Product Overview
EV motor housings represent one of the most demanding aluminum components we machine. While appearing deceptively simple externally, these housings require exceptional precision in critical areas including stator bore roundness, mounting face flatness, and leak-tight coolant passages. We machine these housings from Al 6061-T6 billet rather than castings to ensure zero porosity, consistent mechanical properties, and superior tolerance control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why machine from billet instead of die casting?
Consistency. Die-cast housings can have porosity in coolant passage walls, which causes leaks. The material properties of cast aluminum are less predictable than wrought (6061-T6). Billet machining eliminates porosity risk and provides tighter tolerance capability.
Can you hold 0.02mm roundness on a 250mm stator bore?
Yes, in a single setup. We bore the stator bore after roughing external features using a single-point boring bar on a CNC machining center. The key is proper fixturing that supports the part without distortion and finishing with light DOC to minimize cutting forces.
What coolant passage designs can you machine?
Cross-drilled passages (simplest, most reliable), milled spiral channels (better heat transfer), or combinations. We recommend cross-drilled for most applications as they're easier to seal, inspect, and provide adequate thermal performance for most EV motor duty cycles.
Do you do the complete sub-assembly?
We machine the housing body, install and seal coolant passage plugs, and leak test. Stator installation, rotor bearing pressing, and end bell assembly are typically done at the motor manufacturer. Partial sub-assembly available on request.
What's the lead time for first article?
7-10 days for a billet-machined prototype housing. PPAP documentation adds 5-7 days. Production tooling requires 10-15 days. Ongoing production after first article approval is 15-25 days per batch.
Can you machine the matching gearbox housing too?
Yes. Many EV e-axle designs integrate motor and gearbox in common housing or have direct bolt-on configurations. We can machine both and ensure mating surfaces match perfectly using same fixture reference and inspection datum.