OSG forms strategic partnership with machine tool builder to win major OEM hub bearing unit production bid with superior innovation
Shanliang Zhang | OSG Shanghai
In the vast industrial landscape of northern China, a leading manufacturer of hub unit components, whose name cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality reasons, has stood the test of time since its establishment in 2008. With over a decade of solid growth, this company now boasts a modern production base spanning 150,000 square meters with an annual output of up to 500,000 units, and employs over 10,000 professional employees. This manufacturer, renowned for its exceptional quality and scale, currently holds a pivotal position in the domestic new energy vehicle market.
Recently, this manufacturer received a large hub bearing unit order from a well-known domestic new energy vehicle original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In order to complete the task efficiently and with high quality, this manufacturer decided to look for the best quality machine tools and cutting tools through public bidding. This news has attracted widespread attention in the industry. Suppliers large and small from around the world were eager to demonstrate their skills to seize the opportunity.
A hub unit component made of S55C.
The hubs needed to be produced are made of S55C. Each hub requires the drilling of five through-holes at a depth of 12 mm, with a high precision tolerance of +/- 0.03 mm. In addition, due to the large production volume of the order and the low profit of a single piece, this customer has a strict control over the cost of its production lines.
Near the end of the performance comparison stage, the key competitor came down to be an East Asian brand machine tool builder and cutting tool company with whom the customer has a longstanding relationship. They had proposed a 2-flute carbide drill for the application.
To address the client’s challenges, OSG worked closely with a longtime machine tool partner’s engineering team to analyze the production requirements and product characteristics in depth. Working in unison, OSG and the machine tool builder jointly developed an efficient and precise machining solution for this application. They selected the BT30 and equipped it with OSG’s custom 3-flute carbide step drill AD-S-TRS-SC-GDS (EDP# UM230239). This diameter 15 mm x 60-degree drill features OSG’s original EgiAs coating that significantly improves wear and heat resistance, ensuring stable and consistent tool performance even over an extended period of high-speed processing. Additionally, the 3-flute drill design enables the tool to achieve higher machining speeds at the same rotational speeds than a 2-flute drill, effectively reducing production cycle times.
OSG’s custom 3-flute carbide step drill AD-S-TRS-SC-GDS (EDP# UM230239).
In the actual cutting trial, OSG’s custom 3-flute drill performed exceptionally well, machining steadily at a speed of 118 m/min (2,500 min-1) and a feed rate of 1,600 mm/min (0.64 mm/rev), with a tool life of about 115 meters, which is equivalent to approximately 1,900 workpieces. The competitor 2-flute drill was used at a cutting speed of 118 m/min (2,500 min-1) and a feed rate of 1,125 mm/min (0.45 mm/rev). Machining at the same speed, the tool life of the key competitor’s 2-flute drill was only about 80 meters, or approximately 1,300 workpieces. The processing efficiency of OSG’s custom 3-flute drill is about 40 percent higher than the competitor while tool life is also around 40 percent greater. These significant advantages make OSG’s solution superior to the competition in terms of both performance and cost.
Each hub unit requires the drilling of five through-holes at a depth of 12 mm, with a high precision tolerance of +/- 0.03 mm.
In this fierce competition, OSG and its machine tool partner managed to come out on top to win the bid, thanks to superior technological capabilities and in-depth market insights. This victory not only brings significant business opportunities for OSG and the machine tool builder, but also further enhances their market position and brand influence in the field of hub processing. More importantly, it proves the importance of technological innovation and teamwork in winning the market competition.
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