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The automotive industry is among the largest and most profitable in the world, consisting of a broad range of organisations and companies, all of which come together to design, develop, manufacture and market motor vehicles. It is, to put it mildly, a complex sector with millions of literal moving parts and it’s those moving parts we’ll be looking at below.
What goes into making a car?
While the automotive sector was once dependent on old fashioned manufacturing lines and lots of hands-on work, today much of the actual building is done by automation, with the more intricate work then carried out by mechanics and their tools. This machinery can loosely be broken down into two categories – high tech and low tech.
High tech machinery
Machine vision – The automotive sector is traditionally seen as one of the most progressive as far as technology is concerned. Indeed, it was one of the first sectors to use imaging machines to inspect its builds to save money and justify escalating price points. This technology is able to capture the surfaces and interiors of vehicles and use specialised analytical software to determine everything from how to put the vehicles together in the most efficient way to the best kinds of materials to use in the future.
Collaborative robots – “Cobots” have been a part of the automotive sector for decades now and can work independently of human mechanics. They are even programmed to stop what they’re doing when a human enters the workspace to prevent any potential accidents. These machines are programmed to put together motor vehicles, test safety features and implement more intricate features too. There is also a great deal of artificial intelligence used in the process, which is only going to get more advanced in coming years.
Low tech machinery
Grease guns – Of course, some jobs are simply too delicate for computers and robots. Many mechanics use Dewalt grease guns are a standard tool used to install components like wheel bearings and joints as they can do so while also supplying the lubricants that allow everything to move freely, which is particularly important with suspension parts and driveline systems that are put under immense stress and lots of friction. It’s an essential tool not only for home mechanics but for professional automotive builders
Hand tools – A mechanic is nothing without his tools and there are dozens of tools all automotive workers will have on hand at all times to ensure they are always ready for any automotive situation. From impact wrenches to simple screwdrivers and jacks to raise and lower cars to access under the body, there are dozens of car tools all mechanics will be familiar with, whether they are working on the production line or in a local garage.
