Successful Collaboration Between BYD and XinHaiSen on VCM Spring Etching Processing

——A Milestone in Domestic Precision Manufacturing

Technological Challenges in the Smartphone Era

In 2013, global smartphone shipments exceeded 1 billion units for the first time, driven by the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers (Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, etc.). This surge intensified demand for high-precision camera modules, where Voice Coil Motor (VCM) springs became a critical bottleneck:

• Technical Challenges: VCM springs required micron-level etching precision (±5μm) to ensure fast autofocus and stability.

• Supply Chain Constraints: High-end etching processes were monopolized by Japanese suppliers (TDK, MinebeaMitsumi), with domestic sourcing rates below 20% and lead times stretching to 3 months.

• BYD’s Strategic Need: To secure orders from top smartphone brands, BYD Electronic urgently needed to localize VCM spring production.

XinHaiSen’s Technological Breakthrough

XinHaiSen Technology caught BYD’s attention with its advanced precision etching capabilities:

1. Technical Validation:

   • Proprietary Etching Solution: Achieved spring thickness tolerance ≤3μm (industry standard: 5μm) through dynamic control of copper-nickel alloy etching rates.

   • High Yield Rate: Automated etching lines ensured stable yields above 98% (industry average: 90%).

   • Sustainability: ISO 14001-certified wastewater recycling aligned with BYD’s green supply chain requirements.

2. Factory Audits:
   BYD conducted 3 rounds of audits over 4 months, focusing on:

   • Equipment Precision: Japanese CCD optical inspection systems guaranteed full-process traceability.

   • Mass Production Capacity: Monthly output of 5 million springs met BYD’s "zero-inventory" delivery model.

   • Cost Efficiency: Localized material substitutions reduced unit costs by 35%.

A Win-Win Partnership

1. Mass Production Success:

   • Achieved mass production in Q4 2013, with yields stabilized at 97.5%, enabling BYD to supply 30 million camera modules annually.

   • Reduced project cycles to 45 days (vs. 60 days for Japanese suppliers), helping BYD secure exclusive orders for Huawei’s P6 series.

2. Industry Impact:

   • Accelerated Localization: Post-collaboration, domestic VCM spring prices dropped by 40%, prompting Huawei and OPPO to shift to local suppliers.

   • Market Expansion: XinHaiSen joined the supplier lists of Sunny Optical and Q Technology in 2014, leveraging BYD’s certification.

3. Client Testimonial:
   “XinHaiSen’s etching technology resolved our ‘chokepoint’ in precision spring sourcing. This collaboration exemplifies the power of domestic supply chain innovation.”
   — Li Qian, Vice President of BYD Electronic

The 2013 VCM spring project between BYD and XinHaiSen was not merely a successful partnership but a symbol of China’s precision manufacturing ascent. By combining technological innovation with supply chain integration, Chinese companies broke foreign monopolies, paving the way for global smartphone dominance and semiconductor material localization. Today, this case remains a blueprint for “Localization 2.0”—where quality and ingenuity redefine global competitiveness.