From engine components to dashboards and transmissions, Automotive Part Manufacturing in Detroit, MI, 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 our team today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about Detroit, MI, Automotive Part Manufacturing and our other services.
Detroit, MI, 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: Components like control arms, knuckles, and linkages must be lightweight, durable, and dimensionally consistent. Roberson’s machining expertise ensures each part supports proper handling and longevity.
- 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 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: Automakers often turn to CNC-machined prototypes to validate the performance, safety, and fit of components before full production begins. Roberson helps facilitate a smooth transition from CAD models to physical parts, accelerating design validation and innovation.
- 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: Precision-machined parts are fundamental for the operation of sensors, control modules, and structural components in autonomous vehicles, ensuring high performance and reliability in complex driving systems.
- Performance & Aftermarket Parts: CNC machining makes it possible to produce custom parts like intake manifolds, exhaust headers, and suspension upgrades, allowing automotive enthusiasts to improve their vehicle’s performance and visual appeal.
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 Detroit, MI, Automotive CNC Manufacturing
In automotive manufacturing, material selection is key to ensuring the performance, safety, and longevity of vehicle components. At Roberson Machine Company, we leverage a diverse selection of metals and plastics, each chosen for its unique strengths—strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and machinability—to fulfill the precise 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): 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): These materials are ideal for lightweight, non-structural parts such as bushings, gears, and interior components. Certain types, like PEEK, are resistant to high heat 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: 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 understands the demands of automotive environments and can help you choose the right material for every part—whether you’re building prototypes or scaling up for full production. Contact us to learn more about our machining capabilities.
Key Services for Detroit, MI, Automotive Part Manufacturing
- Advanced CNC Machining: With state-of-the-art equipment and expert operators, Roberson Machine Company manufactures high-precision, tight-tolerance components with exceptional surface finishes—critical for the performance, safety, and reliability of automotive systems.
- Multi-Axis CNC Milling and Turning: From 3-axis to complex 5-axis machining, our capabilities allow for the creation of intricate geometries and detailed features found in modern engine, transmission, and suspension parts.
- Wire EDM: Offering unparalleled precision, Wire EDM delivers ultra-accurate cuts and complex internal features, making it perfect for specialty parts such as fuel system components and precision brackets.
- From Prototype to Mass Production: Whether you’re refining a prototype or scaling up to high-volume CNC production, we provide reliable quality and traceability at every stage of the project lifecycle.
- 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 Detroit, MI, 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:
- Scalable Manufacturing Solutions: Engaging with our services provides a flexible approach to production without the financial burden of owning and operating manufacturing equipment. Our scalable solutions allow you to adjust production volumes as needed, optimizing costs and improving overall business agility.
- Precision-Driven Skills: Rely on our years of CNC machining experience and sector-specific insights. We use high-precision methods to achieve the best results for your unique project needs.
- 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.
- Reliable Partnerships: We view ourselves as more than just a supplier—we’re a dependable partner. Through transparent communication and consistent results, we build lasting relationships across projects of all sizes.
- Efficient Innovation: Allow us to handle the production complexities, so you can dedicate your efforts to design, performance, and getting your product to market on time.
- 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:
- 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? Don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about Detroit, MI, Automotive Part Manufacturing and how our experts can help.