Tesla files patent for die-casting frame

Tesla filed a patent for a die-casting machine to help streamline the production of vehicles for future projects. The die casting machine is likely to be part of several manufacturing improvements in its Y-type crossover project.

"For the y-crossover, Tesla will turn to aluminum casting design rather than stamping steel," said Elon Musk, Tesla's chief executive.

Tesla's patent is a multi-directional integral body die casting machine for frame and related manufacturing methods.

"When we have a large die-casting machine, the frame will change from 70 parts to one part, which greatly reduces the capital expenditure of all robots to assemble these parts," Musk said in an interview last summer.

In the patent application, Tesla said its new die-casting opportunity reduces manufacturing related costs, including but not limited to factory operating costs, tooling and mold costs, time and other equipment and labor costs. At the same time, Tesla said the large-scale die-casting machine may reduce the number of die-casting machines or actual castings needed to cast a complete frame.

Tesla said in the document, "in some embodiments, multiple parts of the frame can be integrally formed or cast without further assembly and connection (such as welding, rivets, etc.). For the manufacture of a basically complete frame, this method may reduce many castings and the required process steps. "

（Source: No. 201910 of the CHINA FOUNDRY Magazine）