Introduction to auto parts manufacturing and processing types

When it comes to custom auto parts manufacturing, there are a variety of technologies that can be used to make different auto parts. For example, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, injection molding, metal stamping, etc., followed by part manufacturing such as flywheel machining. Michigan Production Machinery is a leader in the automotive industry with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 certifications.

Let’s take a closer look at the machining technologies commonly used in auto parts manufacturing:

1.Injection molding

Injection molding is a technology widely used in the automotive industry to produce a variety of plastic parts such as interior trim, dashboards, door handles, bumpers, and exterior body parts such as grilles and instrument panels. Injection molding is advantageous for automotive parts production because it enables the production of large quantities of parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances at a relatively low unit cost. Additionally, it provides design flexibility with the ability to integrate features such as ribs, bosses, and complex textures directly into part designs.

2.CNC machining

CNC machining is used to manufacture a variety of metal automotive components, including engine components, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts, transmission components, gears, axles, suspension components, control arms, bushings, brackets and mounts.

CNC machining is versatile and capable of processing a variety of metals, including aluminum, steel, titanium and alloys, to create durable and high-performance automotive parts.

3.Sheet metal stamping

Sheet metal stamping is used to produce a variety of automotive parts, including body panels, hoods, doors, fenders, frame rails, floors, brackets, hinges and other sheet metal parts.

4.Die casting

Die casting involves injecting molten metal, usually aluminum or zinc alloy, into a steel mold cavity under high pressure. Die casting is used to produce a variety of automotive components, including parts such as cylinder heads, engine blocks, casings, clutch covers, brackets and connectors.

5.Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, builds parts layer by layer from a digital 3D model. 3D printing is used in the automotive industry for prototyping, machining and manufacturing low-volume and custom parts such as brackets, mounts, internal components and complex geometries.

6.Composite manufacturing

Composite manufacturing involves combining two or more materials (usually fibers such as carbon fiber or fiberglass) and a resin matrix (epoxy resin) to create a composite structure. Composites are used in the automotive industry to produce lightweight and highly elastic components such as body panels, bonnets, spoilers and structural reinforcements.