Process inventory of precision auto parts processing

Every car is composed of thousands of precision components, each playing a unique role. With over a century of automotive development, the associated processing technologies for automotive parts have progressively improved. After machining and forming the parts, they are assembled to create a vehicle. Shenzhen PANS Technology Co., Ltd. is a renowned manufacturer specializing in the custom processing of high-precision automotive parts. The company has successfully passed the IATF 16949 quality management certification, officially entering the automotive parts processing sector. Today, PANS presents an overview of four commonly used processing techniques for automotive components.

1. Automotive Component Casting

Automotive component casting involves pouring molten metal into specially designed metal molds, allowing it to solidify into the approximate shape of the product. This technique is prevalent in automotive part manufacturing; for example, engine blocks and connecting rods often utilize casting. Despite the current emphasis on lightweight vehicles, cast iron remains significant, constituting about 10% of the overall vehicle weight. Components such as cylinder blocks, transmission cases, rear axles, steering gears, and various brackets frequently use cast iron. The casting of iron components typically employs sand molds, made primarily from sand combined with binders and water. These sand mold materials need to possess sufficient adhesion strength to maintain the desired shape during the high-temperature molten metal pouring. To create molds resembling the desired cavity, a wooden model, known as a wood pattern, is manufactured. Since the volume of molten metal decreases upon cooling, the wooden model's dimensions must be slightly enlarged to accommodate this shrinkage. After casting, any excess material is precision-machined using CNC equipment.

2. Automotive Component Forging

Forging is another common process in automotive component manufacturing. This process is categorized into open-die forging and closed-die forging. In simple terms, forging can be likened to traditional "blacksmithing." Forging involves placing a metal blank on an anvil and subjecting it to impact or pressure to shape it. Internal gears and shafts within vehicles are often produced using forging techniques. Closed-die forging entails placing the metal blank within a forging die and applying impact or pressure to create the product’s contour, akin to placing dough in a mold to shape cookies. The advantage of closed-die forging lies in its high precision. Commonly forged automotive components include connecting rods, front axles, crankshafts, and steering knuckles.

3. Automotive Component Machining

Automotive component machining is the process of removing excess material from a blank to achieve the required shape, dimensions, and surface finish. This process mainly includes manual machining and mechanical machining. Manual machining involves using hand tools for cutting, which is flexible and convenient, often used in assembly and repair. Mechanical machining, on the other hand, employs precision machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, drill presses, and grinders, to complete the machining process.

Turning: Turning involves using a CNC lathe to process components, primarily focusing on external diameters, internal diameters, and end faces. Many shaft and gear components in automotive manufacturing are produced using CNC lathes.

Shaping: Shaping involves using a shaper machine to process components, suitable for machining vertical, horizontal, inclined surfaces, and grooves. Components such as cylinders and cylinder heads, which feature arc surfaces, and the mating surfaces of transmissions and transmission covers, are processed using shaping machines.

Milling: Milling is conducted using CNC milling machines to process the blank. Current CNC milling technology has advanced to four-axis and five-axis systems, capable of machining flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and complex geometries. Many stamping dies are also produced using milling techniques. Operators use computer control systems to facilitate the machining of complex component shapes. CNC milling is indispensable in modern machining, applicable not only in automotive parts but also in aerospace, telecommunications, and other industries.

Drilling and Boring: Drilling and boring primarily involve the machining of holes.

Grinding: Grinding employs grinding wheels to process components, achieving high precision, improved surface finish, and reduced roughness. Grinding can effectively machine materials with very high hardness, making it advantageous for automotive parts subjected to heat treatment, which conventional CNC machines cannot effectively process.

4. Automotive Component Stamping

Automotive components such as engine housings, doors, hoods, and brake system bases commonly utilize stamping processes. Typical operations involved include blanking,punching, forming, bending, and finishing. Automotive component stamping generally requires stamping dies, which consist of two parts: the upper die, providing downward force, and the lower die, absorbing the impact. The blank is positioned in between, and when the upper and lower dies come together to generate impact, the stamping process is completed. Stamping offers high production efficiency and the ability to manufacture complex shapes with high precision. Currently, stamping machines are categorized by the tonnage required for processing products, such as 40-ton, 60-ton, and 100-ton stamping presses.

Shenzhen PANS Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on high-precision automotive component processing. With years of experience in precision component manufacturing, PANS guarantees product quality, precision, production efficiency, and delivery timelines. Welcome to inquiries and are dedicated to serving you.