CNC machining of auto parts: process guide
Automotive parts machining refers to the process of manufacturing, processing, assembling and other operations on automotive parts. With the continuous upgrading of automotive technology, the requirements for automotive parts machining are becoming higher and higher. Advanced technology and equipment are needed to ensure the production of high-quality automotive parts. CNC machining, as one of the most widely used methods, can adapt to the needs of the market and consumers.
Therefore, this article will introduce you in detail the inseparable relationship between CNC machining and automotive parts manufacturing. By understanding the advantages, application parts, machining processes and precautions of CNC machining of automotive parts, you will have a curiosity about the common cars around you. What are the numerous automotive parts? How are they produced?
1.Advantages of CNC machining in automotive applications
CNC machining is one of the most mature methods for automotive parts because of its scalability and the ability to produce parts quickly, precisely and accurately. The following are some advantages of automotive CNC machining:
(1) Precision parts
Many automotive parts that are specifically used for automotive modification have very strict and controllable tolerances on their characteristic dimensions. In order to meet this specific requirement of customized automotive parts, CNC machining must be used.
(2) Automation
Automation itself is an advantage of CNC machining. Compared with manual processes, it not only shortens production time, but also simplifies the automotive manufacturing process.
(3) Fast manufacturing
CNC machining can provide fast production time. As long as you have the design and CNC program ready, you can speed up the production of parts according to the time required.
(4) Scalable production
The process of CNC machining is highly adjustable, and it can be easily scaled or expanded for large or small batches. Therefore, CNC manufacturing is very suitable for prototyping, custom parts manufacturing and even mass production of parts.
(5) Repeatability
Automobile CNC machining also brings repeatability guarantees to the automotive industry. It ensures that parts are consistent between batches, which is crucial. Then all CNC cars launched will meet the same standards.
2.Common CNC machined automotive parts
(1) Interior panels
Vehicle interior parts such as dashboards can be manufactured using CNC machining to achieve contours or shapes. Increase the elegance of the car interior.
(2) Starter Motor
One of the automotive parts that is machined by CNC includes some of the important parts in the internal combustion engine of the car. The precision and complexity of the process allows for the optimization of these parts. Manufacturers can also easily improve them in terms of performance, durability and reliability.
(3) Gears
Gears used in the automotive industry are often manufactured and finished by CNC because of their critical function. As with other components, accuracy, precision and high strength are the top priorities for gears.
(4) Wheel Discs
Machine-machined wheel discs add a different level of overall elegance to the car. Usually, these wheel components are manufactured through CNC milling processes to achieve their contours or shapes.
(5) Camshafts
These parts are usually machined to maintain their structural integrity and precision. The camshaft is one of the most critical parts in the car, and it greatly affects the combustion efficiency and efficacy of the fuel.
(6) Cylinder Heads
In the automotive and racing industries, CNC machining for the automotive industry also has several advantages. These benefits come from the production of engine blocks and cylinder heads, which cover the cylinders of the internal combustion engine.
(7) Drive axle
CNC machining produces precision automotive parts in drive axle mechanisms, such as hypoid gears and bevel gears. These key components enable the wheels to move freely vertically and turn when the car turns.
(8) Gearbox
The gearbox is the second stage of the vehicle’s transmission system and is composed of various shafts and gear components. Cast gearbox parts can be finished with high precision and efficiency using CNC milling and drilling tools.
Summary:
CNC machining technology has an important impact on improving vehicle design and performance, and is driving the transformation and upgrading of the automotive manufacturing industry. With the development and requirements of the industry, OEMs can also use CNC machining to produce customized components or rare replacement parts.
3.Seven processes for automotive parts machining
(1) Automotive parts forging
Forging methods are divided into free forging and model forging.
Free forging is a processing method in which a metal billet is placed on an anvil to withstand impact or pressure to form a shape (commonly known as “forging”). Model forging is a processing method in which a metal blank is placed in the die cavity of a forging die and shaped by impact or pressure. Compared with free forging, the workpiece produced by die forging has a more complex shape and more precise size.
(2) Casting of automobile parts
Casting is a production method in which molten metal is poured into the cavity of a mold and the product is obtained after cooling and solidification. In the process of automobile parts processing and manufacturing, many parts are made of cast iron blanks, accounting for about 10% of the total weight of the vehicle, such as cylinder blocks, transmission housings, steering housings, rear axle housings, brake drums, various brackets, etc.
(3) Welding of automobile parts
Welding is a processing method in which two pieces of metal are locally heated or heated and pressurized at the same time to join them together. It is generally divided into electric welding, spot welding and gas welding. Manual electric welding is not widely used in automobile manufacturing. The most widely used is spot welding. It usually requires thousands of welding spots to weld the entire car body. Gas welding is common in repair workshops, but due to its large heat-affected zone, it causes deformation and metallographic changes in welded parts, resulting in reduced performance, so it is rarely used in automobile manufacturing.
(4) Cold stamping of automobile parts
Cold stamping or sheet metal stamping is a processing method in which metal sheets are subjected to pressure in a die and are cut or formed. Automobile parts processed by cold stamping include: engine oil pans, brake base plates, automobile frames and most body parts. These parts are generally formed through processes such as blanking, punching, drawing, bending, flanging, and trimming.
(5) Cutting of automobile parts
Cutting of automobile parts is a processing method in which a metal blank is cut layer by layer with a tool to obtain the required shape, size and surface roughness of the workpiece. Metal cutting includes two methods: benching and machining. Benchwork is a processing method in which workers use hand tools to cut, while machining is a method in which cutting is completed with the help of machine tools, including: turning, planing, milling, drilling and grinding, which are widely used in processing workpieces.
(6) Heat treatment of automobile parts
Heat treatment is a method of reheating, keeping warm or cooling solid steel to change its structure to meet the use requirements or process requirements of the parts. Heat treatment processes include annealing, normalizing, quenching and tempering. Using different processing techniques can make steel produce different structural changes and ultimately achieve the completion of processing.
4.Precautions for automobile parts processing
(1) Material selection
Material selection plays an important role in the quality and performance of parts. When selecting materials, factors such as strength, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance need to be considered.
(2) Selection of processing technology
The selection of processing technology should be determined based on factors such as the material, shape and design requirements of the parts, and factors such as the required accuracy, processing difficulty and construction period need to be considered.
(3) Selection of machine tools and tools
The selection of machine tools and tools has a vital impact on processing accuracy and efficiency. Appropriate machine tools and tools need to be selected according to the specific processing process.
(4) Control of processing accuracy
The processing of automobile parts needs to ensure high accuracy. Therefore, the processing error needs to be controlled during the processing process to ensure that the processed parts meet the requirements.
5.Summary
In general, auto parts processing has an important impact on the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry, but it is also a very complex process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. When manufacturing high-quality auto parts, engineers need to master a lot of knowledge to ensure that they produce auto parts with high dimensional accuracy, stable performance, and good durability, and contribute to the development of the automotive industry.