CNC machining for the automotive industry has become increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers around the world are looking to take advantage of the many benefits of the process. These benefits include speed, automation, repeatability and more. Here are some of the benefits of CNC machining for the automotive industry:
Production Speed
From medium to high volumes, CNC machining offers fast production times compared to traditional machining. This is due to its automated nature, which eliminates the need for lengthy and labour-intensive manual machining. There are a number of steps that can be taken in the production planning process to speed up and optimise machine uptime.
Automation
Automation is in itself an advantage of CNC machining. Not only does it enable faster production times compared to manual processes, but it also makes the automotive manufacturing process more efficient. When you send a part to be manufactured on a CNC machine, robotic arms can assist in removing the part when it is finished. This allows workers to spend more time on design and innovation tasks.
Repeatability
As a computer-controlled process, automotive CNC machining also brings with it a guarantee of repeatability. This is a critical element in any industrial production environment. In the automotive industry, it is vital to ensure that parts are consistent from batch to batch. This ensures that all CNC machined cars that roll off the production line are of the same standard.
Precision
In line with repeatability, CNC machining is capable of achieving tight tolerances for parts that require it. For automotive applications in particular, this reliable process can meet the tolerances required for the engine and other functional components. So you can be sure you are getting precision automotive parts at the end of the manufacturing process. The process is also capable of producing complex parts for vehicles.
Customisation
Although not as well suited to customisation as additive manufacturing, CNC machining helps the automotive sector to produce customised parts. This advantage comes with short lead times, either as one-offs or in low-volume production.
Prototyping applications of CNC machining for the automotive industry
CNC machining helps the automotive industry in both prototyping and production applications. In the latter category, the process offers the advantage of producing high quality, functional prototypes. The prototypes are then tested and validated before going into production.
prototyping applications of cnc machining for the automotive industry
The wide range of materials compatible with CNC machining makes the process suitable for many vehicle parts. It is perfect for metal or plastic parts for under-the-hood applications. You can also use automotive CNC machining to showcase design features for car interiors.
For example, rapid prototyping of lighting components is easy using CNC machining and clear acrylic materials. When developing new car models, CNC machining can also quickly produce high quality functional prototypes to test performance.
Production applications of CNC machining for the automotive industry
In addition to its many prototype applications, CNC machining for the automotive industry also supports the production of many parts for cars. These include
Interior panels
Vehicle interior components, such as the dashboard panel, can be produced using CNC machining.
This process has the precision required to mill a dashboard frame from a block of raw plastic material. This helps to ensure that the cut-outs for the speedometer, fuel gauge and indicator lights are perfectly aligned when installed.
Starter motors
Car manufacturers continue to find new uses for CNC machined metal. Complex parts such as starter motors can be produced using CNC machining. The precision and complexity of the process allows these parts to be optimised. Manufacturers can also easily improve them in terms of performance, durability and reliability.
Cylinder Heads
The automotive and motorsport industries also benefit from the advantages of CNC machining. These benefits arise in the production of engine blocks and cylinder heads, which cover the cylinder in an internal combustion engine.
cnc cylinder head design
The technology is particularly useful for limited series or bespoke engine models. These components are machined from a solid block of aluminium, which is an easy metal to machine. Other powertrain components such as alternator housings, brake system valves and fuel pump systems can also be CNC machined.
Drive Axles
In a car, the drive axle consists of two half axles, each connected to a wheel by a constant velocity joint. The critical part allows the wheel to move freely vertically and rotate as the car turns. CNC machining helps to produce precision auto parts in the drive axle mechanism, such as the hypoid gears and bevel gears.
Gearbox
The gearbox is the second stage in a vehicle’s transmission system and consists of various shaft and gear components. These parts can be produced using CNC machining, which offers high precision and good efficiency. CNC milling and drilling can be used to finish parts of the gearbox that are cast.
Custom parts
OEMs can also use CNC machining to produce customised components or rare replacement parts.