Automotive manufacturing is one of the industries with the most stringent quality requirements. A loose screw could lead to serious safety accidents. Therefore, locking processes for automotive components must meet extremely high requirements for precision, reliability, and traceability.
From engines and transmissions to chassis and electronic control systems, automotive component locking scenarios are complex and diverse. Different components have different technical requirements for torque precision, anti-loosening design, and process verification. This article will share Chisu Automation's professional solutions for locking requirements of critical components.
I. Engine System Locking Process
The engine is the heart of the automobile, and its internal high-temperature, high-pressure, high-vibration environment places extremely high demands on screw connections.
Screws for engine cylinder heads, oil pans, timing covers, and other locations not only require precise torque control but also strict tightening sequences and angle control. Chisu's servo locking system supports multi-step tightening strategies: first low-speed pre-tightening, then high-speed tightening, and finally angle control to reach target torque. This step-by-step tightening method can effectively prevent seal deformation and ensure engine sealing performance.
In terms of torque precision, screws for critical engine locations typically require within ±5%, with some safety-critical screws requiring ±3%. Chisu's servo locking system is equipped with high-precision torque sensors that monitor torque curves in real-time, ensuring the locking quality of every screw.
II. Transmission System Locking Process
Precision components such as gears and bearings inside transmissions have strict requirements for cleanliness and assembly precision.
Locking for transmission housings requires controlling housing deformation within allowable limits. Chisu adopts multi-axis synchronous locking solutions, where multiple locking axes work simultaneously according to set sequences and angles, evenly distributing locking stress and avoiding housing deformation.
Locking for small components such as magnets and sensors inside transmissions has higher torque precision requirements. These component screws are typically M4-M6 in specification with smaller torque values, but precision requirements reach ±3%. Chisu's small servo locking shafts are specifically designed for such applications, ensuring precision while avoiding component damage from over-tightening.
III. Chassis System Locking Process
Chassis components work in harsh road environments, subject to vibration, impact, and rain corrosion, with extremely high requirements for anti-loosening performance.
Critical chassis components such as suspension systems, steering systems, and braking systems must ensure long-term reliability of screw connections. Chisu's locking solutions focus not only on the tightening process but also on anti-loosening design for the tightening results. Through precise torque-angle control, screws reach the designed preload, combined with anti-loosening washers or thread-locking adhesive to achieve long-term anti-loosening.
Chassis component locking also needs to consider production takt time. Chisu's multi-axis locking equipment can complete locking of multiple screws simultaneously, reducing single-piece locking time from several minutes manually to tens of seconds, significantly improving production efficiency.
IV. Data Traceability and Quality Control
Locking data for automotive components is an important part of the quality management system.
Chisu's locking equipment supports complete traceability functions: locking time, torque value, angle value, operator information, and other data for each screw are uploaded to the MES system in real-time. Once product issues occur, they can be traced to specific locking stations and parameters to quickly identify problem causes.
In addition, the equipment has SPC (Statistical Process Control) functions, automatically analyzing distribution trends of locking data. When abnormal trends are detected, early warnings are issued to prevent batch defects.
V. Automotive Industry Certification Requirements
Automotive component production equipment typically requires IATF 16949 quality management system certification. Chisu's locking equipment strictly follows automotive industry standards throughout the entire process of design, manufacturing, and validation.
The equipment's MSA (Measurement System Analysis) reports, CPK (Process Capability Index) data, type test reports, and other certification materials are complete, supporting customer system audits. Chisu has established partnerships with many mainstream automotive component enterprises, with products widely used in the production of critical components such as engines, transmissions, and chassis.
VI. Conclusion
The locking process for automotive components is related to the safety performance of the entire vehicle. Choosing professional and reliable locking equipment is an important guarantee for automotive component manufacturers to ensure product quality.
Chisu Automation has been deeply involved in the automotive industry for many years, accumulating rich locking process experience. Whether for traditional fuel vehicles or new energy vehicles, whether for powertrains or chassis systems, we can provide professional locking solutions. For more information, welcome to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the torque precision requirements for automotive component locking?
A: Generally within ±5%, with safety-critical locations requiring ±3%. Chisu's servo locking systems can meet these precision requirements.
Q2: How is anti-loosening achieved for chassis components?
A: Ensuring preload through precise torque-angle control, combined with anti-loosening washers or thread-locking adhesive. Chisu's solutions can also detect screw rebound after tightening to evaluate anti-loosening effectiveness.
Q3: How does locking data support IATF 16949 certification?
A: Chisu equipment provides complete traceability data, MSA reports, CPK analysis, and other certification materials that can be directly used for customer system audits.
Q4: How does multi-axis locking ensure correct tightening sequence?
A: Chisu's system can program tightening sequences, with multiple locking axes working synchronously according to set sequences and angles to ensure process consistency.
Q5: How do locking processes differ between new energy vehicles and traditional vehicles?
A: Battery packs, motors, and other locations in new energy vehicles have higher requirements for torque precision and traceability. Chisu has specialized solutions for new energy applications, supporting locking for critical components such as CCS integrated busbars and battery modules.
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Author: Chisu Automation Automotive Industry Team
Published: July 2026
Keywords: automotive components, locking process, servo locking, data traceability, IATF 16949, engine, transmission, chassis