C6108 - Automotive machining, engine rebuilding

Operational Details
Automotive machine shops manufacture and re-manufacture automotive parts and products by using a variety of machine tools, which cut or grind metal and similar materials into parts and products with precise dimensions.

What sets an automotive machine shop apart from an industrial machine shop is the size of equipment used to produce the heavier industrial items, plus the very important fact that automotive machine shops also repair and replace manufacturers parts and components. For that reason an automotive machine shop may employ automotive mechanics. This is not the case with industrial machining, that seldom repairs or installs someone else’s products. Machinists may use a numerically controlled lathe, which is often used to produce several identical items. A machine lathe is used when one of a kind is needed.

A machinist begins by reading and interpreting a blueprint, diagram or drawing and computes dimensions, tolerances, measures and lays out the pieces or stock. The lathe used is set up for use and as work progresses, the machinist verifies the dimensions for accuracy and conformance by using precision measuring instruments.

Precision machining is accomplished by turning; using a metal lathe, boring; using a planing machine, drilling; using industrial stationary drills, grinding; using a metal grinder, milling parts; using a milling machine, boring; using a horizontal or vertical boring machine. Upon completion of manufacturing the item from raw materials, the machinist fits and assembles machined metal parts using hand and power tools. The product is then moved to storage or a shipping area and transported to the customer either by third party carrier, or the customer may pick it up.

A machine shop also maintains its equipment, including calibrating and repairing precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators etc.

Incidentally, an automotive machine shop may also weld parts, however, it is not uncommon for these employers to hire employees who are machinists who can also weld, or mechanics, who machine products. In an industrial machine shop application the machinists are dedicated to operating certain equipment. Overhead cranes are seldom used in an automotive machining application. Most of the time block and tackle, tripod lifts, or floor jacks are used to remove engines and/or drive train components.

Tool and die makers repair and modify custom-made, prototype, or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges, which require precise dimensions. A machine shop may also perform this task, however, if done alone, the tool and die maker would use the same equipment used in an automotive machine shop. The parts machined are usually quite small in comparison to other items manufactured and most can be held in one’s hand or easily lifted by one person.

Automotive engine rebuilding involves boring and machining heads, valves and pistons, and assembling factory or replacement parts to restore an automotive engine to its original specifications.

Engine rebuilding may be done for automotive repair shops, private individuals, car racing companies and sportsmen. It is not uncommon to stock performance parts, and to incidentally sell to the public, those parts not used in the remanufacturing process.

Automotive repair shops, service stations, and auto dealerships may incidentally machine, make tools and dies, and rebuild engines as part of their overall industry.

SIC Codes
000000275 - Automotive machining engine rebuil
000000935 - Engine rebuilding