We all have our preferences. Some like to stick to the stock wheels of their JDMs but there are also some who prefer to go for aftermarket wheels. If you’re one of those looking for a good aftermarket wheel then listen up. Today, we are taking the spotlight and focusing it on Enkei wheels, which is one of the best aftermarket wheels for your JDM. 

The Enkei Company

Founded in the 1950’s in Shizouka, Japan, Enkei is one of Japan’s leading manufacturers specializing in aesthetic lightweight wheels. Their annual production of wheels reaches a count of 25 million. The company hasn’t released an explanation for where their name originated.

However, some speculate on what it could mean. Due to how it is pronounced, the sound in Japanese could refer to a circular shape, a view into the future, or the Enkei era. Nevertheless, the company still produces lightweight and high-quality wheels that you ought to get if you are into speed. 

The Production Of Enkei Wheels

Depending on the wheel model, Enkei wheels could undergo various processes. Combinations of the techniques vary but the four techniques that they use are as follows:

Forging

Among the four processes, this is the most self-explanatory. In this process, the wheel will undergo heating, spinning, and hammering in order to be formed. This is different from a casting process where heated metal is poured into a mold. 

The good thing about forged wheels is that they could be lighter and more durable as compared to the casted ones. However, due to it being more difficult to make, it could also increase the price. With Enkei’s forging process, aluminum alloy is poured into a silicone mold and then hammered with a thousand tons of force to form the wheel. 

Most Advanced Production (MAP)

This process developed by Enkei involves rapidly cooling down the aluminum alloy that was poured into the mold. Due to this process, a more elastic and durable structure is formed. This is usually done for wheels that are meant for motorsport use. 

Most Advanced Technology (MAT)

With this process, the rim is created by spinning. After pouring the aluminum alloy into a mold, it is spun at very high speeds and forged simultaneously. This creates the shape of the rim. Wheels that are made through this process also show comparable strength and durability as those that were forged. Additionally, with this process, the wheel formed is more lightweight. MAT-Dura Flow Forming

This process is also called the Durville Die Casting and Mat Process. It combines the Durvile process, which involves pouring aluminum alloy in a special technique into the inner rim side then it is rapidly quenched. With the MAT process, they spin the metal structure. This combination of processes makes a high-strength rim without having to be as costly as the forged ones.