Custom Automotive Sheet Metal CNC Bending Parts

Service Process for Sheet Metal/CNC Bending Parts in the Automotive and Transportation Industry

1. Design and Engineering Consultation

(1)Requirement Analysis: The client provides 2D engineering drawings and 3D models. The service provider will engage in deep communication with the client to understand the part's function, performance requirements, assembly tolerances, and annual production volume.

(2) Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Evaluation: Engineers conduct a comprehensive review of the drawings, focusing on the feasibility of sheet metal fabrication and CNC bending. They will propose optimizations such as:

(3) Bend Radius: Ensuring the bend radius is compatible with equipment capabilities and avoids stress concentration on the material.

(4) Hole and Edge Distance: Checking the distance of holes from bend lines and edges to prevent deformation during bending.

Material Selection: Recommending the appropriate material (e.g., steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel) based on strength, weight, and corrosion resistance requirements.

2. Material Procurement and Preparation

(1) Material Certification: The automotive industry has strict material requirements. We will procure materials from certified suppliers that comply with automotive standards, ensuring the materials have complete Heat Numbers and Material Certificates for traceability.

(2) Cutting: Using laser cutters, water jets, or stamping presses, the sheet metal coil or plate is cut into the flat blank that matches the drawing's shape.

3. CNC Bending

(1) Programming and Die Selection: Our engineers use CAM software to program the machine and select the appropriate bending dies (punches and V-dies) based on the part's shape and bend angles.

(2) Precision Bending: An operator places the blank on the CNC press brake. The machine precisely controls the bend angle, pressure, and speed according to the program, achieving high-precision and high-repeatability bending to ensure consistency across all parts.

4. Subsequent Processing and Assembly

(1)Welding: For complex parts that require multiple sections to be joined (like frames or brackets), robotic or manual welding is performed.

(2) Surface Treatment: Based on the part's function, surface treatments are applied to improve corrosion resistance or aesthetics. Common treatments include:

(3) Powder Coating/Painting: For body panels or exposed brackets.

(4) Plating/Passivation: For connectors or internal structural components.

(5) Anodizing: For aluminum alloy parts

5. Quality Control

(1) Dimensional Inspection: This is the most critical step. Precision equipment like a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), laser scanners, or calipers are used to rigorously inspect bend angles, dimensions, and hole positions to ensure all tolerances meet the automotive industry's stringent standards.

(2) Weld Inspection: Welds are subjected to non-destructive testing (such as ultrasound or X-ray) to ensure weld strength and integrity.

(4) Material Inspection: Material certificates are cross-referenced again, and necessary mechanical property tests are conducted.

Common Materials in Producing Sheet Metal/CNC Bending Parts in the Automotive and Transportation Industry

1. Steel

Material Characteristics: High strength, good durability, and cost-effective.

Mild Steel: Easily formable and weldable.

High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel: High strength-to-weight ratio.

Corresponding Processing Features:

(1) High Formability and Weldability: The characteristics of mild steel make it the top choice for manufacturing complex, non-structural parts (e.g., body panels, brackets). CNC bending can easily form it, and subsequent welding for assembly is straightforward.

(2) Maintaining Structural Integrity: HSLA steel requires more precise pressure and die control during CNC bending. This ensures the material retains its high strength after forming, meeting the demands of critical safety components like frames and chassis, and preventing cracking from stress concentration.

2. Aluminum Alloys

Material Characteristics: Lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistant.

5000 Series: Excellent formability.

6000 Series: Heat-treatable for increased strength.

Corresponding Processing Features:

(1) Precision Forming and Lightweighting: CNC bending machines can precisely form aluminum alloy sheets, such as for hoods or doors. The lightweight nature of these parts directly corresponds to the aluminum's material properties, helping to improve fuel efficiency or extend the range of electric vehicles.

(2) Maintaining Material Ductility: For 5000 series aluminum, CNC bending can control springback, ensuring the part retains good ductility after forming, which is essential for complex deep-drawn parts. For 6000 series, a post-processing heat treatment is a critical step to ensure the part reaches its designed strength.

Why Choose we for Sheet Metal/CNC Bending Parts in the Automotive and Transportation Industry?

1. Expertise in Quality and Traceability

The automotive industry demands rigorous quality control. Our experience means we are experts in this field.

(1) Strict Quality Assurance: They don't just measure parts with calipers. They likely use advanced equipment like CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) to ensure every part meets the tightest tolerances, which is critical for proper assembly on an automated production line.

(2) Material Traceability: Waltay understands the importance of material certification and lot traceability for safety-critical components. They can provide documentation for every batch of material, which is a non-negotiable requirement for automakers.

2. Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

Waltay likely has the technology and engineering skill to handle complex automotive parts.

(1) High-Precision CNC Bending: They use state-of-the-art CNC press brakes that can achieve highly repeatable bends and tight angles, which is essential for components like chassis parts and mounting brackets.

(2) Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Their engineers work with clients from the design phase to optimize parts for sheet metal fabrication. This proactive approach saves time and money by preventing issues before they arise, such as thinning or cracking during bending.

3. Integrated Solutions and On-Time Delivery

The automotive supply chain operates on a just-in-time (JIT) model, and any delay can be costly. We can offer a streamlined, reliable process.

(1) Comprehensive Services: They likely handle the entire process from cutting and bending to welding, surface treatment (like powder coating), and final assembly. This one-stop-shop model simplifies the supply chain for the client.

(2) Reliable Logistics: With experience in the industry, they understand the importance of timely delivery to prevent production line stoppages. They can implement logistics and packaging solutions that protect parts during transit and ensure they arrive on schedule.

Waltay is specializing in custom CNC machined parts for over 15 years. We are good at making high precision metal and plastic components. We also provide one stop service such as part design, prototypes, mold making, plastic injection and part assembling to better meet customers’ needs. Beside aluminum CNC machined parts, we also provide stainless steel, ABS, PC, PA,PP and POM CNC machined parts which can be widely used in cables, sensors, motors,connectors, etc.