The Ultimate Guide of Automotive CNC Machining
If you still have questions regarding CNC machining in the automotive industry, don’t worry. We’ve got your back. Here’s an extensive FAQ guide to answer all of your questions on automotive CNC machining.
Is machining suitable for the automotive industry?
Yes! In fact, CNC machining has many different applications in the car manufacturing process. It’s used to produce prototypes and end components for various vehicle parts such as engines, lighting, exhaust and suspension parts, and more.
With the help of CNC machining and CAD models, we can manufacture tiny parts with a complex shape or geometry.
What are the advantages of machining automotive parts?
Automotive CNC machining of parts has many advantages in different aspects of vehicle manufacturing. Starting from visual prototypes, functional models, or end-parts that are ready to use, the applications of CNC machining are countless.
Here’s why we stand behind automotive CNC machining:
Faster production
Using CNC machining technology to manufacture automotive parts is especially useful for tight deadlines. Due to the possibility of programming and automation, CNC machines can significantly cut down the production time.
Tight tolerances
Another big pro of using automotive CNC machining for your parts is the accuracy and preciseness of the production process. Components for the automotive industry often need to have tolerances as tight as .0008” (0.020mm), and CNC machining allows that.
Complex shapes
The automotive CNC machining industry allows us to manufacture more complex forms and geometric shapes, and smaller yet stronger parts from different materials.
Customized parts
Automotive CNC machining allows us to use programmable technology to manufacture any custom part. Our machines are smart and we can teach them rules, automating the production process and saving you time and money.
Budget-friendly processes
With automotive CNC machining technologies, we can set up, program, and automate an efficient manufacturing process and lower our production costs while maintaining the same high quality. In return, this allows us to set competitive prices and adjust to everyone’s budget.
What materials can be made into car machined parts?
With our automotive CNC machining technology, we can manufacture car parts from virtually any material out there. Often, components for the automotive industry need to be strong, durable, and heat resistant. In such cases, we usually use metals or thermoplastics.
Typical materials we use for CNC machining in the automotive industry are aluminum, bronze, copper, stainless steel, titanium, different plastics, etc. Altogether, DEK offers 60+ materials to choose from.
Which parts of a car can be machined?
With CNC machining, we can manufacture prototypes as well as functional end parts for the automotive industry. We can produce virtually any car part you need. Here are some examples:
- Valves
- Gearboxes
- Cylinder blocks
- Dashboard panels
- Axels
- Gas gauges
- Suspension components
- Exhaust parts
- Dowel pins
- High-pressure fuel rails
- Ignitor plates
How to find a suitable automotive machined parts manufacturer?
When choosing a suitable automotive CNC machining parts manufacturer, take into consideration the following concerns:
Speed
Can the manufacturer produce your automotive parts on-demand, within your given timeframe? Rapid delivery can sometimes be a concern in automotive CNC machining, especially with manufacturers that use older technologies.
Customization
Does your chosen automotive CNC machining parts manufacturer offer customized parts or components? Can they create a prototype?
Cost
How much is the automotive CNC machining parts going to cost you? Can you afford it? Is it too much compared to other competitors on the market?
Technology
Does your chosen manufacturer have the right technology? Automotive parts require precision, accuracy, and tight tolerances. Ensure your manufacturer possesses 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling machines, as well as Swiss turning, Wire-Cut EDM, and similar.
Experience
Is your manufacturer new on the market, or have they been in business for long? Look for their testimonials of previous clients and see what type of automotive parts they have manufactured so far.
MOQs
Ask your manufacturer if they have a minimum order quantity or MOQ for automotive CNC machining parts? Many manufacturers won’t accept prototyping or small batch CNC machining, so ask all those things in advance.
Quality control
Does your automotive parts manufacturer have a quality control process set in place? Are they going to check every single part? What is their guarantee for the quality and safety of parts?
Support
Last but not least, ensure that the manufacturer you chose to produce your automotive parts has a good customer support service and can be there for you at any time. Your CNC machining partner should be collaborative, responsive and answer all your questions and concerns.
Does DEK provide custom CNC machining services for the automotive industry?
Absolutely! DEK provides on-demand and custom parts or components based on a 3D or CAD model. We offer automotive prototyping of custom parts and have the most advanced technologies to do it.
What CNC machining technology does DEK have?
To manufacture parts for the automotive industry, DEK has the latest CNC machines available. We can offer:
- 3-axis CNC milling
- 5-axis CNC milling
- CNC turning
- Precision grinding
- Wire-Cut EDM
Does DEK offer small volume CNC machining services for automotive industry?
Yes, we do! That’s what makes DEK different from all other automotive parts suppliers. We have a “no minimum quantity (MOQ)” policy, which means you can order as few or as many pieces as you need.
Does DEK offer CNC machining prototypes for automotive industry?
Yes. In fact, we offer automotive prototyping as a service, and we use CNC machining, 3D printing, and vacuum casting to produce the parts.
Since heat resistance and strength are two essential features of automotive parts, we typically use CNC machining to manufacture strong and geometrically complex parts. We can manufacture visual, structural, and functional prototypes based on the client’s 3D or CAD model.
We can use different types of metals, plastics, or silicone for your automotive prototypes, depending on the need and application.
Can DEK offer small machined parts for automotive?
Yes, we can. That’s why we got equipped with our Swiss turning machine, Wire Cut EDM, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling, and precision grinding technologies.
Some of these, such as the 5-axis CNC milling machine or the Swiss-type turning lathe, are meant specifically for small and delicate parts with a complex shape or geometry. So, no matter how small or complicated the component is, we’re confident we have the technology and experience to produce the best results.
Can DEK offer coatings for automotive machined parts?
After the process of machining, many automotive parts need coatings or surface finishing to achieve a certain hardness or resistance. So, of course, DEK offers different types of coatings or surface finishes depending on your needs.
Here are some types of surface finishes you can choose:
As machined
Automotive parts that are manufactured and released for use as machined are the most common type. However, they will have certain visible tool marks.
Powder coating
Powder coating is a polymer coating that we can spray as a surface finish coating to achieve better corrosion and wear-and-tear resistance.
Bead blasting
Our next surface finish technology is bead blasting which entails applying an abrasive and sandblasting the part until a frosty-like surface appears. This frosty or satin texture visually covers the tool marks from manufacturing.
Anodizing
To get an anodizing surface finish on aluminum parts, they undergo an electrochemical process, resulting in a corrosion-resistant and durable component. Afterward, the parts are covered with a hard non-conductive ceramic coating.
Black oxide
We sometimes use black oxide as a surface finish to boost the corrosion resistance of certain automotive parts. This process gets triggered by the chemical reaction from iron and oxide salt.
Polishing
By polishing, we mean physical polishing with the help of friction. This type of surface finishing is typically used to remove existing corrosion and oxidation and give the components a shine.
Electropolishing
We use electropolishing when we need to achieve a brighter and smoother metal surface. With electropolishing, we can significantly reduce the roughness of the automotive parts.
Spray painting
And lastly, we have spray painting as a surface finish. This is simply covering the part in paint, typically for visual purposes.
Will DEK inspect every machined part with CMM?
Yes. We will use our CMM machine to inspect the geometry and surface of every machined automotive part. Safety and accuracy are staples of the automotive industry, so we want to ensure that our parts and components are always up to the highest standards of quality.
Why choose DEK?
DEK is a one-of-a-kind part manufacturing service partner with a unique business model and budget-friendliness in mind. We here at DEK pride ourselves on our on-demand, customized approach to automotive parts manufacturing.
Clients that collaborate with DEK have the most high-end CNC machining technology at their disposal. Our advanced 5-axis CNC machining technology lets us manufacture the tiniest and most intricate details and parts with immense complexity.
Choose DEK if you want a manufacturer who scales together with you and follows your success. With no MOQs, rapid production and delivery, and low-cost processes, we stand out as leaders on the market and can offer the most competitive prices.
And finally, choose DEK because of our client-centric approach and our dedication. Our customer support service is available for you 24/7.
How to order?
First, prepare your 2D, 3D, or CAD files. Next, go to our website to request a quick quote. Fill out the form with your details, upload your design or model, and we’ll form an accurate quote for the project.
Then, wait to hear back from us. We’ll get in touch very quickly, and you’ll receive your quote in a maximum of six hours.
DEK is a leading automotive CNC machining manufacturer in China with years of professional experience in the industry. Our innovative on-demand business model and no MOQ policy, combined with our customization and budget-friendly processes, make us a leader in automotive CNC machining.
