On October 17th, senior executives from Tiangong International visited the Zeekr Meishan Factory under Geely Auto Group. The two parties officially launched a deep integration of advanced materials and technologies in the revolutionary field of "large-scale integrated die-casting." This collaboration precisely aligns Tiangong International's cutting-edge material expertise in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing with the urgent needs of Geely Auto's large-scale integrated die-casting production. During the visit, technical teams from both sides engaged in in-depth and practical discussions across three key levels:
1. Customized Material Development to Confront Industry Challenges:
Aiming to address common industry challenges faced by Zeekr's factory during the die-casting of large structural components—such as thermal fatigue cracks, erosion wear, and high-temperature strength degradation in molds caused by prolonged exposure to extreme molten metal temperatures and rapid thermal cycling—Tiangong International will fully leverage its powder metallurgy technology advantages. The company will develop a new generation of high-performance, customized die-casting mold steel for Geely Auto. The target material aims to achieve higher thermal stability, superior thermal conductivity, stronger resistance to tempering softening, and a service life several times that of traditional materials. This initiative will directly help Geely improve the yield rate and efficiency of its die-casting production, while significantly reducing comprehensive costs associated with frequent mold replacement and maintenance.
2. Empowering with Additive Manufacturing Technology to Maximize Mold Value:
Tiangong International will apply relevant achievements from its National Key R&D Program project to the manufacturing and remanufacturing of Geely Auto's molds. For molds with complex internal structures that directly affect cooling efficiency and die-casting cycle times—such as those with conformal cooling channels (e.g., shot sleeves, sprue bushes)—the company will enable their integrated rapid prototyping, greatly optimizing cooling effects and shortening production cycles. Furthermore, for expensive in-service molds that develop localized damage (like heat checking or erosion pits), Tiangong International's leading laser cladding and other additive repair technologies can perform precise "minimally invasive surgery" and functional restoration on the molds. Using repair instead of complete replacement will save Geely Auto substantial procurement costs, significantly reduce downtime, and enhance operational efficiency.
3. Full-Cycle Technical Service and Joint Response Mechanism:
Tiangong International commits to providing Geely Auto with a comprehensive, forward-looking technical support system. This covers early-stage material selection advice, mid-term guidance on mold material application technology, and post-failure analysis of molds along with comprehensive solution provision. The two parties will establish a joint technical working group to collaboratively address various technical challenges arising during product development and mass production, ensuring the continuous deepening and effective implementation of the cooperation.
Within the highly automated and intelligent die-casting workshop at the Zeekr Meishan Factory, Tiangong International's team conducted on-site inspections of the large die-casting equipment operations. Both parties agreed that this cooperation far exceeds a simple buyer-supplier relationship; it represents a deep "handshake" between cutting-edge materials science and advanced manufacturing processes at the upstream end of the industrial chain. It is not only a benchmark demonstration for Tiangong International in industrializing the results of a national-level research project but also a key strategic move for Geely Auto to strengthen supply chain resilience and pursue ultimate efficiency and quality in core manufacturing processes.
Both parties expressed that they will take this meeting as a new starting point to continuously explore the boundless possibilities of material and process innovation. They pledged to work hand-in-hand to promote the achievement of a higher level of independent controllability and global leadership in key manufacturing technologies and new material applications for China's automotive industry.
