The Automotive Parts Sector In Pakistan Export Performance - TRTA i

• Rubber parts• Castings and forgings• Stamping (sheet metal parts) and• Assemblies (components and sub-assemblies).2.2.1 Rubber partsThe rubber technology for the car industry is extremely diverse. It is essential for Pakistan’ssupplier base to have the capabilities to produce:• Injection moulding rubber; this includes 2-compound systems as well as metalreinforcements• Extrusion profiles; with or without metal inserts• Rubber pressed parts.This type of technology is used for the production of numerous parts, such as floor mats,handle core mats, tyres, brake washers, filters, steering covers, etc. It is also used for theproduction of various types of seals, which include rubber seals, oil seals, pipes, belts, shockabsorbers, window channels and metal/rubber bushings to name a few.The manufacturing process for all these different products is highly complex and requires agreat deal of detail and precision. Depending on the product specification, there is a series ofdifferent processes, such as punching, vulcanizing, sizing, queering and, eventually, packaging.It was found that 50% of the companies purchase materials locally, while the rest used a mix oflocal and imported raw materials. Local materials purchased include PVC sheet, rubber sheet,foam sheet, foam PVC sheet, plastic compound, MS pipe, hardware and different types ofrubber. Imported raw materials that are used include smoked rubber, synthetic rubber, sulphur,zinc, aluminium and plastic compound aggregate sheets. Most of the raw materials areimported from Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Holland.2.2.2 Castings and forgingsThe automotive industry depends on the application of various techniques and all kinds ofalloys. The quality demands are high and for the Pakistan industry it is very difficult to meetthe correct specifications; very often the industry is forced to import expensive raw materialsfrom Western Europe, Russia, Far East, China and the UAE. Moreover, to substitute steel,there is also a growing demand for innovative weight saving materials. In casting and forgingthe application of magnesium is also rapidly increasing.Casting parts include a wide range of commodities. A few examples are cylinder blocks,brackets, brake drums, hubs, brake discs, car rims, brake discs, radiator, pullies and engineparts. Forging parts vary from casting parts and include products such as gears, axle, shafts,caps, engine valves, shock absorbers and paddles. Since the potential customers for thisindustry demand that their suppliers are capable of casting or forging as well as machining ofthese parts, the lack of technological know-how has resulted in over-dependence ontechnologies from the US and Europe.International Trade Centre Page 17