This aluminum truck wheel has been polished to a beautiful shine.
Forged aluminum can be just as beautiful as any other kind of aluminum and more so in many ways. Its unique grain structure and density can make for a far more brilliant shine than any cast-aluminum counterpart.
Forged Aluminum
Forged aluminum starts out as a chunk of solid aluminum stock (billet) and is hammered into shape by massive hammer and die machines. This procedure makes it much stronger and more dense than cast aluminum.
Polishing
Polishing is the act of creating a smooth surface by rubbing it with abrasives, leaving it with the minimal number of light-diffusing scratches and pits.
Purpose
Aside from making it look good, polishing aluminum rids the surface of scratches and imperfections that can serve as a starting point for cracks (stress risers). Polishing can increase the component's strength by as much as 10 percent over nonpolished components.
Appearance
Polished aluminum is almost indistinguishable from chrome in appearance, although some say it has a bit less blue in it than either chrome or polished stainless.
Coating
Being a soft and easily oxidized metal, aluminum should always be treated to a protective coating of some sort after being polished. Automotive clear coat and clear "powder-coat" are popular options.
