The process of looking for a reliable car parts manufacturer may seem tasking. However, you will be thankful you embarked on this journey when you start seeing the results. Using the best supplier ensures that the final product is accurate and of high quality. A reliable manufacturer will take you through the entire production journey to create safe components that meet industry requirements.
Are you new to auto part manufacturing or are you exploring more contract manufacturers options? Then, you are in the right place. This article will simplify the steps you need to take to find the ideal manufacturer and what to look out for when making a selection.
What is Automotive Part Manufacturing?
The automotive industry is a specialized field that plays a key role in the global economy. This industry uses advanced technology to design, fabricate, test, assemble, and maintain sophisticated components and systems. The parts can be as simple as fasteners and brake pads to complex ones like engine and suspension systems.
Auto part manufacturing involves various processes from machining to casting. Unlike some sectors, the automotive industry comes with strict requirements to ensure the passenger’s safety. Most of the components are complex and have tight tolerance spans. Hence, they must be flawless and precise.
Step-by-step Process in Finding a Reliable Auto Part Manufacturer
The auto part manufacturer you use will determine your success in the industry. A reliable partner will manufacture safe components and reduce the risk of downtime and part failure. There are quite several manufacturers available but not all can handle your work. How then can you find and partner with a supplier? Follow the simple steps below
#1- Define Your Requirements
The first step is to define your requirements and clearly state what you want to achieve. To make it easier, write down your production goals and objectives so you can easily track your progress. When defining your requirements, consider the type of car part you want to produce, the specifications, and the production volume.
Type of Part
Many components can be manufactured using different techniques. It is important to determine what exactly you want to venture into. Some examples of auto parts include engine blocks, crankshafts, axle components, and auto chassis.
Part Specifications
Based on the auto part you want to produce, you can easily narrow down the most suitable material. You then determine the quality and tolerance requirements. Different components have distinct tolerance levels and some are narrower than others. For instance, parts critical for safety such as brake systems require tighter tolerances.
Production Volume
You should also determine the number of parts you want to manufacture in total. This is because some suppliers have strict order quantity requirements while some don’t. Deciding on the production volume will help estimate cost.
#2- Research Potential Manufacturers
Now that you know what you want, create a list of potential manufacturers that align with your goals. This step might seem daunting but it will be worth it in the long run. Here is how to go about it
Reviews and Recommendations
Read both positive and negative reviews to gather enough information about a manufacturer. Those with a lot of positive ones are more promising to work with. You can also ask other clients about a manufacturer. Ask relevant questions like their experience, how long the delivery time was, and the quality of the final product.
Experience and Expertise
Check for manufacturers that have experience with the part you want to manufacture. Go for ones with a team of skilled engineers who have served many industries across different countries. They will understand the intricacies of the process and can make informed decisions.
Certification and Compliance
Check if a company is ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified. This certification shows they have taken their time and resources to show that their manufacturing processes meet the highest standards. To check for certification online, visit the national accreditation body or IAF forum and check for the business name. You can also visit the company website and look out for the certification logo. You will find it in the section of the website that covers quality control.
#3- Evaluate Production Capabilities
By now, you should have an idea of the manufacturers you will likely work with. At this stage, evaluate their production capabilities. This covers available equipment and material capabilities.
Manufacturing Processes
Check if they have necessary manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and die casting. Assess if the machines and tools are up to date and properly maintained. Always work with an original equipment manufacturer. The ideal company should be vast and give room for production scalability.
Material Capabilities
The type of materials they work with is also important. Check if the company can meet your material goals. It is not just about metals, plastics, and composites. Make an in-depth analysis of how easily they produce parts with different metal alloys and polymer types.
Surface Finishing Options
Their approach to surface finishing is also important. Check if they have many options you can choose from. The companies should make provisions for mechanical finishing like polishing, grinding, or use of abrasives. They should have others such as electroplating, painting, and powder coating.
#4-Assess Quality Control Processes
Check for the quality control system they’ve put in place from sourcing for materials to delivering the final product. Here is how to go about it
Supply Chain Management
Ensure that the company sources the highest grade of raw materials and they properly store it before use. The most suitable company should have a system in place that optimizes inventory levels. This ensures timely delivery and prevents unnecessary delays.
Inspection Process
Assess how they inspect the final part before delivery.
Checking for flaws after manufacturing will reduce the incidence of recalls and enhance your brand reputation. The companies can use hand metrology tools to check simple dimensions and shapes. They should also make provisions for sophisticated coordinate measuring machines (CMM) for more accurate readings.
#5- Check Financial Stability
Financial stability is important as it gives an idea of how reliable they are in delivering high-quality goods. It reduces the incidence of disruptions in the supply chain as a result of debt.
There are different ways you can assess the suppliers. You can check credit reports to determine the payment history and any outstanding debts. You can also review their financial statement to know how cash flows in and out. Additionally, you should analyze their debt-to-equity ratio. Avoid companies with a high ratio, typically greater than 2.
#6- Check Cost and Pricing Structure
By now, you should have narrowed down the list of manufacturers you will likely work with. You can then analyze the pricing structure of the manufacturers. To do this
Request A Quote
When you are ready, request a quote from the manufacturers directly from their website. You can also do this by sending a detailed mail to the sales representative. The company then replies with a document containing the number of parts, unit and total price, material costs, and labor costs. It will also include additional costs for tooling, molds, and setup.
Cost-Quality Balance
Note that you should not just focus on cost, but also on quality. The most affordable manufacturer may not produce quality products that meet your standards. Quality will increase your ROI in the long run. It prevents waste and recalls and gives you a competitive edge in the market.
#7- Conduct Site Visits and Audits
Before making financial investments, you should visit the manufacturing site. It will help ascertain the accuracy of all the information you’ve collected and detect potential issues. When conducting a site visit, keep the following in mind
Production Equipment
Check the equipment present on site and assess if it can safely meet your production goals and objectives. Be sure they are up to date, in good condition, and a ventilated environment. The cutting tools must be sharp and the machines well calibrated.
Production Team
Don’t leave the site without meeting and interacting with the production team. Evaluate their expertise and knowledge in the specific manufacturing area. Know each team member by name and understand their roles. This will help you make informed decisions and establish a long-term relationship.
Product Samples
Review the sample products made using the same material and manufacturing process. Check and be sure the team fully understands the project requirements. Assess the surface roughness and ask the finishing option they used. The parts should have no flaws or irregularities. In cases of defects, communicate clearly with the team and be as specific as possible. Ask that they send another sample till you are satisfied.
Warehouses and Storage Area
The storage area for both the raw materials and finished products must be well organized and clean. A non-controlled storage condition may cause material degradation. Using a suboptimal material will give a bad result which can cause losses. Additionally, ensure the companies have provisions for adequate storage of the parts before shipment to preserve quality.
Additional Services
Check for additional services such as rapid prototyping, DFM analysis, custom part manufacturing, and logistics. It is better to work with a one-stop manufacturing shop that can provide all you need from designing and prototyping to full production and shipping. This will help save costs and prevent delays.
#8- Sign a Contract and Place an Order
Now that you have your car parts manufacturer, it’s time to place an order. It is important to sign a written document with the other party and work with an experienced attorney. The document should define the scope of work and payment terms. It should specify technical requirements and acceptable quality criteria. It should also clearly state everything on the delivery schedule and warranty.
#9- Monitor Progress
Though you are almost 100% sure that the manufacturer can deliver, think of the first time as a probation period. Here are the ways you can monitor progress to decide if you should renew your contract.
Finished Products
Check if the final parts closely resemble the initial design. You can ask for details of results from the inspection using hand metrology tools or CMM. Revisit your goals and objectives and be sure you have achieved them.
On-Time Delivery
The time the manufacturer delivers the part is important. It shows that there are no delays in the various production levels. On-time delivery ensures that the product gets to market on time which increases customers’ satisfaction. It reduces out-of-stock and boosts productivity.
Customer Service and Technical Support
The supplier should provide ongoing technical support and have a customer service team on standby. Since it is your first time, there may still be oversights. The team will help address and resolve issues promptly.
Conclusion
Using reliable auto part manufacturers makes all the difference. You can be sure of an accurate product that meets the highest quality standards. They carefully evaluate your production needs and manufacture parts exactly to specifications. This reduces the risk of errors while enabling faster production and quicker time to market.
This article has explained all the steps you need to take to find the right supplier just for you. Looking for a trustworthy auto part manufacturer? Don’t go too far. Zintilon is one of the leading suppliers of parts in the industry. Our team of skilled engineers and machinists is here to help with all your manufacturing needs.
