OTTO FUCHS and DEMMEL AG realize technical highlight for Audi e-tron GT
Seamlessly conceived and jointly implemented: In a close development partnership with OTTO FUCHS, DEMMEL AG has realized an innovative wheel concept for the all-electric Audi e-tron GT. The result: a forged FUCHS RIM complemented by a perfectly integrated wheel center cover - technically sophisticated,
seamlessly harmonious interaction of two components.
Both OTTO FUCHS and Demmel AG act as direct Tier 1 suppliers for Audi. As part of this project, both companies were closely linked to the OEM via a development partnership. An interdisciplinary team of experts from all three partners, Audi, OTTO FUCHS and DEMMEL, was set up at an early stage of the project. Weekly reviews were held throughout the entire development period to work together on the optimum solution.
Design meets precision
The vision: wheel and cover should merge visually. The design of the wheel is consistently continued in the wheel center cover - with the highest demands on dimensional accuracy, surface quality and manufacturing tolerances. The challenge: different manufacturing processes: 3D forging and flow forming for the wheel versus deep drawing and back injection molding for the cover had to be precisely coordinated.
Special attention was paid to:
“ Gap dimension accuracy and even transitions in the surface
” Coordination of polishing pattern, color and texture for different surface variants (bi-color clear coated & tinted-shadow-black coated)
“ Corrosion protection despite tight radii
” Operational safety even under extreme conditions such as driving through potholes or high-speed driving with heated brakes
" Easy disassembly and precise reassembly by the vehicle owner
Material behavior under high performance
Another technical aspect: The different thermal expansions of the materials (aluminium and polyamide) had to be taken into account in order to ensure the functionality and tight fit of the cover even under high thermal loads.
A strong example of development expertise based on partnership - and of the innovative strength of DEMMEL AG.