The Basics of Automotive Tooling
What is the Difference Between Tooling and Parts?
Before we jump into what automotive tooling is, we must first establish the difference between tooling and parts. Tooling is just that — the tool used to create the actual automotive parts. Tooling is typically machined out of a metal material, which is then used in the production process to create a tight tolerance part for the end application.
There are many different types of tooling, which can include work holding tools like jigs and fixtures, cutting tools for milling and grinding machines, dies for cold forming, and more. If you’d like to dive deeper into what tooling entails, view our in-depth blog here. For now, we’ll focus on the automotive subset and examine the benefits of rapid tooling for this industry.
What is Automotive Tooling?
Now that you understand the difference between tooling and parts, we can further evaluate what automotive tooling is. Whether you’re creating a fender, deck-lid, bracket, or another part, you’ll need specialized tooling to create it.
The world of automotive tooling is changing. Previously, manufacturers could manufacture one tool that ran 400,000 or 500,000 parts for one model. It was easy to create one tool and mass-produce hundreds of thousands of parts for one car. However, the current automotive market is moving from high-volume, low-mix operations to low-volume, high-mix production, which complicates the tooling process.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, consumers are more and more interested in buying cars with customizable features. As a simple example, they might choose from two or three different cup holders in the center console. Each option will require a different tool. So, instead of using one tool to create 500,000 parts, a manufacturer might need five different tools to create 100,000 parts each.
This customization does complicate the process, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Tooling engineers have just had to adapt to this new need. Many tooling manufacturers and engineers have turned towards rapid tooling development processes to ensure their customers get exactly what they want.
What are the Benefits of Rapid Tooling for Automotive Use?
Rapid tooling is a method used to quickly create prototypes to verify if products will be effective in a real-world scenario. Many manufacturers will create multiple tooling apparati at the same time, allowing them to vet certain products before they head to the production floor.
Fast Production
The biggest advantage of rapid tooling is the speed at which it can be created. Depending on the manufacturer you work with, you might be able to design and develop tools in a few days or weeks.
Flexibility
Rapid tooling allows you to quickly change designs if you decide to go in another direction. If you have an idea and want to test if it will work or not, rapid tooling is the best option for you.
Cost Savings
Rapid tooling can often save you money, because you won’t spend time pursuing tooling solutions that aren’t worth it.
Why Work with Pivot Precision for Your Automotive Tooling Needs?
If you’re looking for high-quality tooling production, turn to Pivot Precision. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified supplier of highly specified tooling for automotive, medical, ammunition, and firearm components, we’re ready to take on your next project.
We are a privately owned business that’s been creating tooling for more than 50 years. Our workforce sustains our culture of meeting challenging specifications, delivering the highest quality, and maintaining customer satisfaction standards.
With our extensive manufacturing capabilities, we can deliver shorter lead times on demanding specifications and high complexity parts. We’re also located near Niagara Falls, New York, which positions us close to airports and interstates for quick delivery on international or domestic shipments.
Let’s Make Something Great Together
Ready to begin your tooling journey? We’re here to help. Reach out to our team to schedule an initial consultation or request a quote here.