After Tesla, Ford and Hyundai plan to test the Giga Press
Tesla took manufacturing innovation a step further by introducing the principle of gigapress in the assembly process of its vehicles. Gigapresses are, in fact, imposing casting machines which make it possible to manufacture vehicle underbody parts in one piece, which simplifies the production process and reduces the work of robots, particularly in welding.
We learned though the news agency Reuters that Idra, the Italian manufacturer of aluminum casting machines and supplier to Tesla, has added Ford, Hyundai to its list of clients. The two manufacturers intend to integrate this manufacturing process into some of their factories.
Tesla was a pioneer in the use of massive casting machines, also known as gigapresses. The front and rear underbody cast by these imposing presses can be paired, in the case of an electric vehicle, directly with the battery assembly, which makes it possible to form a three-part chassis.
According to the company, a gigapress 6 100 was assembled and tested at the factoryIDRA in Travalgiato, near Brescia, in northern Italy. It can produce pressure of over 6,000 tonnes, with the Ford logo printed on the parts.
An even larger press, the 9000, IDRA’s largest and newest model, is being tested nearby, but without the customer’s name printed on it. A source close to the matter, however, said it would be sent to the Hyundai group. This source also added that this press as well as Ford’s would initially be used only for research and development purposes.
The source told Reuters that the Idra company was also preparing to sign a supply contract for two 9,000 presses with a high-end automobile manufacturer in Europe, which would constitute a first agreement with a European group.
In the past, the Italian company shipped 14 gigapresses to Tesla, including two 9000 models to its Austin, Texas factory for the production of the Cybertruck, the brand’s new electric van.
Conclusion
It seems that the manufacturing process introduced by Tesla is catching on with other manufacturers, but some are wondering about the costs of replacing these imposing parts in the event of an accident. Many doubted at the time Ford’s strategy of turning to aluminum for its F-150, the future will tell us if gigapresses are here to stay.
