Main Chutes Fabrication: A Vietnam Outsourcing Case Study

Overview of the Main Chutes Fabrication Project

This Main Chutes Fabrication case study explains how Vietnam Outsourcing (VNO) helped a U.S. manufacturer of concrete mixer trucks shift production from Canada and China to Vietnam.

The client produces a full range of concrete mixers and construction equipment. Their goal was to develop a long-term supplier in Vietnam to improve cost efficiency and reduce dependence on other regions.

The project required the production of steel chutes and subcomponents used in the mixer’s barrel system. Each main chute involved bending, rolling, and welding of thick sheet metal with strict tolerances and smooth surface finishing.

VNO applied its experience in sheet metal forming to identify a qualified supplier, provide hands-on support, and ensure that all parts met the customer’s engineering and performance standards.

Main Chutes Fabrication Process

Step 1 – Laser Cutting

The supplier cut high-strength steel sheets with precision laser machines. This ensured clean edges and accurate shapes for later forming and welding.

Step 2 – Bending Main Chutes and Subcomponents

Engineers bent each component through multiple press brake operations. The forming sequence was optimized to keep angles accurate and consistent.

Step 3 – Rolling and Heat Treatment

The subcomponents were rolled into curved profiles and heat-treated. This process improved the steel’s flexibility and reduced internal stress.

Step 4 – Assembly and Welding

Workers fixed all parts in custom-built jigs. This setup helped maintain the correct geometry during welding and prevented misalignment.

Step 5 – Inspection and Quality Verification

After welding, quality inspectors checked the position, dimensions, and symmetry of every chute. These checks followed PPAP Level III guidelines.

Step 6 – Surface Treatment and Painting

Each finished chute received a corrosion-resistant coating. The paint finish met both durability and aesthetic standards required by the client.

III. Detail process

Challenges in Main Chutes Fabrication

Complex Forming and Geometry

The Main Chutes fabrication required deep curves and precise geometry. The local supplier had limited experience with such complex forming work.

Dimensional and Geometric Accuracy

Small deviations during assembly caused misalignment between subcomponents. Even minor errors affected the fit of the chute in the mixer system.

PPAP Level III Compliance

The customer required PPAP Level III certification for all new parts. The Vietnamese supplier had never completed a PPAP process before.

Solutions

Solution 1: VNO engineers worked on-site to test different bending angles and forming pressures. By adjusting the tool radius and sequencing, they achieved consistent results and eliminated material cracking.
Solution 2: VNO and the supplier designed custom welding jigs to hold all parts in the correct position. Direct supervision from VNO engineers ensured tight tolerances and smooth transitions between sections.
Solution 3: VNO provided full PPAP Level III training, covering documentation, dimensional control, and sample submission. Together with CNO and VNO engineers, the team completed a full approval package that satisfied the U.S. customer’s requirements.

Results and Project Outcome

After three trial runs, the supplier successfully shipped the first approved Main Chutes samples to the U.S. for testing and evaluation.

The Main Chutes Fabrication project proves how Vietnam Outsourcing (VNO) helps international manufacturers move complex metal forming projects to Vietnam. By combining technical training, local supplier development, and engineering supervision, VNO ensured full compliance with U.S. standards for quality, precision, and delivery.

This success also demonstrated Vietnam’s ability to compete directly with suppliers in China and India, offering comparable quality with faster lead times and better communication.

Complex forming completed without deformation
Welded structures passed inspection on the first trial
PPAP Level III certification achieved
Smooth painted finish meeting customer standards
Production readiness confirmed for future orders