Automated Fabrication for Low-Volume Applications 2020-01-5103
Currently, the dominant technology used in the manufacture of mass-market
automobile structures is sheet-metal stamping because of its suitability for
producing accurate, strong, durable components in large quantities [1]. While cost-effective and fast for
high-volume applications, the cost of manufacturing stamping dies is difficult
to profitably amortize over a low-volume product in any but the most high-priced
vehicle segments. This study examines the application of automated fabrication
technologies as an alternative to stamping for the production of low-volume body
structure components, including the impacts on both design and performance.