From engine components to dashboards and transmissions, Automotive Part Manufacturing in Olympia, WA, 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 find out how our team can support your Olympia, WA, Automotive Part Manufacturing needs with precision and efficiency.
Olympia, WA, 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: Components like crankshafts, cylinder heads, and transmission housings require exacting precision to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. CNC machining is essential in maintaining the tight tolerances these critical parts demand.
- 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: 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 plays a vital role in creating not just mechanical parts, but also aesthetic and functional components like 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: As electric vehicle production accelerates, CNC machining is essential for creating complex parts such as battery housings, cooling plates, and custom mounts for electric drive units, all of which require innovative design and material solutions.
- 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 allows for the creation of custom performance parts, including intake manifolds, exhaust headers, and suspension upgrades, designed for enthusiasts looking to boost vehicle performance and style.
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 Olympia, WA, 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): 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): 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: Known for its excellent machinability and corrosion resistance, brass is commonly used for fittings, bushings, and valves 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 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 Olympia, WA, Automotive Part Manufacturing
- Precision CNC Machining: With advanced equipment and skilled operators, Roberson Machine Company delivers high-tolerance, tight-spec components with excellent surface finishes—crucial for performance, safety, and reliability in automotive systems.
- 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: With unrivaled accuracy, Wire EDM is ideal for producing ultra-precise cuts and complex internal features, making it perfect for fuel system components and precision brackets.
- End-to-End Production Support: From quick-turn prototypes for design validation to high-volume CNC production runs, we ensure consistent quality and complete traceability throughout your project.
- Value-Added Services: Looking for comprehensive solutions? Alongside machining, we offer welding, fabrication, deburring, bead blasting, and assembly, helping to improve your supply chain efficiency and cut down on 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 Olympia, WA, Automotive Part Manufacturing?
Roberson is here to help manufacture precision products to get the job done. There are a few reasons to get in touch with Roberson Machine Company, including:
- 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.
- 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.
- Unyielding Quality Standards: Our components are crafted to exceed strict automotive tolerances and specifications, supported by our certifications for unparalleled quality.
- Trusted Collaborations: We go beyond being a supplier; we are a reliable partner. With clear communication and consistent performance, we foster enduring relationships on projects of all scales.
- 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.
- Efficient Scalability: From prototype creation to large production runs, our flexible systems are tailored to your needs. By working across multiple industries, we can pass on cost savings in both materials and processes.
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? Give us a call now at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about Olympia, WA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and how our team can help.