Welcome to our blog, today we will talk about CNC machining for cars and provide you with better solutions. In the automotive industry, online CNC machining technology is widely used. For example, automotive body, engine parts, steering system, braking system, suspension system, etc., all need to adopt CNC machining.
In this article, Longsheng Technology will explain in detail why automotive CNC machining is the preferred manufacturing technology for automotive parts. We’ll discuss its advantages, material compatibility, types, and some interesting automotive industry applications.
Why is CNC machining used in the automotive industry?
From styling to interior decoration to engine parts, CNC machining applications have covered the entire automotive manufacturing process. So why is CNC machining used in the automotive industry? In the following discussion, Longsheng Technology will explain why CNC machining of automotive is the first choice of the automotive industry.
repeatability
The auto industry needs a lot of parts, and those parts have to be consistent. Traditional manufacturing methods do not guarantee consistency between parts. CNC machining can be used to produce auto parts to the same specifications, and ensure that every part is exactly the same. This repeatability helps manufacturers improve the quality and efficiency of their products, while also improving customer confidence
The realization of complex processes
Some automotive parts machining needs to involve a variety of complex processes, such as multi-axis machining, multi-process machining and so on. CNC machining can flexibly realize these complex processes, improve the flexibility and controllability of machining
High precision requirement
Auto parts usually need to have high precision dimensions and geometry to ensure that they fit together and function properly. CNC machining provides highly accurate control capabilities that can achieve micron level accuracy to meet the automotive industry’s requirements for parts accuracy.
Complex geometry
Automotive parts often have complex geometric shapes, such as curved surfaces, holes, complex contours, etc. CNC machining through numerical control program and multi-axis motion control can flexibly realize the machining of complex geometric shapes, improve production efficiency and accuracy.
Flexibility and customizability
The automotive industry is very diverse and each car brand or model has its own specific needs. CNC machining technology allows automakers to produce parts according to different specifications and requirements. In addition, the CNC process can be customized and manufactured to suit different customer needs. This flexibility helps automakers remain competitive in the market, while also providing customers with more choices.
Diversified parts machining
automotive production lines need to produce a variety of parts, these parts need to undergo a variety of machining . CNC machining technology can not only deal with a variety of different shapes, sizes and materials of parts, but also can complete multiple steps of machining on a single device, improve work efficiency.
Cost control
The manufacturing process of a car requires a lot of money and people, so you need to control costs as much as possible. Traditional manual machining requires a lot of manpower, and there will be errors and waste, not only time efficiency is low, and the product quality is not as high as CNC machining.
CNC machining technology can reduce labor costs, improve efficiency and quality through automated production process. In mass production, CNC machining is more economical than manual machining .
Automotive CNC machining materials
There are various kinds of materials used in CNC machining of automotive . According to the functional requirements and specific requirements of different parts, the following are some common CNC machining materials of automotive :
| Material | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium alloy | Light weight, high strength, good thermal conductivity and plasticity, good corrosion resistance | Engine parts (cylinder block, cylinder head), body structure, suspension system, intake manifold, etc |
| steel | High strength, good plasticity and toughness, good wear resistance | Engine parts (crankshaft, connecting rod), body frame, chassis assembly, brake system, etc |
| Cast iron | Good heat and wear resistance, with high tensile strength | Engine parts (cylinder block, crankcase), brake disc, steering housing, etc |
| copper | Good electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance | Electrical connector, radiator, battery contact plate, etc |
| plastic | Light weight, good plasticity and insulation, low cost | Interior decoration parts (instrument panel, door panel), appearance decoration parts, functional parts (pipeline, liquid storage tank), etc |
| Composite material | Light weight, high strength, excellent resistance to corrosion and fatigue, can be customized | Body structure, suspension system, wheels, braking system, hatch cover, etc |
| Magnesium alloy | Very light, good strength and rigidity, good corrosion resistance | Engine parts, body structure, suspension system, transmission system, etc |
| Titanium alloy | Light weight, high strength, good corrosion resistance, high temperature performance | Engine parts, exhaust system, brake system, chassis components, etc |
| Polymer composite | Light weight, high strength, good corrosion resistance, sound insulation performance | Body structure, interior trim, functional components |
| Nickel-based alloy | High temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength | Turbocharger, exhaust system, high temperature components |
The selection of different materials in automotive CNC machining depends on the functional requirements, weight requirements, durability requirements and cost considerations of the parts. By selecting the right materials, it can meet the requirements of the auto industry on parts strength, weight, wear resistance, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and performance stability.
CNC machining method for automotive industry
In the automotive industry, a variety of CNC machining methods can be used to manufacture a variety of parts. The following are some common CNC machining methods in the automotive industry:
broaching
Broaching is a method of manufacturing a member by pulling it in such a way that it meets a particular shape. The reducer and clutch in automotive parts are manufactured by broaching. Broaching can lead to high surface roughness, but high accuracy can be obtained by further grinding and other post-machining methods.
machining process:
CAM programming: The parts model into CAM software, generating broaching path and machining code.
Prepare material: Select suitable material, such as metal bar, and prepare its length and diameter.
Set up CNC lathe: Select the appropriate CNC lathe, install the appropriate tool and fixture, and set up and calibrate the machine tool.
Machining operation: Load machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters and start broaching process.
Inspection and dressing: After broaching, dimension inspection and surface quality inspection of parts are carried out, and necessary adjustment and dressing are made
drilling
Drilling is a manufacturing process that uses a drill to create a single hole in the center of a material. It is a popular way of making small parts, diaphragms, etc. In drilling, the choice of drill bit is particularly important. For high precision parts, high quality and high precision drill bits must be used.
machining process:
Design parts: Use CAD software to design parts and determine machining requirements and hole locations.
CAM programming: The parts model into CAM software, generating drilling path and machining code.
Prepare materials: Prepare the appropriate materials according to the part requirements and determine the hole location.
Set up the CNC machine: Select the appropriate drill press, install the appropriate drill bit, and set up and calibrate the machine.
Machining operation: Load machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters and start drilling process.
Inspection and dressing: After drilling, check the hole quality, and make necessary adjustment and dressing.
CNC milling
CNC milling is a way to control the milling machine through CNC. In automotive manufacturing, CNC milling is especially suitable for mass manufacturing, precise model assembly, parts machining and so on. Compared with traditional milling methods, CNC milling has the advantages of high efficiency, high precision and strong automation ability.
machining process:
Design parts: Use computer aided design (CAD) software to design parts and determine machining requirements and dimensional requirements.
CAM programming: The parts model into computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software, generating tool path and machining code.
Prepare materials: Prepare metal sheets or rods according to the material requirements of parts.
Set up the CNC machine: Select the appropriate milling machine, install the cutter and fixture, and set up and calibrate the machine.
Machining operation: Load the machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters through CNC control system, and start the machining process.
Inspection and dressing: After finishing the machining, dimension inspection and surface quality inspection of the parts are carried out, and necessary adjustment and dressing are carried out.
CNC turning
CNC turning is also a way of using CNC to control the lathe for machining . Unlike CNC milling, CNC lathe bed moves along one dimension and relative motion is carried out by the working object, resulting in a cylindrical shape. The rotors, bearings and valves in automotive manufacturing are processed by CNC turning. CNC turning is simpler than the equipment required for CNC milling, but it requires higher stability than CNC milling.
machining process:
Design parts: Use CAD software to design rotating parts and determine their machining requirements and dimensions.
CAM programming: The parts model into CAM software, generating turning path and machining code.
Prepare material: Select suitable material, such as metal bar, and prepare its length and diameter.
Set up CNC lathe: Select the appropriate CNC lathe, install the appropriate tool and fixture, and set up and calibrate the machine tool.
Machining operation: Load the machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters and start the turning process.
Inspection and dressing: After finishing turning, dimension inspection and surface quality inspection of parts are carried out, and necessary adjustment and dressing are carried out.
Five-axis machining
Five-axis machining is a multi-dimensional machining method that transforms the disk shape into another complex shape. In automotive manufacturing, five-axis machining is especially suitable for making enclosures, radiators, engine covers, front and rear view mirror enclosures, and so on. Five-axis machining requires special attention to the tool path, the occurrence of slight misalignment will lead to the failure of the whole machining process.
machining process:
Design parts: Use CAD software to design complex 3D parts, and determine machining requirements and dimensions.
Prepare materials: Prepare appropriate materials according to part requirements and determine machining location.
Set up five-axis CNC machine: Select the appropriate five-axis CNC machine, install the appropriate tool and fixture, and set up and calibrate the machine.
CAM programming: The parts model into CAM software, generate five axis machining path and machining code.
Machining operation: Load machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters and start five-axis machining process.
Inspection and dressing: After completing five-axis machining, dimension inspection and surface quality inspection of parts are carried out, and necessary adjustment and dressing are carried out.
Laser cutting
Laser cutting machining is a method of cutting by using laser beam. It is suitable for manufacturing all kinds of car parts model, prototype, car chassis parts and so on. Laser cutting machining does not leave raw edges and by-products, so it is very convenient for post-machining .
machining process:
Design parts: Use CAD software to design parts and determine cutting requirements and dimensions.
CAM programming: The parts model into CAM software, generating laser cutting path and machining code.
Prepare materials: Prepare appropriate materials such as sheet metal according to part requirements.
Set the laser cutting machine: Select the right laser cutting machine, set the cutting parameters, and set and calibrate the machine tool.
Machining operation: Load machining code generated by CAM, set machining parameters and start laser cutting process.
Inspection and dressing: After the laser cutting, the quality of the parts is checked, and the necessary adjustment and dressing are carried out.
Automotive CNC machining products
automotive parts can be divided into several categories according to their functions and uses. Here we will focus on the engine, transmission system, braking system, suspension system and electrical system, their applications in CNC machining
engine
automotive engine is the core component of automotive . It is a device that converts fuel into mechanical energy. Most of the time, cars are powered by internal combustion engines. There are several key elements in an internal combustion engine, such as the cylinder, piston, igniter, spark plug, oil pump and cooling system. These parts have different functions, but they all need to be processed with high precision to achieve. And CNC machining technology, can ensure this.
Steering system
The steering system is the key part of the vehicle running, and the steering component is an important part of the steering system. Steering components include steering knuckle, ball head, gear, etc. These components require high precision machining to ensure the reliability and flexibility of the steering system. CNC machining technology can achieve high precision machining, improve the performance and accuracy of steering system components.
Transmission system
The drivetrain is used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle. The transmission system is mainly composed of transmission, clutch, differential and half shaft. The function of the gearbox is to convert the torque of the engine into the speed of the wheels, and can adjust the speed ratio according to the change of the speed.
Braking system
The braking system is used to control the speed and stop of the car. The most common braking system is the hydraulic braking system, including brake pedal, brake master pump, brake pump, brake disc, brake disc and brake pliers and other major components, such as brake is an important security guarantee in the car, therefore, brake parts are also very important for the car. Brake disc and brake disc are the core parts of brake, their machining needs high precision and high quality, and CNC machining can ensure this.
Suspension system
The suspension system is used to support the body of the car and slow the vibration, making the passenger feel more comfortable. It includes shock absorber, spring, suspension bracket, steering knuckle, ball head, suspension arm and wheel shaft. The main role of shock absorber is to eliminate the vibration and turbulence of the car body, to ensure the stability and comfort of driving, many suspension parts, such as brake disc and hub, can be CNC machining technology to achieve high precision and high quality machining .
Interior and electronics
Automotive interiors and electronics also require high-precision machining to better provide driver and passenger comfort and convenience. CNC machining technology can process many interior components, such as dashboards and navigation systems, as well as many electronic devices, such as ECUs and sensors.
chassis
Chassis is an important part of automotive , chassis components are an important part of chassis. Chassis components include suspension, shock absorber, spring, etc. These components require high precision and high quality machining to ensure the reliability and performance of the chassis. CNC machining technology can achieve high precision, high quality machining, improve the performance and reliability of chassis components.
CNC machining service for automotive prototype parts
Our CNC machining service can meet the machining needs of various automotive prototype parts. We can process a variety of materials, such as aluminum alloy, steel, copper, etc., can process a variety of shapes and sizes, from small to micro, from large to beams, are able to deal with. We can also carry out a variety of surface treatments, such as anodizing, frosting, painting, etc., to provide guarantee for the appearance and texture of the car prototype parts.
By using our CNC machining service for vehicle prototype parts, you can gain the following advantages:
Accuracy: Our CNC machining equipment can achieve accuracy up to 0.005mm, which can accurately machining the most complex automotive parts.
Speed: Our CNC machining equipment can complete the machining of a large number of parts in a short time, which can greatly improve your production efficiency and delivery speed.
Stability: Our CNC machining equipment uses the latest technology and materials to ensure that the quality and performance of each part is up to standard.
Customization: We can manufacture customized auto parts according to customers’ requirements and specifications, which can meet the requirements of different types of auto parts.
If you are designing or developing new automotive products and need a reliable prototype parts manufacturer to help you transform your vision, Longsheng Technology is willing to work with you to serve your needs with rich experience and expertise. We are committed to providing you with the best CNC machining services for prototype automotive parts, so that you can smoothly bring your products to the market. Contact us, we will start your innovation journey!
