From engine components to dashboards and transmissions, Automotive Part Manufacturing in Des Moines, IA, has been a cornerstone of Roberson Machine Company for more than 20 years. Having worked within multiple industries and fields, our team has the precision CNC capabilities you need to develop and produce high-end automotive parts.
In this guide, we’ll explore how CNC machining plays a vital role in the automotive industry. Topics include:
- Common CNC machining applications in automotive part manufacturing
- Materials frequently used in automotive CNC processes
- Machining methods tailored to automotive part production
- Why Roberson Machine Company is a trusted industry partner
Call us today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to request a quote for Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing or learn more about our capabilities.
Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing: Real-World CNC Applications
Engine components and custom brackets are just a few examples of parts where CNC machining plays an essential role in automotive manufacturing. Roberson Machine Company collaborates with Tier 1–3 Suppliers, small businesses, and various partners to deliver precise, scalable parts for production. In the automotive industry, CNC machining is commonly used for:
- Powertrain Components: For parts like crankshafts, cylinder heads, and transmission housings, CNC machining delivers the extreme precision necessary for optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability, meeting the exacting tolerances these components require.
- Suspension & Steering Systems: Key components such as control arms, knuckles, and linkages need to be lightweight, strong, and precisely machined. With Roberson’s expertise, each part is crafted to enhance handling and support long-lasting performance.
- Brake System Parts: Caliper mounts, rotors, and pedal components are machined for safety and smooth function. Surface finish, tolerance, and geometry are critical to ensure effective braking performance.
- Interior & Dashboard Hardware: CNC machining is essential for producing both functional and design-focused components in the cabin, including gear shifters, infotainment brackets, and dashboard support structures.
- Prototyping & R&D: Before full-scale production, many automakers rely on CNC-machined prototypes to test component fitness, performance, and safety. Roberson helps teams transition from CAD models to real-world parts swiftly, facilitating innovation and design validation.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Components: The growth of electric vehicle production relies on CNC machining for components like battery housings, cooling plates, and custom mounts for electric drive units, demanding new design techniques and material choices.
- Autonomous Vehicle Systems: CNC-machined parts are vital for the functionality of sensors, control modules, and structural components in autonomous vehicles, playing a key role in the performance and safety of advanced driving systems.
- Performance & Aftermarket Parts: With CNC machining, we craft custom performance parts such as intake manifolds, exhaust headers, and suspension upgrades, helping automotive enthusiasts enhance both the performance and appearance of their vehicles.
Whether you’re producing five parts or five thousand, Roberson’s automotive manufacturing services are designed to meet the high standards of the industry. Precision, consistency, and quality are our unwavering commitments.
Types of Materials We Use for Des Moines, IA, Automotive CNC Manufacturing
Material selection is fundamental in automotive manufacturing, directly impacting the performance, safety, and lifespan of vehicle components. At Roberson Machine Company, we carefully choose from a variety of metals and plastics, each selected for its optimal characteristics—strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and machinability—to meet the demanding requirements of automotive applications. This includes:
- Aluminum (6061, 7075, 7050): Lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, aluminum alloys are widely used in manufacturing engine components, suspension parts, and housings. 7075 alloys are particularly favored in high-performance and motorsport applications.
- Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316, 321, 420SS, 416, 440): Stainless steels are prized for their strength and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for applications like exhaust systems, fasteners, and drivetrain components. For detailed insights on stainless steel, check out What Is Stainless Steel?. Hardened grades like 440 are especially known for excellent wear resistance.
- Plastics (Delrin, PETGs, Nylon, PLAs, PEEK, HDPE, Glass-Filled Nylon): Lightweight and durable, these plastics are perfect for non-structural components like bushings, gears, and interior parts. Some, like PEEK, offer excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
- Brass: Ideal for fittings, bushings, and valves due to its machinability and corrosion resistance. Commonly found in fluid-handling systems and connectors.
- Titanium: Known for its lightweight yet exceptional strength, titanium is ideal for performance-driven applications where the strength-to-weight ratio is crucial, including exhaust systems and racing components.
Our team is equipped with in-depth knowledge of automotive environments and can help you select the ideal material for every part—whether you’re working on prototypes or scaling up to full production. Reach out to explore our machining capabilities.
Key Services for Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing
- Expert CNC Machining: Roberson Machine Company utilizes advanced technology and a highly skilled workforce to deliver precision components with tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes—key to the performance, safety, and reliability of automotive systems.
- Comprehensive Multi-Axis CNC Milling and Turning: Our advanced 3-axis and 5-axis machining capabilities allow us to create complex geometries and precision features, perfect for modern engine, transmission, and suspension components.
- Wire EDM: For precision cuts and complex internal designs, Wire EDM stands out for its unmatched accuracy, making it the go-to choice for specialty parts like fuel system components and precision brackets.
- Prototype to Full Production: We guide your project from rapid prototype development for design validation to high-volume CNC production runs, ensuring consistent quality and full traceability throughout.
- Value-Added Services: Need more than machining? We also offer welding, fabrication, deburring, bead blasting, and assembly to streamline your supply chain and reduce time to market.
From concept to completion, Roberson Machine Company delivers end-to-end CNC solutions designed for the automotive sector. Whether you’re in the prototype phase or preparing for large-scale production, we prioritize precision, efficiency, and quality at every step.
Why Choose Roberson Machine Company for Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing?
At Roberson, we specialize in crafting precision products that get the job done. Here are just a few reasons why you should contact Roberson Machine Company:
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminate the need for capital investment in facilities, equipment, and specialized labor. Our established infrastructure provides immediate access to advanced manufacturing, maximizing ROI without the overhead.
- Expert-Crafted Solutions: Tap into our vast CNC machining expertise and industry-specific understanding. Our dedicated team delivers precise, customized solutions that align with your project’s goals.
- Uncompromising Quality: We deliver components that adhere to stringent automotive tolerances and specifications. Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our certifications.
- Long-Term Relationships: As your trusted partner, we prioritize transparent communication and reliable outcomes, ensuring strong relationships that last through every project, large or small.
- Tailored Innovation: By choosing us for your manufacturing needs, you free up time to focus on design, performance, and market delivery, while we manage the intricate production work.
- Flexible Capabilities: From custom prototypes to large-scale production, our scalable systems adjust to meet your requirements. Our broad industry experience allows us to offer material and process savings directly to you.
Other services Roberson offers include:
- High Volume CNC Machining
- Industrial Automation
- Solar Panel Manufacturers
- Microscope Parts Precision Machining
- Military Manufacturing
- Medical Brace Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industry Parts
- 5 Axis CNC Machine
- Aluminum Aerospace Machining
Ready to learn more about automotive CNC part manufacturing and machining? Don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online for more information about Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and how our experts can help.