Re:Tesla’s new car-making process stokes debate among indust...
by bsder on Monday May 15, 2023 @03:36PM
(#35953380)
The "frame" isn't a unified box until much later in the process.
It seems like it trades more "stamping" early in the process for more "welding" late in the process.
The primary issue is likely to be process control. Variance in the subassemblies will have to be compensated for in the late welding stage (which itself has variance).
I suspect this means that you have to be a LOT more controlled with your interior assemblies. This likely wastes the benefit of the chassis assembly savings.
However, one thing that has changed is that wiring is now significantly different and may be the key enabler. You can hook things together in a car with a single power connector and a single ethernet jack. That's a very different approach to wiring harnesses.
I hope Tesla succeeds, but they don't have the best reputation for quality control which this system demands in spades.
It seems like it trades more "stamping" early in the process for more "welding" late in the process.
The primary issue is likely to be process control. Variance in the subassemblies will have to be compensated for in the late welding stage (which itself has variance).
I suspect this means that you have to be a LOT more controlled with your interior assemblies. This likely wastes the benefit of the chassis assembly savings.
However, one thing that has changed is that wiring is now significantly different and may be the key enabler. You can hook things together in a car with a single power connector and a single ethernet jack. That's a very different approach to wiring harnesses.
I hope Tesla succeeds, but they don't have the best reputation for quality control which this system demands in spades.