Cleveland, Ohio, March 8, 2022 – Alcoa® Wheels, the global leader in aluminum wheel innovation, introduces two new products featuring revolutionary technology that reaffirms its position as the lightest aluminum wheel manufacturer in the commercial transportation industry —the NEW Alcoa® 22.5” x 8.25” wheel, ULT36x, and the lighter Alcoa® 22.5” x 14” wheels, 84U61x and 84U64x.
Unveiled at the 2022 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, Alcoa® Wheels upholds the world’s lightest wheel portfolio in commercial transportation industry. The groundbreaking Alcoa® ULT36x 22.5” x 8.25” wheel is three pounds lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 36 pounds, and is equipped with proprietary MagnaForce® alloy. Highlights include:
- Exceptional strength with a 7,400 lbs. load rating
- Alcoa® advanced finishes High Polish and Mirror Polish
- Exclusive Alcoa® Dura-Bright® and Dura-Black™ surface treatments
- Patent-pending wheel design
The new Alcoa® ULT36x wheel also features vHub™ Bore Technology, which reduces hub-to-wheel contact area by up to 64% versus other aluminum wheels on the market, leaving less surface area for corrosion to form. In addition, it is offered with a unique valve access designed for ease of inflation and pressure checks in all positions. The system works with ATIS and Halo Tire Inflator and brings both the inner and outer dual valve into the wheel well for improved access.
Along with the new ULT36x, Alcoa® Wheels is lightening loads with the lightest 22.5” x 14” truck wheel on the market. Now at just 49 lbs, three pounds lighter than its predecessor and made with proprietary MagnaForce® alloy, the wheel provides a 12,800 lb. load rating. Weighing significantly less than a comparable steel wheel, fleets will save over 1,400 lbs. when converting from steel dual wheels and tires on an 18-wheeler.
Dual Valve Option
Alcoa® Wheels’ wide base wheels are available with dual valves. Featuring a second valve stem, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor can operate on one valve while air pressure is serviced on the other. No disruption due to equipment removal during airing up or maintenance means added peace of mind and optimum efficiency.
Alcoa® Dura-Black™ Surface Treatment
The 22.5” x 14” wheel is offered with Alcoa®’s proprietary Dura-Black™ surface treatment. Alcoa Dura-Black™ Wheels offer the same advantages as all lightweight Alcoa forged aluminum wheels. Manufactured using proprietary technology and production processes specifically required for appearance and durability, Alcoa Dura-Black™ wheels feature premium detailing in all aspects of the wheel design and production. Beyond the matte black surface, each wheel rim flange and mounting surface appear bright, and in contrast to the matte black face of the wheel. The bright rim flange provides increased protection during tire mounting and while in use out on the road. The bright disc face mounting surface provides protection when mounting and while in use on the rig.
Alcoa Dura-Black™ wheels are treated on both sides for flexibility of mounting in steer or drive position making both ordering and installation easy. Wheels are also supplied with high-quality, color-matched components including a black valve stem, and a precision, laser-etched logo.
22.5” x 14” wheels are compatible with the recently announced Alcoa® aerodynamic covers, in steer and drive positions, completing the look and helping to achieve optimum performance.
As our technology advances, our innovations continue to evolve,” said Nathalie Tessier, General Manager Americas, Alcoa® Wheels. “We strive to be the resource fleets can count on to bring the industry’s lightest and strongest aluminum wheel solutions to market, making us proud to offer these newest introductions.”
The new Alcoa® 22.5” x 8.25” and 22.5” x 14” wheels will be on display at the TMC Annual Meeting in Booth #605 and available to spec beginning in late 2022.
To learn more and for information on Alcoa® Wheels, visit www.alcoawheels.com.
About Alcoa® Wheels
Alcoa® Wheels, a product brand of Howmet Aerospace Inc., serves the commercial heavy-duty, medium-duty, trailer and bus vehicle market with forged aluminum wheel solutions, including premium products such as Ultra ONE® Wheels with MagnaForce® alloy, Dura-Black™ wheels, Dura-Bright® wheels, Dura-Flange® wheels, as well as a variety of accessories for these markets. For more information: alcoawheels.com and follow @AlcoaWheels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Howmet Aerospace
Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
