Needing the best manufacturing technology for your automotive part?

We have you covered.

Advancements in manufacturing in both additive and subtractive technologies have brought about great advancements for new product innovation and for precision machining at lower volumes through to scale, like never before. 

Are you unclear about which manufacturing technology is more appropriate for your automotive parts? Read on.

With Wikifactory Marketplace we are here to help your company navigate these opportunities of new fabrication technologies for the prototyping and production of your automotive parts.

With a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the following manufacturing techniques, we can help to advise your production planning:

How is CNC machining used in Automotive?

For certain auto components, the process of CNC machining, which involves carrying out tasks like drilling and boring with computer control and automation, serves as a favorable option for both prototyping and production.

CNC machines turn a digital file into sequence computer instructions, which are sent to a motorized tool such as a drill, lathe, or mill. The tool turns a block of material into a finished product by cutting it in the appropriate places and can provide much greater accuracy than conventional machining.

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What is CNC normally used for in the automotive sector?

Most commonly used materials

Disadvantages.

• Cost
• Size limitations
• Operator error

Disadvantages.

Cost
Size limitations
Operator error

How is 3D Printing used in Automotive?

3D printing for automotive parts can be a game-changer in the industry. This market has very high barriers to entry as it is dominated by just a few OEMs.

For the past few decades, 3D printing in the automotive industry was primarily used by carmakers to create automotive prototypes to check their form and fit. The first technology for building parts was selective laser sintering or binder jetting. This allowed automakers to create aesthetically pleasant parts, but they were weak and could not be used long.

According to engineering.com, today there are more robust technologies for automotive 3D printing, such as fused filament fabrication (FFF), which can be used not only for the production of prototypes but also for end-use parts.

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What is Additive Manufacturing normally used for in the automotive industry

Most commonly used materials

Disadvantages.

Limited materials
Size limitations
Part structure
Design inaccuracies

Disadvantages.

• Limited materials
• Size limitations
• Part structure
• Design inaccuracies

How is sheet metal used in Automotive?

Sheet metal production is one of the most in-demand services apart from normal manufacturing. The automotive industry is one of the biggest recipients of sheet metal manufacturing as people want to have better-looking cars with great design and shape.

The modern pop culture has shined a light on sheet metal production techniques, the Grand Prix and Hot Rods races have brought sheet metal onto the masses. They were amongst the first automotive sectors to use customized cars which could withstand high-speed races.

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What is sheet metal used for in the automotive sector?

Most commonly used materials

Disadvantages.

• Tooling cost
• Equipment cost
• Expensive
• Time

Disadvantages.

Tooling cost
Equipment cost
Expensive
Time

Conclusion

At Wikifactory we want to empower you to manufacture your automotive parts through acquired knowledge and continued development: being able to design around the mechanical requirements and find the right balance between functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics. From prototyping to full-scale production.

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These are the key points to remember when choosing your manufacturing technique:

• Understand the mechanical properties of your design
• Decide what phase the parts are in (prototype, production, etc.)
• Find the correct material
• Know your timelines and deadlines