Why Panel Beaters Face a Welding Challenge When Trying to Repair Your Car
Posted on: 26 October 2020
When a car or small truck rolls off the production line, technicians will have finished it per the original design, and you can expect everything to function as intended. They will have joined the body panels together using a specific process, and the owner can expect many years of carefree use as a consequence. However, issues can arise should the vehicle be involved in a major accident and requires a visit to a body shop. In this case, the panel beater may need to replace certain panels and use techniques to join various parts back together and may have to operate in an entirely different environment. What challenges does this present in trying to reproduce the original factory spec?
Original Specification
When these cars roll along the production line, massive machines will join various parts of the body together, using sophisticated welding gear. The environment is carefully controlled, heat accumulation may not be an issue, and speed is most definitely of the essence. As part of this process, the engineers can use "two-sided" spot welding machines and can ensure that the body frame and chassis are as structurally sound as possible. They will typically join the relevant panels together in a specific order, and before any of the bulky mechanical components are introduced.
Challenges in the Field
This makes it very difficult for a typical panel beater to replicate such a process. After all, most or all of the mechanical components will still be attached to the vehicle, and this may make it quite difficult to reach specific panels to effect the perfect repair. It is not feasible for the technician to remove most of the mechanical running gear or engine as this may make the repair job cost-prohibitive. In this case, they will have to adopt a specific type of welding technique that is designed for this type of environment.
Squeeze Welding
More often than not, the technician will choose a technique known as "squeeze type" resistance welding, which is very effective when it comes to metals of a certain gauge. The equipment will create electrical resistance at certain points, before applying pressure to bind the pieces of metal together using a spot weld. It's a very quick and efficient process for the majority of jobs in this situation. The technician can apply the weld in a shorter amount of time, and this can reduce the area affected by the heat. This means that a smaller amount of the surrounding metal will be disturbed and will not be as prone to weakening.
Experience and Techniques
So, when you need to take your vehicle in for repairs, you know that your panel beater will have options at their disposal. They will use their techniques and experience to fix your car effectively and as soon as possible. Contact panel beating services to learn more.
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