Dec 30/24
From Raw Materials to Road: How Vehicles Are Made
With an average of over 11 million vehicles made each year in the U.S., according to economic data analyst CEIC, the country has vast experience getting cars onto the warehouse floor. Have you ever wondered how vehicles are made, though, and what it takes to go from start to finish with the complete process?
In this article, we will explore the comprehensive vehicle manufacturing process, summarizing each car production stage for your greater understanding. On the way, discover how Mayco International contributes to this efficiency, innovates, and drives sustainability during every step.
Concepting a Vehicle Through the Design Phases
The vehicle design and engineering phase starts with determining the needs of the auto production company, after which designers and engineers will brainstorm and sketch out new vehicle concepts.
Using computer-aided design (CAD), they will simulate various design concepts and test areas such as:
- Aerodynamics
- Durability
- Aesthetic appeal
- Crash safety
Engineers will then work on prototypes of these digital files and plan details of where each component should go to get the best results from the vehicle. As new technology becomes available, this process can often go through several iterations before reaching a final design.
Even the marketing department comes into play by trialing different vehicle body designs with consumers to see how people perceive them.
Once the final version of the vehicle receives sign-off, the factory receives the specifications and details required to build the vehicle. Then, car factory operations start planning an auto assembly line for its production.
How Vehicles Are Made
The physical process of creating the vehicles is shorter than the design stage, which can take years to complete. It is, instead, a very intensive process that can take up to 24 work hours to complete.
Sourcing Raw Materials
Utilizing just-in-time planning, essential materials are sourced and purchased from global suppliers. When they arrive, these materials receive rigorous testing to ensure they are of high quality, after which the factory transfers them to the assembly lines for use.
Stamping the Body
One of the assembly line’s first car production stages is to stamp out the body’s panels from large metal sheets using presses. Engineers then test the resulting pieces for consistency before passing to the welding stage.
Welding the Frame and Body Together
The assembly line either assembles the frame in-house or imports it from an external producer. Then, it uses robotic systems to join the body over the frame with minimal human error.
After this step, the body is painted with multiple layers of material to ensure long-lasting protection and high-quality aesthetics.
Final Assembly
Last of all, all the remaining parts are added to the vehicle. These include:
- Engines
- Electrical systems
- Interior components
- Tires
After this, the vehicle receives rigorous testing to ensure it adheres to safety and performance standards before it is shipped out.
Steering High-Quality Production Toward the Future
Mayco International are professional expert in every stage of the vehicle manufacturing process. We understand the intricacies of how vehicles are made and can transform raw materials into the components you need to get your vehicle on the road quickly and to a high level of quality.
Contact us to learn more about our commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation. Discover what we can do for your production efforts today.