DFocus Rapid Prototype
Authorized Client Case Study

Precision CNC Machining
Automotive Prototype

Custom Center-Lock Wheel Hubs for FSAE Racing. ±0.01 mm tolerance in Aluminum 7075-T6. Delivered in just 10 days.

Project Overview

Industry
Automotive
Material
Al 7075-T6
Precision
±0.01 mm
Tech
CNC Turning
Lead Time
10 Days
Volume
4 Sets

The Challenge

"For Brown Formula Racing, wheel hubs are mission-critical components integrating the drivetrain, bearings, and wheels. These parts withstand massive cornering forces and braking torques."

Critical Requirements

  • Excellent concentricity to prevent vibration at high speeds.
  • High-strength performance combined with aggressive lightweighting.
  • Precise thread engagement for reliable wheel locknut safety.

Our Execution

As a premier provider for motorsports, we developed a comprehensive strategy combining lathe work and 5-axis milling.

1

Minimized Setup Strategy

We used a two-sided turning strategy. Each end was rough-turned, finish-turned, drilled, bored, and threaded with controlled flipping to maintain datums and ensure alignment.

2

Deep Pocket Machining

For challenging internal pockets, we used a multi-step approach: pilot drilling for chip clearance, helical rough milling, and controlled finishing passes.

3

Custom 5-Axis Fixtures

Dedicated fixtures were designed for secure clamping during 5-axis machining, eliminating cumulative positioning errors.

Technical Highlights

  • CNC Turning (Rough & Finish)
  • Deep Hole Drilling
  • Precision Boring
  • Dynamic Pocket Milling
  • 5-Axis Contour Finishing

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Buyer notes

Automotive prototype case notes for sourcing teams

Automotive prototype work needs practical communication around material, fit, finish, inspection, and timeline because a part may be used for assembly checks, design validation, display, or early vehicle testing.

Common route

CNC machining, 5-axis machining, sheet metal fabrication, surface finishing, and small-batch assembly support.

Quote focus

Mark critical dimensions, mating interfaces, finish surfaces, material grade, and whether the part is for visual review or functional test.

Inspection proof

Before-shipment photos, key dimension reports, finish confirmation, packaging review, and revision notes for future batches.

Related buyers

Automotive suppliers, engineering teams, mobility startups, aftermarket product teams, and industrial design groups.

How DFocus uses this page

This page is part of the quote-preparation path. It helps a buyer move from a broad prototype idea to a practical manufacturing brief with process choice, material notes, tolerance expectations, surface finish requirements, inspection needs, packaging notes, and delivery assumptions.

What makes the RFQ stronger

A stronger RFQ explains what the part must prove, which dimensions matter, whether appearance or function is more important, how many pieces are needed, what is flexible, and what evidence the buyer expects before shipment.

Phone-photo case evidence

Case pages need project-context proof, not only finished render-style images. This evidence shows drawing review and quote-stage engineering work before prototype production.

Engineer reviewing prototype drawings and CAD notes at a laptop
Drawing and CAD review before prototype route confirmation
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