Canada’s automotive sector
The automotive industry in Canada is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, providing a huge number of jobs and driving economic growth. The Canadian automotive sector includes the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles and automotive parts, as well as the sale, servicing, and maintenance of vehicles. It is a highly integrated industry, with Canadian companies participating in every stage of the manufacturing process, from design and engineering to production, assembly, and distribution. Canada has a strong and growing presence of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, companies that provide parts and components to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This is where Little Lakes Machine & Tool Co. fits in.
A Tier 1 supplier provides finished products or systems, usually in large volume, directly to OEMs for use in the production of vehicles. These suppliers are typically large, well-established companies that have a close working relationship with the OEMs. They are responsible for the design, development, and production of specific components or systems, such as engines, transmissions, and electronic systems.
A Tier 2 supplier provides components or sub-assemblies to Tier 1 suppliers, who then supply the finished products to the OEMs. Tier 2 suppliers are typically smaller companies that specialize in specific components or sub-assemblies, and are not directly involved in the production of the final vehicle. LLMT is primarily a Tier 2 supplier but does serve as a Tier one supplier in certain situations.
LLMT capabilities in the automotive sector
LLMT’s capabilities in the automotive sector are a unique combination of highly skilled professionals supported by top-of-the line equipment, processes, and software. For more than 60 years, Tier 1 suppliers have turned to LLMT to deliver precision-crafted tooling and parts. Key LLMT capabilities for the automotive sector are outlined below.
Powder Metal Compaction Tool
Powder metal compaction uses specialized equipment and tooling to press powdered metal into a desired shape. The tooling used includes dies, punches, core rods and more that are designed to withstand the high pressures required to compact the powders into a solid form.
The parts produced in this manner are typically used in applications where weight, size and strength are critical factors, such as in transmissions, engines, and suspension systems. The process is known for its precision and can produce parts with very tight tolerances. Additionally, powder metal tooling allows for the creation of complex geometries and designs that would be difficult to achieve with other manufacturing processes.
Flow Form Tooling
Flow form tooling is used to create precision metal parts and components by using a combination of rotation and compression to shape the material. In the process, a flat blank of metal is placed between die and roller sets and then rotated at high speeds. As the blank rotates, rollers or forming segments apply pressure to the outer surface, gradually forming the material into the desired shape. The material forms around the core tooling to create a precise and uniform shape, while the central axis remains constant. At LLMT, we use our wide variety of CNC controlled mills, lathes, grinders and EDM machines to produce the tooling necessary for this type of manufacture.
Plastic Injection Molding Tooling
In this process, liquid plastic is injected into a mold that’s the shape of a part to be manufactured. This mold, or PIM tool, is the key to the creation of a high-quality precision component. After the heated material fills the pre-formed mold, it begins to harden as it cools. The hardened plastic and the tool are separated, leaving a new part and a tool that is ready for refilling.
Tube Bending Tooling
Tubes for automotive use are structural, hollow conduits that are used as flow lines or as structural members. Tube bending and fabrication equipment is used to bend tubes and pipes to a desired radius and includes bend dies, clamp dies, press dies and wiper dies. Some clamp dies can involve complex, compound angles and radiused surfaces.
Contact
To learn more about LLMT’s capabilities in the automotive sector or to discuss how we can help you with your next project, please click here to get the ball rolling. We’d be more than pleased to hear from you.
Little Lakes Machine & Tool Co.
John D. Window
(519) 271-2835 Ext 240
johndw@llmt.com