Auto part machining process
CNC machining is one of the precise methods in the manufacturing of auto parts, which gives both time and cost advantages over traditional milling. The Uses of CNC Machining Services are widespread in the automotive industry, from connecting rods for supercars to steering knuckles for 1950s vintage cars.
If you want to make old, vintage, and classic car components, it is essential to understand the material, process, and types of auto parts machining.
Let’s get started!
What Is Auto Parts Machining?
The main difference between an ordinary CNC machining project and auto parts machining is complexity and precision. The parts require tight tolerances for functionality, and most of the time their designs include complex geometrical features. Multi-axis CNC machines can address both of these requirements and also allow for customizations.
Both plastic and metal car parts are made with exact specifications by removing material from the workpiece. The only thing you need is a manufacturable design. Then, different machining operations remove the material according to G & M codes generated for the corresponding 3D model.
This method allows you to make custom car parts, no matter how old the model you have—for example, classic car parts, antique cars parts, and vintage car accessories.
Types of Machining for Auto Parts Manufacturing
Diverse machining types and operations are used to manufacture the car components, such as CNC milling, turning, drilling, threading, water jet machining, and laser cutting. Meanwhile, the best CNC machining operations for you depend on the design features and end requirements.
Let’s discuss in more detail.
CNC Milling
Milling involves multi-point tools, which rotate against the stationary work to remove material. It can make faces, slots, pockets, complex curves, and freeforms. For example, engine heads, suspension knuckles, and gearbox housing.
CNC Turning
CNC turned car parts like piston pins, input/output shafts, hubs, and rings are formed by removing material from the rotating workpiece using a stationary tool. This type of machining is suitable for custom car parts with cylindrical geometry.
CNC Drilling
Drilling is used to make different types of accurate holes in car components. With the use of the right drill bit, you can make both blind and through holes. You can also perform after-drill operations like boring, counter boring, and reaming with the drill machining process.
CNC Laser Cutting
This is the thermal cutting process where a concentrated laser beams precisely melt the material to create cuts and features. Typically, it is used to cut tubes, sheets, and craft 2D features.
Materials Used In Auto Parts Machining
Stainless Steel, aluminum, cast iron, alloy steel, copper alloys, titanium, and even some plastic materials are used to make car parts. Additionally, you can also machine vintage car material like fibre, artificial leather, and wood. The choice depends on which parts you are making and for what type of car.
The table below outlines the most common materials in brief.
| Material | Common Grades | Description |
| Aluminum Alloys | 6061-T6, 6082-T6, 7075-T6, A356 (cast) | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily machinable. They can be used for engine and structural components. |
| Cast Iron | ASTM A48 Class 35/40, ASTM A536 65-45-12 | Good vibration dampers, wear resistance, and ductility. |
| Carbon Steel | AISI 1018, 1045, 1144 | Good strength and machinability, and also heat-tratable. They can be machined for shafts, bushings, gears, and other parts. |
| Alloy Steel | 4140, 4340, 8620 | High strength, wear, and fatigue resistance. These are popular for crankshafts, drive shafts, connecting rods, and other tough car items. |
| Stainless Steel | 304, 316, 17-4PH | Highly corrosion resistant with a good strength-to-weight ratio. |
| Magnesium Alloys | AZ31B, AZ91D | Lightweight, machinability, and strength. These require careful consideration for machining due to flammability risk. |
| Copper Alloys | C110, C93200 | Excellent conductivity and wear resistance. Alloys can be machined for electrical connectors, bushings, etc. |
| Titanium Alloys | Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) | Required specialized tools for machining due to hardness, but titanium offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability. |
| Brass | C260, C360 | Good machinability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic finish. They are used in vintage cars for radiator tanks, trim, and fittings. |
| Wood | Ash, Mahogany, Oak | Strong, shock-resistant, and used to make dashboards, panels, and other interior items of old classic cars. |
| Leather & Natural Materials | Full-grain leather, wool cloth | These are known for high aesthetic value and are used for upholstery, door panels, and trim of vintage cars. |
| Mild Steel Sheet | Low-carbon steels | Some parts of an old car are made with mild steel, like body panels and interiors. |
Application Examples of Auto Parts Machining
As mentioned before, auto parts machining can be used to produce a broad spectrum of components, from vintage car interior accessories to testing prototypes of modern automotive components.
The following are the common application examples;
- Classic Car Parts: CNC machining enables restoring the function and performance of classic cars, including engine components, starter motor housing, transmission components, drive shaft, and gears.
- Vintage and Antique Car Parts: You can make functional and interior components for vintage cars, Volkswagen Beetle, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Chevrolet, Ferrari 250 GT, and many more. E.g., Dashboard, decorative handles, knobs, vents, interior trims, body brackets, electrical fittings, and suspension parts.
- Modern Car Components: The precision and accuracy of CNC can make high-performance components for modern car models. E.g., Internal engine components, transmission parts, suspension and brake systems, steering parts, interior trim, lighting parts, and EV battery enclosures.
Conclusion
Not only modern auto components, you can also make custom components for old, vintage, and classic cars with CNC machining to restore functionality and aesthetic. But you need to choose the right machining operations and material, and the right company that deals with CNC machining services and also that remakes classic cars to the exact specifications for you, like ProleanTech. These companies can retrofit your old car parts according to requirements and design specifications.
FAQs
What are the common materials used for machining classic car parts?
Cast iron, aluminium alloys, alloy steels, copper, brass, wood, and aesthetic leather are the common machining materials for the classic car parts.
What are the machining processes for creating classic and vintage car parts?
The machining processes for classic and vintage car parts are CNC milling, turning, drilling, water jet cutting, and laser cutting.
What is the difference between a classic and a vintage car?
Classic cars refer to those made before 30-40 years, whereas vintage cars are associated with the history, those made between 1919 and 1930.
What materials are used in old cars?
If you look at the late 19th and early 20th century, cars were made from a mix of processed metals and natural materials. For example, wooden frames, steel panels, leather for the seat, nickel and brass for aesthetic plating, and cast iron for heavy-duty components.
What material were early cars made of?
Old cars use both natural and heavy-duty materials, such as alloy steel, cast iron, brass, chrome, leather, and wood.
How to find parts for old cars?
There are two ways: either find specialized suppliers or make the parts by providing the design (or samples) to on-demand manufacturing suppliers.
