【Video】QIXIN MOLD：A Rising Star in the Structural Parts of New Energy Automobiles

Founded in 2004, Foshan Qixin Mold Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “QIXIN MOLD”) is mainly specializing in the research, development, and production of die-casting molds for the automobile industry. In the past 16 years more than 4,800 sets of molds have been manufactured. Its products include a wide array of molds ranging from power train components to heat sinks and electronic communication base stations. To date, QIXIN MOULD is one of the top 20 die-casting mold manufacturers in China.

Recently, QIXIN MOLD has begun to invest in die-casting applications for new energy automobiles, delivering a full suite of services ranging from mold design, production, product die-casting, processing, and assembly. In fact, its performance has almost doubled every year.

Mr. Chen Liangjin, Managing Director of QIXIN MOLD, cited: “The trend is of paramount importance. If you want to succeed in the future industry, you need to prepare in advance. The investment in the die-casting parts for new energy automobiles is an example. We have planted the seeds earlier and now is the harvesting period.”

Exponential growth in die-casting parts for new energy automobiles every year

What is exactly the trend for new energy automobiles?

In 2019, the total sales for Chinese automobiles was 25.769 million units. Among them, 1.206 million units were new energy automobiles. Chen Liangjin, Managing Director, added: “The base unit for new energy automobiles is still relatively low now. Therefore, the potential growth can be very significant.”

However, in the die-casting field, you must be very fast in the new energy sector. The relevant specifications are still not here yet. While there is a wide range of different components, the production volumes are still small. For many manufacturers involved in traditional automobile parts, the “cake is too small” to interest them.

“We do not see this as a problem but as a chance to differentiate ourselves from the competition.” Chen Liangjin, Managing Director, expressed that the trend towards electric vehicles is an opportunity for QIXIN MOLD. Moreover, the strong background in mold technology is a further bonus for the firm. “From 2004 to the present, we have already produced over 4,800 sets of die-casting molds, accumulating over 10 years of invaluable experience. “We are able to offer significant support to our clients in successfully implementing casting projects in this new product spectrum” Chen Liangjin further explains.

Being bullish on the emerging trend of new energy automobiles, QIXIN MOLD has started to invest in these types of die-casting parts since 2016. According to Mr. Chen Liangjin, QIXIN MOLD has acquired more than 110 new energy automobile parts projects in mainland China. Its clientele includes BAIC, JAC, GWM, CHANGAN, GEELY, DFM, BYD and other automotive OEM`s and key industry players. With the new emerging trends in electro mobility and autonomous driving, its performance has growth exponentially every year, from 5 million CNY in 2017 to over 30 million CNY in 2018. Even reaching a record high of more than 60 million CNY in 2019. Despite the significant impact from the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, QIXIN MOLD has gone against the tide, steaming ahead with a full order book.

Crafting highly air-tight structural parts

At present, the core technology in electric vehicle drives include battery, motor and electronic control. Some even compare it with the notion that “the battery is the heart; the electronic control is the brain; the motor is the pair of legs.” With the solid background in mold technology, QIXIN MOLD mainly focuses on the housings for motor and electronic control.

Take the 70kW motor housing as an example. As an important component of the motor drive system in new energy automobiles, the die-casting part has several requirements like highly precise dimensions (up to 8 μ) and no air or water leakage which requires minimum porosity. Uneven wall thicknesses (thickest at 30mm, thinnest at 4mm) further complicate the requirements. “It is a huge challenge for the molds and die-casting process,” Mr. Chen Liangjin said. Uneven wall thicknesses easily result in unacceptable shrinkage porosity. A smart die design in combination with a high-quality die casting machine providing sufficient intensification force is essential to reach expected component quality.

70kW motor housing for new energy automobiles

Electronic control housing for new energy automobiles

As of now, the motor housings are in smooth production using YIZUMI’s 1650-ton die-casting machine. The passing rate is more than 95%. Chen Liangjin, Managing Director, acknowledged: “I couldn’t believe it can be done so well. But it is a fact. The castings are produced without shrinkage- or gas porosity”.

In addition, the electronic control housings have very high requirements for air-tightness, as well as on casting surface quality. They have entered production with YIZUMI’s 1250T, 900T die-casting machines. The passing rate is over 98%.

Q&A

（Q：YIZUMI’s client magazine “DIE CASTING”, A：Chen Liangjin, Managing Director of Foshan Qixin Mold Co., Ltd.）

Q: In comparison with traditional automobile die-casting parts, what do you think are the challenges of die-casting parts for new energy automobiles?

A:The die-casting parts for new energy automobiles have higher requirements for surface and internal quality as compared to traditional automobile parts. Moreover, the time schedule is always very tight, and the response speed must be very fast. Nowadays, the development cycle of new energy automobile components is often only 35 days with a small batch of supply (50 units). From mold design, mold production and mold testing, it is very difficult to deliver 50 products in 35 days. Many enterprises could not believe these short delivery times to be possible. Of course, the die design, manufacturing and sample casting processes need to be planned and executed with highest quality standards allowing no delays.

Q:How do you evaluate the products and services of YIZUMI?

A:Many of our peers and mold clients make use of YIZUMI’s equipment. They are mainly involved in the production of traditional automobile parts. The requirement for air-tightness is very high. From this perspective, I feel that YIZUMI’s equipment is very good. In fact, YIZUMI’s equipment is easy to use and runs efficiently. I purchased various die casting machines from YIZUMI. In addition to its excellent cost effectiveness, a wide array of products such as small, medium parts and structural parts can be produced. In the past, for structural parts in the domestic industry, European machines were preferred. I felt this was an exaggerated statement. Undoubtedly, the mold is also very important. Imported equipment are also very good. But for manufacturing, the right fit is more important than anything else. We are the investors. We must consider the right cost effectiveness to manufacture the products. We need to control the costs.

YIZUMI is committed to a quick response. Any equipment does require some technical attention by the manufacturer. In a technical emergency, clients are very anxious. If the equipment supplier is not responsive, or shows poor attitude, we would have a bad user experience. From this perspective, the after-sales service of YIZUMI includes an on-site arrival within 24 hours to resolve any issues. This is a further reason why we chose YIZUMI.

Client Profile

Name: Foshan Qixin Mold Co., Ltd.

Product: Die-casting molds for automobiles and communication equipment; die-casting parts for new energy automobiles

Equipment: YIZUMI’s 300-ton/ 400-ton/ H900-ton/ 1250-ton and 1650 ton die casting machines

Chen Liangjin, Managing Director of Foshan Qixin Mold Co., Ltd.