what type of materials are needed to make a wheel?

Wheels are an integral part of the modern day world, crucial to the functioning of a myriad of vehicles and pieces of machinery. They are also fairly easy to make, using simple materials and tools that you likely already have. But what specifically do you need to make a wheel?

The absolute most important element for any wheel is some kind of frame or hub for everything to attach around. The frame can be as basic as two sticks crossed together, or more complex if necessary. This can be made out of light aluminum for lighter wheels, steel or even heavy-duty plastic for larger or heavier-duty wheels.

The second major component required to make a wheel are axles and bearings which serve the purpose of connecting it firmly to the vehicle or machine and allowing it to spin relatively freely and easily each time it is cycled. The axles and bearings should be strong enough to handle the forces that will be put on them during regular use, such as when tubing is involved in making it more durable.

Next, once a structural foundation has been laid in terms of framework, axles and bearings then tire material comes into play; typically metal rims are mounted between rubber tires which provide traction on contact surfaces. Good quality metal rims such as those made from aluminum-magnesium alloy are usually preferred because they are lightweight yet still quite sturdy for most applications. Rubber tires should provide good traction but note that too thin a tire will not do an adequate job; specialized rubber compounds (such as those used in racing) may also be needed depending on needs and objectives.

From here additional components such as brakes might come into play depending on vehicle type (hand brakes like those found on bicycles), spokes if necessary to bolster wheel strength, hubcaps (if aesthetic desired) etc all come into consideration depending on what type of wheel is being constructed but these remain optional additions at this point rather than requirement components as with framework, axles & bearings/tires already discussed above.