From engine components to dashboards and transmissions, Automotive Part Manufacturing in San Diego, CA, 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 San Diego, CA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and our other services.
San Diego, CA, 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: Crankshafts, cylinder heads, and transmission housings must meet stringent precision standards to deliver peak performance, efficiency, and reliability. CNC machining ensures the tight tolerances needed for these vital parts.
- 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 require precise machining to ensure safety and consistent function. Proper surface finish, tolerance, and geometry are vital for optimal braking efficiency.
- 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: 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 machining is critical for producing precision parts for sensors, control modules, and structural components in autonomous vehicles, ensuring optimal reliability and performance in 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 crafted to meet the rigorous demands of the industry—whether you need five parts or five thousand. Precision, consistency, and quality are guaranteed at every step.
Types of Materials We Use for San Diego, CA, 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): Aluminum alloys are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for engine components, suspension parts, and housings. High-strength alloys like 7075 are often used in performance and motorsports applications for their durability.
- Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316, 321, 420SS, 416, 440): Renowned for its strength and corrosion resistance, stainless steels are essential in applications ranging from exhaust systems to fasteners and drivetrain components. Hardened grades like 440 are particularly effective in providing wear resistance.
- Plastics (Delrin, PETGs, Nylon, PLAs, PEEK, HDPE, Glass-Filled Nylon): These materials are great for lightweight, non-structural parts like bushings, gears, and interior components. Some, like PEEK, withstand high heat and chemical exposure.
- Brass: Ideal for fittings, bushings, and valves due to its machinability and corrosion resistance. Commonly found in fluid-handling systems and connectors.
- Titanium: Titanium’s combination of low weight and high strength makes it ideal for performance applications requiring a strong strength-to-weight ratio, including exhaust systems and racing components.
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 San Diego, CA, 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.
- Precision Multi-Axis CNC Milling and Turning: Our capabilities, ranging from 3-axis to advanced 5-axis machining, enable the creation of intricate geometries and detailed features for 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: Looking for more than just machining? We also provide welding, fabrication, deburring, bead blasting, and assembly to help streamline your supply chain and accelerate time to market.
At Roberson Machine Company, we offer full-spectrum CNC solutions tailored for the automotive industry. From concept through to completion, our team ensures that precision, efficiency, and quality are upheld, whether you’re prototyping or scaling production.
Why Choose Roberson for San Diego, CA, Automotive Part Manufacturing?
When it comes to manufacturing precision products, Roberson is ready to assist. Here are a few compelling reasons to get in touch with 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.
- 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.
- Uncompromising Quality: We deliver components that adhere to stringent automotive tolerances and specifications. Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our certifications.
- 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.
- Streamlined Innovation: With us handling the manufacturing process, you can focus on perfecting design, optimizing performance, and bringing your product to market quickly.
- Scalable Solutions: From one-off prototypes to high-volume production runs, our flexible systems scale with your needs. Serving multiple industries allows us to pass 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 San Diego, CA, Automotive Part Manufacturing and how our experts can help.