Few automobile systems are subject to more scrutiny and higher expectations than the steering system. Along with the brakes, steering systems form a critical link between driver intention and mechanical execution, making any misalignment, substandard metallurgy, or variation in tolerances unacceptable.

That philosophy of design and fabrication excellence extends to every single part of the steering system, including knuckles, rack housings, yokes, tie rods, and power steering brackets. Everything must work seamlessly together with zero margin of error to ensure optimal performance and mitigate the risk of failure.

Design accuracy, strong materials, and to-spec fabrication all play critical roles in precision machining. However, professional auto components suppliers and industrial parts manufacturers understand that the actual test of quality often lies in what cannot be seen: meeting the rigorous cleanliness requirements of every machined part and assembly. 

Many of the tasks in high-tech processes used in metalworking, such as CNC machining, can be automated to free up workers to perform other tasks that require a human touch. However, the machinery and tools in high-production environments can wear down over time, resulting in products that exceed acceptable tolerances or are otherwise inaccurate, which can delay production as the quality issues are addressed. Without a system in place to check parts as they are produced, you could wind up with hundreds or thousands of parts that are useless to the customer.

Although the precision machining process sounds easy in theory – design, fabricate, and assemble – there are more intricate tasks in the project lifecycle than many people realize. In most cases, these tasks improve product quality so that the product can withstand the wear and tear of its particular application.

One process that enhances the strength of metal parts and components, thereby improving their quality and performance, is heat treatment.

Creating high-quality precision machined parts and components for automotive applications requires attention to detail from the design phase to final delivery, including throughout the quality control processes.

Leak testing is critical to quality control on parts designed to hold a pressurized fluid or gas. These techniques test the part’s ability to withstand pressure under normal usage conditions because a leak, even if microscopic, can result in application failures, safety hazards, and operational inefficiencies.

Our Kenona/Arrow Automotive precision machine production facility prides itself on providing customers with the highest quality parts and components made to the customers’ exact standards, specifications, and requirements. To ensure consistent quality standards are consistently adhered to, we implement robust, tech-driven processes and tools that keep our customers competitive, maintain their brand image, and build trust with their customers. 

3D measurement solutions, including scanners and GO/NO-GO testing, help our team of engineers improve quality control with technology that provides precise, repeatable, and reliable measurements on a consistent basis.

Applying advanced coatings to high-quality precision-machined parts and components is critical to improving your finished product’s durability, performance, and aesthetics.

Modern coating applications also elevate the longevity of your parts as they provide a robust defence against corrosion, which can degrade the metal when exposed to certain environmental elements. They also protect against premature component wear due to friction, abrasion, or impact in everyday use.

Our precision machining experts at Arrow’s Kenona facility specialize in making design and fabrication recommendations to bring our customers high-quality products that ensure reliable performance and durability.

One of the factors we examine during the design phase is which materials would work best for the project’s application.

The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) from internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles has disrupted automotive manufacturing. Automotive engineers have been compelled back to the drawing board to design these new vehicles for the most pleasant driving experience possible and transform their production facilities to meet the new demand.

Since people first learned how to extract iron from the ground and convert it into steel, humankind has bent, rolled, and shaped metal into useful objects that improve our everyday lives. Centuries later, we still rely on fabricated metal products to assist us in our daily tasks.

However, over the past few decades, there’s been increased focus on reducing our dependence on finite materials such as metal to help mitigate the impact of mining on the environment