The Secrets Behind Mainstream Materials and Technologies of Smart Locks – Forging Processes Edition
As the smart lock market continues to expand, consumer demand has become increasingly diversified, with varying expectations for product craftsmanship, materials and functionality. Driven by such demand, product offerings have grown more diverse, and smart door locks featuring different materials and manufacturing techniques have emerged continuously. How well do professionals in the smart lock industry understand these trends?
Common Forging Processes for Smart Locks
At present, the two most widely used forming processes in the industry are die casting and CNC precision machining.
Die casting involves heating metal to a molten state at high temperature, injecting it into a mold, and removing the part after cooling.
CNC machining is essentially high-speed precision engraving using small cutting tools.
The two processes differ significantly in their production flow, as outlined below.
Die Casting Process
Design appearance and product structure, followed by 3D prototyping and trial assembly. Select components and formulate production processes. Develop molds for the main product and its parts. Conduct trial assembly and product optimization. Launch mass production.
Note: The cycle from R&D to mass production for die-cast products usually takes 2 to 3 months or longer.
CNC Precision Machining Process
Design appearance and product structure.Formulate production processes. Machine physical prototypes and optimize design. Begin mass production after final optimization.
Note: For CNC-machined products, the cycle from R&D to mass production is approximately one month.
Currently, most products on the market are manufactured using these two methods, with a small number made of brass or stainless steel.
Differences Between Die Casting and CNC Machining
Die-Cast Products
The industry mainly uses zinc alloy and aluminum alloy.
Early products were primarily made of zinc alloy, while aluminum alloy has since become dominant due to cost considerations.
Earlier exterior finishes relied mainly on electroplating, which offers high yield and better texture with zinc alloy.
Today, aluminum alloy products mostly use paint baking and powder coating for lower costs.
CNC-Machined Products
The industry mainly adopts 6063 aviation-grade aluminum.
Profiles are extruded based on different designs before machining.
Exterior finishes mostly use anodizing, which provides excellent texture and corrosion resistance, though the main drawback is the relatively high cost.