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.
We’ll cover a range of topics to get you a better understanding of how CNC machining and automotive part manufacturing intersect. This includes:
- Applications for CNC machining in the automotive parts industry
- Materials used in automotive CNC machining
- Types of machining used in the auto industry
- Benefits of choosing Roberson Machine Company
Call our team today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online for expert guidance on Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and precision CNC solutions.
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: Control arms, knuckles, and linkages must combine lightness with strength and precise dimensions. Roberson’s advanced machining processes ensure every part contributes to optimal handling and lasting durability.
- 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: 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 provides the precision needed to create custom performance parts, like intake manifolds, exhaust headers, and suspension upgrades, offering automotive enthusiasts the chance to elevate their vehicle’s power and aesthetics.
Roberson’s automotive part manufacturing services are designed to meet the industry’s high expectations—whether you’re producing 5 parts or 5,000. Precision, consistency, and quality are always the standard.
Types of Materials We Use for Des Moines, IA, Automotive CNC Manufacturing
Material selection is pivotal in automotive manufacturing, directly influencing the performance, safety, and longevity of vehicle components. At Roberson Machine Company, we leverage a diverse array of metals and plastics, each chosen for its unique properties—strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and machinability—to meet the specific demands of automotive applications. This includes:
- Aluminum (6061, 7075, 7050): With their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, aluminum alloys are ideal for use in engine components, suspension parts, and housings. For high-performance needs, alloys like 7075 are commonly used in motorsports.
- Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316, 321, 420SS, 416, 440): Known for strength and corrosion resistance, stainless steels are used in everything from exhaust systems to fasteners and drivetrain components. Hardened grades like 440 offer excellent wear resistance.
- Plastics (Delrin, PETGs, Nylon, PLAs, PEEK, HDPE, Glass-Filled Nylon): Lightweight and ideal for non-structural components like bushings and gears, these plastics are highly versatile. Materials like PEEK also provide excellent heat and chemical resistance.
- Brass: Due to its superior machinability and corrosion resistance, brass is commonly found in fittings, bushings, and valves within fluid systems and connectors.
- Titanium: With its remarkable strength and lightweight nature, titanium is a top choice for applications where performance and weight are critical, such as exhaust components and racing parts.
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.
- High-Precision Multi-Axis CNC Milling and Turning: We offer everything from 3-axis to 5-axis machining, allowing us to craft complex geometries and detailed features required for cutting-edge 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.
- From Prototype to High-Volume Production: We handle every stage of your project—from rapid prototypes for design validation to large-scale CNC production runs—ensuring quality and traceability throughout the process.
- Value-Added Services: In addition to machining, we offer welding, fabrication, deburring, bead blasting, and assembly, designed to simplify your supply chain and shorten your time to market.
From concept to completion, Roberson Machine Company provides end-to-end CNC solutions tailored for the automotive industry. Whether you’re developing a prototype or scaling up for full production, our team ensures precision, efficiency, and quality at every stage.
Why Choose Roberson 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:
- Operational Cost Reduction: Partnering with our experienced team allows you to bypass the expenses related to setting up and maintaining production facilities. Our existing infrastructure ensures efficient manufacturing processes, enabling you to focus resources on core business activities while maximizing profitability.
- Specialized Expertise: Leverage our decades of CNC machining experience and industry-specific insights. Our skilled team employs high-precision techniques to meet your project’s unique requirements.
- 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.
- Focused Innovation: By entrusting us with your manufacturing needs, you can concentrate on design, performance, and market delivery, while we handle the production intricacies.
- 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 we offer 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
Interested in learning more about CNC machining and automotive applications? Don’t hesitate to give us a call now at 573-646-3996 or contact us online for more information about Des Moines, IA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and how our team can help.