Yamaha Motor: the innovation linked to SpinForged rims

I SpinForged Yamaha rims they represent an innovative solution for reducing weight, defined through a flow forming process.

Traditional

Yamaha has experience in the field of technology diecasting, an aspect that dates back to the beginnings of forging piano frames at Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd., now Yamaha Corporation. Techniques adapted and applied for the creation of the first engine and components of the first motorcycle YA-1 in 1955. The process has continued since then, continuing to forge motorcycle components and developing others for nautical, automotive and other types of production. The ability to forge small or large-sized parts internally represents a rarity in the production sector. Yamaha factories have introduced various technologies in the field of casting, from that of Controlled Filling die casting (CF) of aluminium, being able to mass produce large and thin parts as mentioned, to the cylinder DiASil in aluminium, the first in the world.
The production of wheels for motorcycles is an example of the profound experience in this field. Along with vacuum die-cast aluminum rims, Yamaha has forged magnesium rims for series production with the YZF-R1 in 2015. The flow forming process to make the circles SpinForged Yamaha It was already used in the production of car wheels, but motorcycle wheels feature a connotative design on both sides, and the adaptation of flow forming was not easy. However, Yamaha managed to overcome the difficulties by selecting a new aluminum alloy. Research was conducted on different combinations of alloys to achieve functional strength and durability, also defining the ideal heat treatment method. The SpinForged Yamaha rim is the result.

The innovation

The aluminum rims present on the new one MT-09, as mentioned, are shaped using flow forming and represent the result of research conducted by Kahori Oshima of Yamaha Motor's Materials Division.
In developing the model, weight reduction was taken into account, considering the idea that if the basic characteristics of aluminum are improved, other innovations will be achieved starting from the manufacturing techniques of the factory. The design and manufacturing departments were involved in the project, shaping a special aluminum alloy and an innovative heat treatment process. A symbiosis from which the first mass-produced flow-formed wheels for the MT-09 were drawn. Called Yamaha SpinForged, the process allows each rim to reach a thickness of only XNUMX inches 2 mm, compared to the previous 3,5 mm, furthermore the front wheels are lighter by around 0,7 kg, as reported.

The material

Highlighted is the development of a special aluminum alloy, created by Yamaha's materials research and development department. On this occasion we talk about special one of Yamaha Aluminium, crucial in the process for the definition of these new lightweight wheels.
Since she joined the company, researcher Oshima has worked on materials, specializing in aluminium. The results have led to notable improvements in the production of "arms" parts in different types of production.
While the material itself is simply defined as "aluminium", this is what is required which differentiates it depending on the product, location and processing method.
Working with this material involves carefully controlling the temperature of the molten metal, mixing the secret mixture of additional elements and proceeding with the heat treatment of the formed piece. Given his role, Oshima draws on his knowledge and applies new ideas to find the right balance between rigidity and flexibility, without forgetting the aesthetic aspect.

Photo: Yamaha Motor