There are more vehicles on the road today than ever before. For every model, the manufacturer had to go through an intense design process before going into production. The process can be broken into just a few essential tasks. Here are the steps to take when designing a car.
Drafting a Sketch
The first step in the car design process is creating a preliminary sketch with all the essential parts. Transforming raw materials into a finished product is expensive, so manufacturers must prepare all the details before moving into the next design phase.
The vehicle’s exterior is usually outlined by putting together sketches, digital photos, and other concepts. As management approves the sketches, designers add more details until they get the look, feel, and functionality they seek.
Modeling the Design
After creating a basic draft, car manufacturers use 3D CAD software to model the design and decide which parts they will use. This phase is much more in-depth than the previous one, and they add accurate measurements and details for the next phase.
CAD software allows automakers to fine-tune complicated systems without testing them in the real world. It offers improved quality while decreasing the potential for errors. This helps manufacturers save time, energy, and creative talent in this phase.
Prototyping the Vehicle
With a viable design, manufacturers can begin prototyping to work out any flaws or add missing details. A prototype is a real-world product based on the model, although it may be smaller in scale or missing a few key features.
Prototypes can draw attention to a design concept, spurring investment and public interest. They help manufacturers gauge how successful a potential product launch may be and tangibly communicate their ideas to investors and consumers.
The Production Phase
If they get the go-ahead from management, car manufacturers move into production. Efficient production requires precise knowledge of all components and materials for assembly. Too much will create waste, and too little will stall the manufacturing process.
Vehicles contain many complex moving parts, and manufacturers must assemble them in the correct order on the production line. They usually create a schedule with details outlining specific tasks to complete. While some are automated, other tasks can only be done by humans.
Car Manufacturing Has Come a Long Way
Automotive manufacturing includes many essential processes. Skipping even one of these steps can result in lost revenues and wasted materials. Many concept cars never even made it to the public! Knowing the steps manufacturers take when designing a car makes it easier for them to get the wheels rolling and the engines running.
