Automotive supply is not only about making parts. It is about consistent batch quality, documentation that passes audits, and supply continuity that never slows the line.
Conwhole has been supplying custom metal components to automotive OEMs and Tier 1/2 suppliers for over 25 years. Our capabilities cover the full range of automotive metal fabrication: high-volume progressive stamping for chassis components, certified TIG/MIG welding for structural assemblies, CNC machining for precision housings and mounts, and tube / round-part special fabrication for prototype and low-volume production.
What sets us apart for automotive clients: PPAP documentation as standard, GD&T-compliant manufacturing, in-die quality monitoring, and IATF-aligned process control — without the overhead cost of a Tier-1-only facility.
Key Takeaways:
- GD&T compliant with PPAP Level 3 documentation available
- IATF-aligned quality management system
- Material traceability from mill certificate to finished part
- Press capacity: 63–400 tons for automotive-grade stamping
- Welding certifications: AWS D1.1 / ISO 9606-1
- Supported materials: HSS, AHSS, aluminum 5xxx/6xxx, stainless 304/316/409
- Prototype to production: Tooling in 4–6 weeks, PPAP in 4–8 weeks
From prototype brackets to production-ready panels — our sheet metal fabrication covers the core automotive parts that need repeatable geometry, fast turnaround, and reliable fit-up.
| Core Processes | Laser Sheet Cutting, Metal Stamping, Press Brake Bending |
| Material Thickness | 0.1 – 8.0 mm |
| Supported Materials | HSS, AHSS, DP600/DP800, HSLA, CRS, Stainless 304/316/409, Aluminum |
| Tolerance | ±0.05 mm standard, ±0.02 mm precision |
| Part Types | Brackets, panels, reinforcement plates, covers, terminals, mounting hardware |
| Documentation | PPAP Level 3, FAI, Material Certificate, CPK Report |
Certified welding for automotive structural and safety-critical components.
| Welding Processes | TIG / MIG Welding, Spot/Projection Welding, Robot Welding |
| Welding Standards | AWS D1.1, ISO 9606-1, ISO 15614-1 |
| Materials Welded | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Dissimilar Metals |
| Max Component Size | 3,000 × 1,500 × 1,200 mm |
| Welding Positions | All positions (Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead) |
| Post-Weld Services | Stress Relief, Weld Inspection (VT, PT, UT), Dimensional Check |
Precision machining for engine, transmission, EV, and chassis components.
| Machining Type | 3-Axis & 4-Axis CNC Milling, CNC Turning |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,200 × 800 × 600 mm (Milling), Ø400 × 600 mm (Turning) |
| Tolerance | ±0.01 mm |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.8 μm standard, Ra 0.4 μm achievable |
| Materials | Aluminum 6061/7075, Steel 45#, Stainless 304/316, Brass, Engineering Plastics |
| Volume | Prototype (1-50 pcs) to Medium Batch (1,000-50,000 pcs) |
Tube / Round-Part Special Fabrication for Automotive
Fast-turn tube and round-part fabrication for prototype development and low-volume production.
| Core Processes | Tube Laser Cutting, Metal Spinning |
| Tube Max Diameter | Ø220 mm round, 200×200 mm square |
| Tube Max Length | 6,000 mm |
| Applicable Parts | Seat supports, pipe sections, round housings, duct components, formed caps |
| Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Use Case | Prototypes, low-volume programs, special-shaped parts |
Typical Automotive Parts We Manufacture
| Component Category | Examples | Key Processes |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis & Suspension | Control arm brackets, spring seats, subframe connectors, stabilizer bar mounts | Stamping, Welding |
| Body & Structural | Reinforcement plates, door hinge brackets, pillar reinforcements, cross members | Stamping, Laser Cutting |
| Powertrain & Drivetrain | Engine mounting brackets, transmission housings, exhaust flanges, heat shields | Stamping, CNC Machining, Welding |
| EV & Battery | Battery tray brackets, busbar supports, cooling plate housings, motor mounts | Stamping, CNC Machining, Laser Cutting |
| Interior & Seating | Seat frame stampings, seat recliner components, latch brackets, adjuster rails | Stamping, Welding |
| Electrical & Electronics | Connector shells, terminal clips, sensor housings, fuse box brackets | Precision Stamping |
Why Choose Conwhole for Automotive Metal Parts?
📋 PPAP Documentation — Audit-Ready
PPAP Level 3 documentation including FAI, material certs, CPK reports, and process flow diagrams. Your sourcing team gets audit-ready paperwork on every project — no chasing, no gaps.
🏭 Multi-Process — One Supplier
Stamping + welding + CNC + cutting — all in-house. No coordinating 3 suppliers for one assembly. We deliver complete sub-assemblies, not just loose parts.
⚡ Prototype Fast Track
Laser-cut prototypes in 3-5 days before committing to stamping tooling. Test fit and function early — reduce NPI risk and accelerate your development timeline.
🔍 IATF-Aligned Quality System
While we are not IATF 16949 certified, our quality system is IATF-aligned — FMEA-based process control, SPC monitoring, in-die sensors, and annual layout inspection. You get Tier-1 quality discipline without Tier-1 overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions — Automotive Metal Parts
Q1: Do you provide PPAP documentation?
Yes. We provide PPAP Level 3 documentation as standard for automotive projects. This includes: Design Records, Engineering Change Documents, Dimensional Results (FAI), Material & Performance Test Results, Process Flow Diagram, PFMEA, Control Plan, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Part Submission Warrant (PSW). Our quality team manages the full PPAP package.
Q2: Are you IATF 16949 certified?
Conwhole is not IATF 16949 certified; our quality management system is IATF-aligned — we follow FMEA-based process control, SPC, and PPAP methodology. For projects requiring IATF 16949, we can work under your certification via a managed subcontract arrangement. The majority of our automotive clients find our ISO + IATF-aligned system fully sufficient for their Tier 2/3 and aftermarket requirements.
Q3: What’s the minimum order quantity for automotive parts?
We have no minimum order for prototype and NPI (New Product Introduction) phases. For production, cost-effectiveness increases at 5,000+ pieces annually. We support everything from 50-piece prototype runs to 5,000,000+ high-volume production.
Q4: Can you handle the entire process — from blanking to finished coated part?
Yes. Our one-stop capabilities include: laser blanking → stamping → welding → CNC machining → surface finishing → assembly → packaging. We manage the entire manufacturing chain, including our managed finishing partner network for plating, coating, and anodizing. You receive finished, QC-passed parts ready for your assembly line.
Q5: What automotive steel grades can you work with?
We stamp and weld mild steel (DC01, SPCC), high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA), advanced high-strength steel (AHSS including DP600/DP800), stainless steel (304, 316, 409, 439), aluminum (5052, 6061, 6063), and spring steel (65Mn, SK5). Material thickness from 0.1mm to 8.0mm.
Q6: How long does new part development take?
Typical timeline from drawing to PPAP: Tooling design & manufacturing: 4-6 weeks. First samples: +1-2 weeks. PPAP documentation & submission: +1-2 weeks. Total: 4-10 weeks depending on complexity. Rush programs can be expedited.
Q7: How do you handle engineering changes (ECN)?
We follow a formal ECN (Engineering Change Notice) process: your engineering change request → our DFM review and tooling impact assessment → revised quotation and timeline → approval → implementation. Minor changes can be implemented within 1-2 weeks; major tooling modifications may require 3-6 weeks.
Q8: Do you ship directly to assembly plants?
Yes. We ship directly to your specified destination — assembly plant, warehouse, or 3PL. We support EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP terms. Standard packaging includes anti-rust protection, custom labeling, and barcode/RFID tagging per your requirements. Consolidated shipping and Kanban/milk-run arrangements available for long-term programs.