Apparatus and method for straightening damaged or bent wheels

Abstract

This invention provides methods and apparatuses for determining the non-true condition of a damaged metal wheel such as the wheel's radial runout, its lateral runout, and the length of its damaged zone. The invention provides for the use of components which rigidly hold the wheel in a fixture, which apply heat to the wheel in a controlled manner so as to raise the temperature of the wheel to its somewhat softened state, and which apply a suitable force to the damaged zone while the wheel is in its, or while it is being heated, to its somewhat softened state. This force is applied to the heated wheel until the radial runout of the damaged zone is reduced to a first predetermined limit. The invention also provides for the use of components which rotate the wheel between at least a pair of oppositely-positioned contacting and compressing rollers. This compression action occurs after the wheel has been heated to its, or while it is being heated to its, somewhat softened state. This heating process is performed in a controlled manner. The application of heat and the rotation of the wheel continues until the radial runout is reduced to a second predetermined limit. The second predetermined limit is closer to the wheel's original true condition than is the first predetermined limit.