Idra, the maker of Tesla’s large casting press, confirmed that it is now shipping Tesla’s Cybertruck Giga Press, which is going to be the new world’s largest press.
Earlier this year, Idra teased a new 9,000-ton Giga press that would take the prize as largest in the world. Considering Tesla’s relationship with Idra, it was rumored that the new machine would be for the automaker.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has since confirmed that the machine is going to be used for the Cybertruck body at Gigafactory Texas.
Today, the Italian casting expert announced that the giant Giga Press is packed and leaving for Tesla:
It’s one of the most critical pieces of manufacturing equipment that Tesla will need to bring the Cybertruck to production. Tesla is expected to use the massive machine to build the stainless steel body of the electric pickup truck.
Speaking about how massive of a machine we are talking about, here are five grown men standing inside the Giga Press platen:
This picture was shared by Idra after a visit from the North American Die Casting Association last week before they packed the machine.
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the automaker is currently installing the Cybertruck production line:
We’re building a Cybertruck line here at Giga Texas.
It was a welcomed announcement for the many Cybertruck reservation holders who are tracking Tesla’s progress toward production after the vehicle program was delayed.
Tesla reiterated that it is aiming to start production in mid-2023, and Musk indicated that he should be driving a Beta Cybertruck prototype within the next few weeks.
Automakers are taking note of Tesla’s approach to casting.
Tesla’s investment in larger cast parts has been extremely successful so far. The automaker managed to produce the Model Y with a single rear body piece that replaced 70 different parts in the vehicle, and it is doing the same with the front underbody.
This greatly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs.
Following the success of the integration of large casting technology, several other automakers are apparently looking to follow in Tesla’s footsteps.
Idra reported last year that half a dozen other automakers are currently in talks to adopt the technology, but it could take years before they can integrate it into any vehicle programs.
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Author: Fred Lambert
Source: Electrek
