Automotive manufacturing involves the design, prototyping, testing, and production of various automotive parts. The final version of the vehicle is then assembled.
1. Automotive engineering, design and production
The process of designing a car involves revising it to find the right fit that meets the needs of the public. Designers ensure that the exteriors and interiors are attractive, functional, and able to easily integrate innovative features that make the car unique. Engineers create 2D and 3D models and run simulations to test the car's aerodynamics, fuel economy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers begin production once the design is complete.
The production process begins when sheet metal is fan databasepressed to form metal parts. This basic structure of the vehicle is then pressed to create door panels, roofs, hoods, trunk lids, etc. Multi-stage pressing involves pressing the sheet metal into the desired shape in multiple stages.
3. Bodywork or welding
This is the most crucial part of the automobile assembly process. The pressed parts form a car with a unibody design from the start, either as a single pressed piece or as a union of the underbody, front and rear. Robotic arms weld the roof, sides and underbody together to give shape to the automobile using a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process.
4. Assembly line paint shop
The painting process is both meticulous and very complex. The next step is the paint shop, after the automobile has been welded to form the Body In White (BIW). The paint booth must be free of dust and particles. Here are some of the sub-processes that take place there:
Pre-treatment: The aim is to improve the paint deposition on the metal by immersing the BIW in an electrolytic solution.
Sealant: The sealant is applied to the BIW before the paint is applied.
Paint booths: This is where the painting begins. Highly skilled labor or robots are required.
Oven: After painting, workers place the painted bodies in the oven for final firing.
Wax booths: Wax is applied to delicate layers. It protects the paint from dirt, insects, water and harmful sun rays, making the car look newer for longer.
Polishing: This is one of the most labor-intensive processes. The purpose of polishing is to give the vehicle a shine and gloss. The processes are longer and more elaborate. The more expensive the car, the longer the polishing takes.
5. Gearbox and engine workshop`