Ford Explores Tesla's Gigapress Method: Idra's Casting Machines Reshape Auto Production

As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift towards electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing techniques, some key players are pioneering and endorsing innovative methods. One such method catching on is the use of gigantic casting machines, commonly dubbed 'gigapresses.'

Idra, an Italian firm known for crafting aluminum casting machines and being a noted supplier for Tesla Inc TSLA, recently expanded its clientele.

The company has now onboarded Ford Motor Co F, Hyundai Motor Company HYMTF, and another European automotive entity, highlighting a growing interest in this specialized production method, Reuters reports.

Tesla's innovative approach with these vast casting machines allows for the production of substantial single pieces for vehicle underbodies.

This technique not only streamlines the manufacturing process but also reduces the workload, even for robots. These enormous underbody casts, when merged with battery packs, form a three-section chassis, optimized for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

During a recent industry event hosted by Idra in Travalgiato, Italy, a 'gigapress 6,100', with a clamping force surpassing 6,000 tons and adorned with the Ford logo, was showcased and evaluated.

Not far away, Idra's most colossal model to date, the 'gigapress 9,000', roughly equating to the size of a modest dwelling or tennis court underwent testing. While this particular machine lacked a client logo, insider sources hint at it being destined for the Hyundai group.

These machines are primarily pegged for research and development efforts at this juncture.

With the ever-increasing demand for efficient manufacturing techniques, six gigapresses have become the benchmark for producing half a million vehicles annually.

Idra has dispatched 14 presses to Tesla, two of which are designated for its large Cybertruck production at its Texas facility.

So far, Idra has signed orders for 25 such machines, 21 of which have already been crafted and sent, catering not only to automakers but also to premier 'Tier 1' auto parts manufacturers.

Price Action: F shares are trading higher by 0.86% at $12.30 at last check Wednesday.

Now Read: Tesla's High-Stakes Q3 Earnings Report: Will Margin Erosion Trigger Stock Selloff? 2 Analysts Weigh In

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: Ford