Cybertruck parts to 'sub 10 micron accuracy'

From:: Elon Musk
Date:: August 23, 2023 (Date of Electrek's report; sent that week)
To:: Tesla employees

Due to the nature of Cybertruck, which is made of bright metal with mostly straight edges, any dimensional variation shows up like a sore thumb. All parts for this vehicle, whether internal or from suppliers, need to be designed and built to sub 10 micron accuracy. That means all part dimensions need to be to the third decimal place in millimeters and tolerances need be specified in single digit microns. If LEGO and soda cans, which are very low cost, can do this, so can we. Precision predicates perfectionism.

About this email

Musk tells employees every Cybertruck part must be designed and built to sub-10-micron accuracy because the truck's flat metal panels expose any variation: 'If LEGO and soda cans ... can do this, so can we.'

Notes

The email first surfaced on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum. Text as published by Electrek, with no greeting or sign-off shown; 'tolerances need be specified' is as published.

Where it came from

Leaked to press; attribution widely reported.

Electrek

Tesla, company-wide memo. Tags: cybertruck, quality, precision, manufacturing

Earlier email Search all emails Later email