From engine components to dashboards and transmissions, Automotive Part Manufacturing in Des Moines, IA, is where Roberson Machine Company excels. Our cross-industry experience and dedication to precision allow us to produce components that meet rigorous automotive standards.
To help you better understand the connection between CNC machining and automotive manufacturing, this section will examine:
- Primary automotive applications of CNC machining
- Typical materials used in machining automotive components
- Machining processes optimized for the auto industry
- The advantages of partnering with Roberson Machine Company
Call us today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to find out how our team can support your Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing needs with precision and efficiency.
Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing: Real-World CNC Applications
Whether it’s engine parts or custom brackets, CNC machining is indispensable in the automotive industry. Roberson Machine Company works closely with Tier 1–3 Suppliers, small businesses, and other industry leaders to deliver high-precision, production-ready parts. Some typical use cases in automotive manufacturing include:
- 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: For components like control arms, knuckles, and linkages, precision, durability, and lightweight design are crucial. Roberson’s machining expertise ensures these parts maintain proper handling and are built for longevity.
- Brake System Parts: For caliper mounts, rotors, and pedal components, precision machining ensures safety and smooth braking. Surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and geometry are key factors in achieving reliable braking performance.
- Interior & Dashboard Hardware: CNC machining isn’t limited to engine parts—it’s also essential for crafting aesthetic and functional components like gear shifters, infotainment brackets, and dashboard support structures.
- Prototyping & R&D: CNC-machined prototypes are a crucial step in testing component functionality, performance, and safety before full production. Roberson supports the transition from CAD designs to physical prototypes, enabling teams to innovate and validate their designs efficiently.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Components: CNC machining is key in the growing EV market, producing critical parts like battery housings, cooling plates, and custom mounts for electric drive units—each requiring precision design and specialized materials.
- Autonomous Vehicle Systems: In autonomous vehicles, precision-machined components such as sensors, control modules, and structural parts are crucial for ensuring the performance and dependability of advanced driving systems.
- Performance & Aftermarket Parts: CNC machining enables the production of custom performance parts, such as intake manifolds, exhaust headers, and suspension upgrades, catering to enthusiasts seeking enhanced vehicle performance and aesthetics.
Roberson’s automotive part manufacturing services are engineered to meet the industry’s exacting standards—whether you’re producing five parts or five thousand. Our focus remains on precision, consistency, and quality in every batch.
Types of Materials We Use for Des Moines, IA, Automotive CNC Manufacturing
Material selection plays a critical role in automotive manufacturing, impacting the performance, safety, and lifespan of vehicle components. At Roberson Machine Company, we utilize a wide range of metals and plastics, each selected for its distinct properties—strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and machinability—to address the unique needs 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): Valued for their strength and corrosion resistance, stainless steels are ideal for components like exhaust systems, fasteners, and drivetrain parts. Harder grades such as 440 are particularly known for their wear resistance.
- Plastics (Delrin, PETGs, Nylon, PLAs, PEEK, HDPE, Glass-Filled Nylon): Ideal for lightweight, non-structural applications like bushings and gears, these plastics offer versatility. Materials like PEEK are known for their resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
- Brass: Valued for its machinability and corrosion resistance, brass is ideal for manufacturing fittings, bushings, and valves used in fluid-handling systems and connectors.
- Titanium: Lightweight and exceptionally strong, titanium is used in performance applications where strength-to-weight ratio is critical, such as exhaust parts and racing components.
Our team is experienced in navigating the demands of automotive environments and can support you in selecting the ideal material for your parts—whether you’re developing prototypes or scaling up production. Reach out to us to learn more about our machining solutions.

Key Services for Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing
- Accurate CNC Machining: Roberson Machine Company leverages advanced machinery and skilled technicians to produce high-tolerance, precision components with excellent surface finishes, ensuring top-notch performance, safety, and reliability in automotive applications.
- Versatile Multi-Axis CNC Milling and Turning: From 3-axis to high-precision 5-axis machining, we can produce detailed features and complex geometries required in today’s engine, transmission, and suspension parts.
- Wire EDM: Wire EDM offers exceptional precision for ultra-fine cuts and intricate internal features, perfect for creating specialty parts such as fuel system components and highly accurate brackets.
- Prototype to Production: We support your entire project lifecycle—from quick-turn prototypes for design validation to high-volume CNC production runs—with consistent quality and traceability.
- 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?
Roberson is here to provide precision products that get the job done. Here are several reasons why you should consider reaching out to Roberson Machine Company:
- Resource Optimization: Outsourcing manufacturing to our experienced team enables you to allocate capital and resources more effectively. With our established infrastructure and efficient processes, you can achieve high-quality production outcomes while focusing on strategic growth initiatives.
- Unmatched Expertise: Benefit from our extensive CNC machining experience and deep industry knowledge. Our team utilizes advanced techniques to ensure your project’s specific needs are met with precision.
- Top-Tier Quality Commitment: We ensure that every component meets precise automotive tolerances and specifications. Our commitment to superior quality is backed by our certifications.
- Dependable Partnerships: We see ourselves as a committed partner, not just a supplier. Through open communication and reliable results, we build strong, lasting connections across diverse projects.
- Dedicated Innovation: Entrust us with your manufacturing needs, allowing you to focus on design, performance, and market launch, while we take care of the production details.
- Customizable Production: Whether it’s a single prototype or a high-volume production run, our adaptable systems align with your needs. Serving diverse industries helps us provide cost-saving benefits for both materials and processes.
Other services Roberson offers include:
- CNC Lathe Machining
- Custom CNC Machining for Part Production
- CNC Machine Automation
- Oil and Gas Precision Machining
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- EDM Machining
- High Volume CNC Machining
- Industrial Automation
- Solar Panel Manufacturers
Interested in learning more about CNC machining and automotive applications? 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 team can help.

