How CNC Machines Help the Automotive Industry?
The introduction of cars significantly impacted our lives and civilization in general. It not only facilitated how we move from one place to another but also created a new workforce. Now, the automotive industry exists everywhere, while cars are produced on a huge scale worldwide.
Among countries that have been the leading manufacturers of vehicles, China takes the first place. Back in 2018, they managed to sell nearly 82 million cars. The manufacturing process has changed greatly since the invention of the first cars, from Tom Ford’s assembly line to CNC machines which are now able to generate a large number of operations.
The process of CNC machining involves carrying out tasks like boring and drilling with automation and computer control, which is ideal for production and prototyping. Also, many vehicle supply chains depend on OEMs that CNC machining services provide.
Now let’s see in which ways CNC machines affect the automotive industry.
What parts are CNC machines manufacturing?
Combustion engines
The car’s internal combustion engine is made of a cylinder, intake manifold, and engine block. But product designers have been faced with the challenge of finding a suitable manufacturing method to produce these parts because they need different cast aluminum alloys.
For instance, many will choose 319-aluminum alloy for cylinder heads and manifolds of gasoline engines and 383-aluminum alloy for engine blocks. Many companies now rely on CNC machines not only to make these parts but also to produce custom car parts since they are compatible with a wide range of materials.
CNC machines are able to prototype parts quickly and produce parts like starter motors, which are essential for the automotive industry.
Gearboxes
You probably know that the gearbox is part of the car’s transmission system that manages speed and torque. It features quite a complex design due to its small size and tight tolerance.
Even the slightest error during manufacturing can lead to failure or gear wear. Therefore, many companies have found a way to replace the traditional making process with high-precision CNC machining. This way, they are still able to create high-quality parts and gearboxes but avoid so many additional post operations.
Roof panels and interior
Being lightweight in the automotive industry means a lot, especially because it affects the performance of vehicles. So instead of steel, many companies use plastic and polymers to design roof panels and interiors.
These panels can be so much thicker than iron, but the difference in weight is considerable. Of course, plastic and polymer panels are lighter than iron, and CNC machines are often used to make these parts. For example, with the help of CNC machines, companies can make dashboard frames out of PP or Polypropylene with cutouts for gas gauges, speedometers, and light indicators.
Lighting
Did you know that car light bulbs use a variety of components made by CNC machines? For example, the headlights of cars ensure that light reaches the desired length so that the driver feels comfortable while on the road.
Acrylic glass and polymethyl methacrylate used in automotive lighting needs to be made to perfection, and CNC machines are there to help and get this job done with precision.
Custom parts
Vintage cars are still popular among the general public. Even if you manage to get your hands on one, what happens when you need to restore its original parts like engines, interior components, or exhaust systems?
And to complicate things even more, most of these parts aren’t in production anymore, and finding them would be quite a challenge. The good news is that CNC machines can create these components. Everything starts by making a 3D CAD model of the part, which the CNC machine interprets and creates a custom part.
You can also use a CNC machine to make RC car parts and other custom parts. You can create RC parts for performance, replace broken or defective components, boost an appearance, or personalize your equipment and make it unique.
Processes like waterjet cutting, 3D printing, plastic injection molding, and CNC machining are great for fabricating all types of custom parts.
Pros of CNC machining in the automotive industry
As we already mentioned, the application of CNC machines in the automotive industry includes the fabrication of various parts of vehicles by milling, grinding, turning, and casting. Without a doubt, CNC technology has accelerated the manufacturing process in the automotive industry and increased production numbers.
Repeatability
The CNC machines can repeat their operations, at a rapid rate, for a long time. We have to say that this is one of the best traits of CNC machines because repeatability causes increased productivity, which eventually improves sales.
Production speed
Considering repeatability is one of the biggest strengths of CNC machines, it leads to higher production speed. Companies with CNC machines can expect a surge in productivity while fabricating parts in bulk.
Mass production of goods
When you combine speediness and repeatability, you get mass production of goods. The higher the production speed, the more goods you will make. This is particularly crucial for the automotive industry, which requires part production in bulk, and CNC machines can help immensely.
Cost-effective production
If you decide to invest money in CNC machines, it will pay off for all the benefits mentioned above. These machines have found their use across a wide range of industries. They are fast, fabricate parts in bulk, and help manufacturers and industries make and sell finished goods in bulk.
Using CNC machines also decreases the need for manual labor while lowering production costs. Additionally, CNC machines can produce custom-made parts based on customers’ specifications.
