Japanese media: China is far ahead in the field of integrated casting for automobiles
China's EVs (electric vehicles) are at the forefront of the world. Then, what is the key to this technology?
On September 15, the Japanese media "Bunshun Online" published an analytical article by reporter Hayami Hisao, stating that in the key technology of automobile production - integrated casting, Chinese manufacturing has already far surpassed Japanese automakers such as Toyota.
Integrating multiple parts into one requires a large mold. However, the development of molds is accompanied by an increase in casting pressure. The higher the pressure, the larger the part that can be manufactured.
When Tesla initially introduced China, the casting machine of Liqin Technology had a pressure of about 4,500 tons. Now, Liqin has commercialized a 16,000-ton casting machine and is developing a 20,000-ton one. Toyota naturally also rushed to launch the "Gigacast" (integrated casting) technology. However, in 2023, the new one introduced by Japanese manufacturers was only a 6,000-ton level.
Toyota's rear part of the car body can reduce 86 parts to one part, but it cannot be compared with China. Toyota plans to start production in 2027 at its Lexus (EV) factory in Shanghai, which will introduce a 9,000-ton level Gigacast (integrated casting) made in China, about seven years later than Tesla.
Previously, Tesla cast the rear part of the car in two parts, but now both the front and rear parts are cast as one piece. The chassis that holds the battery is also cast as one piece with the body. Tesla has introduced a 9,000-ton casting machine in advance.
According to the introduction on Honda's official website, the company uses the latest casting machine, which is a 6,000-ton level, and can only cast the battery housing in separate pieces of various specifications.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have successively introduced Gigacast. Not only BYD, but also Xpeng Motors has introduced it. At the LK exhibition in Shenzhen, some body casting parts are pressed using a 9,000-ton casting machine. It seems to be prepared for Huawei. Of course, LK is also producing casting machines for BYD and Xpeng Motors.
When Japanese journalists visited the headquarters of Xpeng Motors, they saw a body made through integrated casting. According to the vice president of the company, Hu Yining, "It was produced using a 12,000-ton press, and this technology integrates 170 parts into one."
Reporter Hayami Hisao finally wrote: "We must admit that Japanese car companies such as Toyota have fallen far behind."
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1843294049550347/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.