Automotive Manufacturing Solutions

Bruce Lin     August 10, 2020 

PMT delivers high-precision, high-efficiency machining solutions for the automotive and new-energy vehicle (NEV) industry, leveraging our aerospace-grade know-how, advanced 5 Axis CNC Machines, horizontal and vertical machining centers, gantry systems, and automation/FMS solutions. We help OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers produce powertrain, chassis, structural and precision safety components with stable quality, competitive cost, and short lead time.


Supporting Conventional & New-Energy Powertrain

Modern automotive powertrains—ICE, hybrid and full electric—demand tight tolerances, high productivity and strong process robustness. PMT machines and processes are designed to meet these requirements:

  • 5 Axis CNC Machines for complex aluminium and steel parts such as cylinder heads, integrated e-drive housings, rotor/stator carriers, turbocharger components, battery case interfaces and cooling plates.
  • Horizontal machining centers for multi-face machining of engine blocks, transmission housings, gearboxes, motor housings and differential carriers in a single setup, ensuring precise alignment of bores and sealing surfaces.
  • High-speed vertical machining centers for brackets, pump bodies, steering components, suspension parts and lightweight structures in aluminium and magnesium.
  • Optimised cutting strategies for cast iron, steel, aluminium and high-silicon alloys, balancing metal-removal rate with tool life to minimise cost per part.

By combining multi-axis capability with rigid machine structures and advanced CAM programming, we help automotive manufacturers achieve tighter tolerances, improved NVH performance and longer product life while keeping cycle times competitive.


Efficiency For High-Volume, Multi-Variant Production

Automotive manufacturing requires repeatable high-volume output and flexible response to model changes. PMT offers scalable layouts and automation to support this demand:

  • Pallet pool and FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System) configurations that run multiple variants of the same family of parts with quick changeover and unattended operation.
  • Gantry loading, robotic loading/unloading and in-line gauging for reliable 24/7 production with minimal operator intervention.
  • Line-type machining solutions for powertrain and chassis components, integrating several machines, fixtures and measurement stations into a streamlined production flow.

Our focus on takt-time optimisation, fixture standardisation and smart tool management enables automotive customers to increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) while reducing labour intensity and floor space.


Precision Components For Chassis, Safety & EV Platforms

Beyond the engine and transmission, PMT equipment also supports critical chassis, safety and electric-vehicle platform components:

  • Suspension knuckles, control arms, hubs, steering housings, brake calipers and carriers requiring tight dimensional control and consistent surface quality.
  • Structural parts for EV skateboard platforms: battery tray frames, crossmembers, subframes and crash structures in aluminium or high-strength steel.
  • High-precision parts for braking and steering systems where repeatability and process capability (Cp/Cpk) directly impact vehicle safety and feel.

Using 5-axis positioning, multi-side machining, and rigid fixturing, PMT helps ensure geometric consistency across large volumes, reducing downstream assembly issues and warranty risk.


From Process Engineering To Turnkey Lines

PMT does more than supply machines—we provide engineering support from concept to SOP:

  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and fixture design reviews for new components, focusing on datum schemes, clamping strategies and process stability.
  • Full process development, including cutting trials, cycle-time analysis, tool selection, and NC programming with UG NX, hyperMILL and related software.
  • Turnkey delivery of complete machining cells and lines, including automation, gauging, coolant and chip-handling systems, plus on-site commissioning and ramp-up support.

This integrated approach shortens industrialisation time for new engine, transmission or EV platform programs and reduces the risk associated with launching new model series.


Quality, Traceability & Automotive Standards

Automotive customers expect consistent, documented quality across global supply chains. PMT’s quality philosophy comes from aerospace and military projects and is applied to automotive production:

  • Quality management aligned with ISO 9001 principles and aerospace-grade process control, with clear work instructions and control plans.
  • In-process and post-process inspection, including probing on the machine, dedicated gauges and CMM measurement for critical features.
  • Full traceability of machining programs, process parameters and inspection results to support PPAP, APQP and customer-specific requirements.

This combination of stable equipment and robust quality systems helps suppliers achieve and maintain OEM approval status.


Performance & Cost Advantage Versus Traditional Suppliers

PMT’s technical capability is close to that of global first-tier machine builders, but our investment cost and operating cost are significantly lower:

  • Machine investment typically around one-half to two-thirds of comparable German or Japanese equipment in the same class.
  • Under equivalent precision requirements, our optimised structures, drives and process strategies deliver equal or higher productivity, resulting in lower cost per part.
  • High value-for-money enables automotive manufacturers to deploy more flexible capacity and automation within a given budget, improving resilience and profitability.

Partnering With Global Automotive & NEV Manufacturers

With a strong track record in China’s aerospace and defence sectors, PMT brings high-end machining technology to the automotive industry, especially to:

  • OEM and Tier-1 manufacturers of engines, transmissions, e-drive systems and axles
  • New-energy vehicle and battery-system manufacturers
  • Suppliers of precision chassis, steering, braking and safety components
  • Producers of performance and motorsport parts requiring aerospace-grade accuracy

By combining 5 Axis CNC Machine technology, multi-axis machining centers, automation and deep process engineering, PMT helps automotive and NEV manufacturers build lighter, more efficient, and more reliable vehicles—while maintaining a clear competitive edge in cost and productivity.

Bruce Lin

Dr. Bruce Lin is a preeminent authority in the machine tool industry, with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. For more than two decades, he has been the cornerstone of technological excellence at PMT (Chengdu Precise CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd.), serving as our Chief Engineer. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s degree in the same field from a leading Chinese university. Dr. Lin’s profound journey began over four decades ago, encompassing pivotal roles at several globally recognized industrial and precision manufacturing corporations prior to joining PMT. This extensive tenure provided…

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