How to Repair Aluminum Body Panels

What makes a body store like Cline Collision Center unique, is that not all aluminum is the same, but nosotros know how to work with each type. Dissimilar vehicle manufacturers use different types of aluminum with different alloys, along with characteristics. There're multiple ways to repair an aluminum panel, which is why the Ford Certified Body Store Programme exists- to help shops larn the differences and how to work with each of them. Why do aluminum panels exist anyway? They promote better fuel economy. Anybody loves to save on gas!How to Repair Aluminum Body Panels

Aluminum behaves differently than steel. Once it is reshaped information technology forgets its original form and will have on a new shape, unlike a steel function that will retrieve the form it used to be in. Information technology is a piece of work hardened material. When aluminum is stamped into shape information technology becomes stronger. Later on the panel is bent in a standoff it becomes stronger. Flex it likewise much and it breaks or cracks, like a bent spoon. To repair and pull the damaged area, the console must exist heated to 400°F to let the metal to soften. Aluminum dissipates oestrus very quickly but can go permanently changed if heated by a sure signal, and that point is approximately 750°F. The heated panel can now exist pulled and while pulling the material information technology is existence piece of work hardened to set the new retentiveness of the collision repair.

A thin coating of aluminum oxide forms after being exposed to the air in as lilliputian as 15 minutes. This oxidation has a much higher melting temperature than the original aluminum material and a stud will not fuse correctly to the panel. Aluminum's melting point is 1,200°F and aluminum oxide is 3,700°F. The oxide can exist removed using a stainless-steel castor.

A few tools you will demand are an annoying grinding disc, inline removal tool and stainless-steel brushes to remove the paint and oxide blanket. To shape the metal, it must be softened. Heat to the to the appropriate temperature with a digital temperature ready heat gun for heat control. Aluminum has a loftier thermal conductivity and heat travels throughout the panel rather than in a concentrated spot. Some technicians use the help of coworker to oestrus the surface area while the other uses the dent pulling tool. If you go above 750°F the structural rigidity of the office could be permanently annealed.

As you can encounter there's a lot that goes into aluminum body repair. Trust the pros at Cline Collision Centre to get the task done right the first time!