Die Stamping Our Way to Remarkably Better Automotive Parts
Two qualities of automotive parts have stood the test of time. The lighter and stronger the materials used for making a part, the better. Considering the integrity of the automobile as a whole, the quest for the right mix of metals for each particular component is ongoing. The process most relied upon for the manufacture of parts nowadays is die stamping because of its mass production advantage. Also known as pressing, this is the process of stamping shapes from sheets of metal.
High Strength Steels
Towards the end of the 1900s, increasing awareness of the human impact on our planet sped up the search for ways to reduce our energy use. This was most apparent in the automotive parts industry. Safety regulations became stricter. People increasingly want cars that are more environmentally friendly and that operate more cost effectively. Advanced high strength steels developed for the automotive industry are changing the way cars are made.
Steel versus Aluminium
There is constant debate in the automotive industry about whether to use aluminium or steel in the production of automotive parts. Essentially this is a quest for finding material strong enough to be safe for use in automobiles that is formable and cost effective. Most of the top car manufacturers are opting for decisions of which material to be used being made on a part by part basis.
History of Die Stamping
Dating back to 2000BC, with stone-age man beating iron with a hammer to make tools with heated metal resting on a bed or bolster, the idea of stamping metals is not new. Die stamping was first used to produce bicycle parts in the 1890s. Although die stamping produced parts with less durability than traditional forging, there was advantage in using machines to manufacture automotive parts more quickly. As demand for motor vehicles grew, faster production methods were welcomed.
Progressive Stamping
A variety of metalworking methods are incorporated into the die stamping manufacture of automotive parts. Beginning with simple methods like bending the metal along straight lines, there are nine other ways machines are working with metal during the stamping process. Flanging, embossing, blanking, coining, deep drawing, stretching, ironing, curling and hemming each allow progressively more detailed parts to be made.
Improving Automotive Parts Manufacturing
Along with developing steel sheets for die stamping that are thinner and more lightweight than ever while having increased strength, machining is becoming more technologically advanced. Modern control systems and computer aided design and machining along with improved mechanisms for spot-welding, riveting and door-latch making are transforming the automotive parts manufacturing process.
Overall Productivity
Computers are an integral part of numerical control at play in today’s component design and machining systems. Along with advances in automation using computer aided manufacturing, automotive parts can be more productively and cost-effectively produced than ever before. The precision possible through die stamping methods used in automotive part manufacturing going into this millennium is improving productivity and lowering environmental impact.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil
When it comes to buying the right type of engine oil, you need to consider several important things. In this article, we have discussed 5 important things that can help you go for the right type of oil for your car engine. Choosing the wrong type of oil can have a negative impact on the performance of your car. Apart from this, it can also reduce the life of the engine. Therefore, it is extremely important to always use the right type of oil. Read on to find out more.
1. Car series and manufacturer
First of all, you should consider the make and model of your car. Today’s high-performance engines are designed for high efficiency. If you read your car manual, you will come to know about the right type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Driving environment
You should also consider your driving environment when making a choice. For instance, you may have a hot or cold climate. Similarly, road conditions may vary. You may have to drive on paved or unpaved roads on a regular basis.
Based on these factors, your car engine will have to tolerate different levels of strain. If you drive on unpaved roads, you will have to change engine oil more frequently. Some types of oils are designed to reduce the strain on your engine.
3. Types of oil
After you have considered the make and model of your car engine, you can go for either a mineral or synthetic oil. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, synthetic oils cost more money but may last longer.
4. Viscosity grade
If you compare different products, you will find different codes and letters written on the labels. These numbers tell you about the viscosity grade and the resistance of the oil to flow. Now, this is an extremely important factor to consider after driving and climate conditions.
The letter W refers to winter. In other words, it tells you how the oil will perform in cold weather. The second number tells you about the flow of the oil at normal operating temperatures.
Normally, low viscosity oils are thinner and provide greater protection for your engine in cold weather. On the other hand, high viscosity oils offer greater protection in hot weather. Therefore, it is important to get familiar with the viscosity grade of the oil before making a purchase.
5. Oil standards
If you read the label closely, you will find letters and abbreviations, such as ILSAC, ACEA, and API. These acronyms tell you that the product can meet the requirements established by relevant authorities. You need to consider these specifications as they tell you a lot about the quality and performance of the oil.
If you take a closer look at the label, you will also find engine oil standards indicated by different acronyms, such as API, ACEA, ILSAC. This means that the product meets or exceeds the requirements set by these organizations. Specifications are important as they indicate the performance and quality of the oil.
Long story short, choosing the right type of engine oil is important if you want your car engine to work efficiently. Therefore, you may want to consider these important factors when looking for the right type of oil for your vehicle.