]
In 1981, RAYS established their Racing Division, and the following year, the company opened their Two-Wheel Vehicle Division. In 1984, RAYS Engineering built a new plant in Yao.[7]
In 1986, the company brought in their first 5,500-ton forging press. They later purchased 2 3,500 presses, and in 2004, installed a 10,000-ton forging machine.[7]
In 2007, Rays began supplying wheels to the William F1 team.[7]
Wheel construction
Rays Engineering wheels are manufactured through two different processes: forging and casting. After each wheel is manufactured, the wheel goes through strenuous inspection before being packaged and shipped out. The following is a video showing each manufacturing process of a Rays Engineering wheel: Rays Engineering Manufacturing Process.
Forging
The forging process for a Rays Wheel consists of seven steps:
Hot Forging – Takes a billet and creates metal lines through volume distribution with a hot press.
RM Forging – Forging method exclusively developed Rays Engineering. Finishing of designed parts on the wheel is completed during this process.
Cold Spinning – Width of wheel is constructed during this process with a high-speed spinning machine.
Heat Treatment – Wheel is quickly heated then immediately cooled down with a solution to form a strong structure for the wheel.
Machine Work – Special cutting device used to improve roundness of the wheel.
Shot Blast – This process smooths the surface of the wheel to prepare of aesthetic finishing.
Surface Finishing – Various chemicals are used to prevent corrosion and protect the surface of the wheel
Types of forged wheels
Forged 1 Piece Magnesium
Forged 1 Piece Aluminum
Forged (Seamless) Rim 2 Piece Wheel Aluminum
Casting
The casting process for a Rays Wheel consists of four steps:
Fusion – Aluminum metal is heated up into molten liquid.
Molten Metal Treating – Process of removing impurities from molten aluminum. Molten aluminum with no impurities are moved into a holding furnace.
Casting – Molten aluminum is poured into a die to form the wheel.
Machine Work – Various chemicals are used to prevent corrosion and protect the surface of the wheel
