A 9,000-ton gigapress at Idra’s manufacturing facility. (Reuters)
TRAVAGLIATO, Italy — Idra, an Italian aluminum casting machine maker and Tesla provider, has added Ford, Hyundai and a European firm to its buyer base as extra carmakers discover this manufacturing method.
Tesla has pioneered using huge casting machines, often known as “gigapresses,” to make massive single items of auto underbodies, streamline manufacturing and scale back the work even of robots.
Entrance and rear underbodies forged by gigapresses are mixed with battery packs to kind a three-piece chassis for Tesla Mannequin Y battery electrical autos (BEVs).
A “gigapress 6,100,” which produces a clamping power of over 6,000 tons, with the Ford model printed on it, had been assembled and was being examined in IDRA’s plant in Travalgiato, close to Brescia, northern Italy throughout an business occasion organized by the corporate on Tuesday and Wednesday.
An excellent larger press, the 9,000, IDRA’s largest and latest mannequin — the dimensions of a small home or a tennis courtroom — was being examined close by however with out the consumer’s title printed on it.
A supply near the matter, nevertheless, stated it could be shipped to Hyundai group, including each it and the one for Ford would initially be used just for R&D functions.
The supply stated IDRA was additionally about to signal a provide contract for 2 9,000 presses with a premium automaker in Europe, its first with a European group. Volvo and Toyota are among the many corporations exploring the method. Toyota not too long ago confirmed off casting equipment that may make a 3rd of a automobile underbody in 3 minutes. This usually requires 86 elements taking hours to assemble. The ultimate product is proven right here:
Six gigapresses are actually rising as the usual for an annual manufacturing of 500,000 autos, the supply added.
IDRA has already shipped 14 presses to Tesla, together with two 9,000s for Tesla’s massive Cybertruck manufacturing at its Austin plant, Texas, based on sources and posts by Tesla on social media.
IDRA has thus far signed orders for 25 presses, with 21 already produced and shipped, together with to main Tier 1 elements makers.
