LK Machinery
Canvas Category Machinery : Process Technology : Metal Forming
As one of the global leader in machine tool manufacturing, L.K. engages in the design, manufacture and sale of three product lines, i.e. die-casting machines, plastic injection molding machines and computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machining centres. With the state of the art facilities and technology, L.K. builds high-performance solutions to meet industry needs in the past 40 years. The L.K. product brand grows with our customers, with over 33,000 die-casting machines which are running over the world, accounting for approximately 50% market share in China die-casting industry, and remarkable market share in India, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, USA, etc. To further expand our footprint, L.K. acquired one of the world’s leading die-casting machine manufacturers, Idra, in 2008. Nowadays, L.K. has manufacturing bases and R&D centres in Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Ningbo, Shanghai, Fuxin and Kunshan in China, Taiwan and Italy. To capture overseas markets, we have established sales and services companies in USA and India.
Assembly Line
A Chinese Company Just ‘Gigacast’ An Entire Underbody
Chinese automaker Chery Auto has cast an entire underbody using a 13,000-ton dual-injection press. Huge castings are amazing when they’re warranted. Subframes, suspension arms, drive motor housings, hubs, dashboard support structures, seat frames, if it bolts on, you name it. However, casting an entire underbody in one go seems like a process with downsides for consumers. A car is the second-most expensive thing you’ll buy in your life, so let’s keep them repairable.
It may be that significant R&D was required to get the die design to flow the metal just right without porosity or early solidification. Chery may not want anyone to see flow patterns in the casting that might teach them something. Alternatively, maybe they’re just hiding the geometry of the final part due to its relevance to their upcoming models. Or maybe these castings are full of defects and they’re hiding the evidence? That’s a long shot, though. Why would they boast if they can’t make the castings work?
Here are all >120 Giga Press Orders
— Luca Greco (@lucagrecoita) January 29, 2024
As you can see the vast majority of them are from Chinese T1 suppliers.
Very few are from European OEMs or suppliers.
The real number of orders is between 170 and 180.
I was able to track between 120 and 150 orders, which is not bad given… pic.twitter.com/7Afn2ojbg8