So.. in that tweet-thread somebody asked Tesla if that press was for them.
That seems like the obvious conclusion, but up to this point Tesla's bought from IDRA, which is LK's subsidiary. Any thoughts as to why this even bigger press is by LK, and who this press may be slated for?
Both LK and IDRA have tended to produce the same products, depending largely on the source of orders. Of course opinions may differ, but we do know that Chinese manufacturers have been more rapid than have Japanese, European and American OEM's. If Tesla is ordering those we'll find out soon enough. It does seem quite likely that these will be even more difficult to commission that have been the 6000 and then 9000 ones.
1. Just imagine how much expense can be excised from larger vehicles with this machine!
2. Then imagine just how demanding will be the physical facility required to how this thing!
3. Then realize that it's highly probable that this one could not be retrofitted for an existing factory.
4. Then think how many OEM's are cap[able enough to manage the technological challenges of filling this monster, cycling it and removing the finished product.
5. Finally, which OEM's can deal with the materials required to enable the process.
If the answers are all the same company (ies) then we know who the customer(s) are.
TSLA is one. How about SAIC, GWM, BYD ?
Historically BMW has accomplished some arcane skills. BMW Technik has delved into unusual solutions.
I admit to possible bias since I owned a Z1 for several years, one of those that did yield some later widely deployed technologies, notably the rear suspension. Still, they've not been adept at manufacturing cost efficiency. Nearly all other OEM's seem incapable to manage the technological complexity of state-of-the-art Gigacasting.
. Can you point me to the most recent source for production rate that I might have missed?
