Plan for Manufacturing Automotive Chassis Models
1、 Project Overview
Based on the 3D drawings of the car chassis provided by the customer, create a solid model with a fidelity of about 90%, clearly displaying the chassis structure and core component layout, meeting the needs of display, teaching, or research and development reference.
2、 Preliminary preparation
(1) Deep analysis of drawings
After receiving the 3D drawings, a specialized team consisting of mechanical engineers and model engineers was quickly formed to comprehensively analyze the details of the drawings, including component names, dimension annotations, connection methods, and tolerance requirements. At the same time, we will have in-depth communication with the client to clarify the key direction of model production, such as whether it is necessary to focus on reproducing the fine texture of specific suspension structures and transmission components, as well as the expected material texture to be presented.
(2) Matching materials and processes
Carefully select suitable materials and processes based on the complexity of the drawings, customer budget, and delivery time:
Chassis body: If pursuing high precision and mass production, priority should be given to injection molding technology, using ABS or PU resin; If you need to showcase unique texture or small batch customization, CNC stamping sheet metal process can be used.
Suspension spring: Using 65Mn spring steel wire to ensure accurate simulation of the elasticity and appearance of real springs.
Shock absorber: Based on aluminum alloy tube as the basic material, combined with nylon lining, presenting realistic details through CNC machining and electroplating technology.
Half shaft and transmission shaft: 45 # steel or zinc alloy is selected, which is turned and surface quenched to ensure strength and accuracy.
3、 Production Execution
(1) Digital modeling and component disassembly
Import the customer's 3D drawings into professional reverse engineering software, repair and optimize the model, fill in missing features, and repair broken surfaces. Subsequently, according to the structural logic of the chassis, it was divided into components such as the chassis body, power system, suspension system, transmission system, and braking system. Layered processing files were generated to clarify the positioning reference planes and assembly clearances of each component, providing precise guidance for subsequent processing.
(2) Core component processing and manufacturing
1. Chassis body
If injection molding technology is used, first make a silicone mold or metal mold based on the disassembled 3D model. Strictly control the parting line of the mold to ensure smooth demolding without damaging the model structure. Set appropriate injection parameters, such as maintaining the material temperature at 220-240 ℃ and holding pressure for 20-30 seconds, to ensure the quality of the chassis body molding.
2. Suspension and transmission components
Suspension spring: The spring steel wire is precisely wound into shape using a winding machine, followed by heat treatment to enhance the elasticity and durability of the spring.
Shock absorber: The aluminum alloy tube is processed into the shock absorber body through CNC machining, and after installing the nylon liner, it is electroplated to improve the surface texture and corrosion resistance.
Half shaft and transmission shaft: The 45 # steel or zinc alloy material is machined using turning technology to ensure the accuracy of key parts such as splines, and then surface quenched to improve hardness and wear resistance.
4、 Assembly and Debugging
(1) Pre assembly and gap adjustment
Pre assemble the processed components according to the design requirements, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque, and ensure a secure connection. Carefully check the gap between each component, such as the gap between the suspension swing arm and the subframe, and adjust it promptly if there is any deviation.
(2) Dynamic debugging
After completing the pre assembly, manually push the chassis to simulate the vehicle's driving state, observe the compression and rebound of the suspension, as well as the flexibility of the wheel rotation. If any abnormalities are found, analyze the cause and conduct targeted debugging until the model runs smoothly.
5、 Surface treatment and painting
(1) Primer and masking
Spray epoxy primer on the assembled model as a whole to enhance the adhesion of subsequent coatings. After the primer dries, use masking paper and masking film to cover the areas that do not require painting, such as bolt holes, identification sticker positions, etc.
(2) Layered coating
Chassis body: First spray metal silver primer to create a metallic texture, then apply matte black paint for aging treatment, and appropriately increase the wear effect at the edges to simulate real usage traces.
Key structural components: such as suspension swing arms, using matte gray primer combined with orange anti-collision strips to enhance visual recognition; The brake calipers are sprayed with bright red high gloss paint to highlight their sportiness.
(3) Transparent parts and sticker processing
For transparent parts such as brake discs, acrylic laser cutting technology is used to sand the edges and simulate high-temperature oxidation effects. Finally, accurately paste the water sticker, including details such as bolt texture and brand logo, and cover it with a protective film to prevent scratches.